Saturday, November 19, 2011

Westland Park Opening

The City of Peoria opened up a park nearby and adjacent to the school Nicole attends. I made numerous attempts at getting a volleyball net installed, but the response I received "was there wasn't enough room". When we moved into this neighborhood, the park was suppose to back up to some residential homes at the end of our street. Instead the school and the park were flipped and now the school backs up to these homes. Lots of politics and shame on Shea homes for not delivering what they promised. Nicole's school, Lake Pleasant, combined with her former school, Vistancia, for the 7th/8th grade bands and performed at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Volleyball/Football Banquet

Had a great time organizing the combined volleyball and football banquet with Coach Greg Bushaw this year. The football team was undefeated and they lost the final game by only 1 point, so they were District Runners Up. Way to go Coach Bushaw on such a tremendous season! All the players walked away with awesome gifts. Nicole received a "Most Dedicated" award that was voted on by her teammates. I gave all the volleyball and football players their own DVD copies. Jamie and Todd Wills purchased District Runners Up tshirts with all the players' names on the back for each player and for Coach Bushaw. A football banner was presented to the team and school.

Lake Pleasant Volleyball 2011

Nicole was the setter for her school team this year. She did an awesome job, as well as all the other players. Now it's on to Club Arrowhead volleyball. We just can't get enough!

Click here for the volleyball footage.

Lake Pleasant Cross Country

It's been some time since I've last posted. I've been very involved in the three sports teams at Nicole's school, collecting photos, taking videos, and creating DVDs for football, volleyball, and cross country. All the players were given DVDs as gifts at their sports banquets. I even created the handout program for the banquets and spent many evenings up until 1:00 am in the morning. Enjoy!

Click Here for the Cross Country footage.

Monday, September 5, 2011

APE Index Rock Wall Climbing


Had a 50% off Living Social discount for Ape Index Rock Wall Climbing. Thankfully, I was just a spectator while Nicole and her friend, Emma, enjoyed challenging themselves.

Nicole's Birthday Sleepover


I took Nicole and her friends to see the movie, Glee 3D. Then we came home and ate pizza and made homemade cake pops and Tie Dye t-shirts. Then they had fun playing Just Dance 2 and Guitar Hero.

Monday, August 15, 2011

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

Friday, August 5, 2011

Speed Camp 2011 After Pool Party

Click Here for Video

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

Click Here for Video.

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

Click Here for Video

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.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

4th of July Fireworks

Click here for video

Spent a wonderful evening watching the City of Peoria's fireworks with our friends, The Bares. We decided to watch them across the highway to avoid the traffic congestion at the Sports Complex.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Phoenix Volleyball Festival 2011

Click here for video

Saw some outstanding volleyball teams play today at the Phoenix Volleyball festival. I'm a bit biased, but our favorites were Club Arrowhead's 18-1s team and AZ Sparks 14-1s team which are on this videoclip. #99 on AZ Sparks (second clip in white jerseys) is Sara Orr, our friend Jodi Orr's daughter.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Vegas Fun

Click Here for Video

Nicole went up early with the Robinsons to Vegas and went indoor skydiving (around the 1 1/2 minute mark on video). I don't like heights, but it does look alot of fun. Hmmmm, maybe I WILL try it next time. Dan and I drove up for a long weekend to celebrate our 22nd year anniversary. Had fun at the pools, and shopping. Spent more time hiking than "I" would've liked, but the kids had a blast. Never spent a penny gambling. Ate at some great restaurants. Our newest favorite is "Ricardos", a family owned mexican restaurant on Northwest corner of Flamingo and Decatur about 1/4 mile west of The Palms. FANTASTIC food, great prices and Service.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Team Ohana Season

Please Click Here for Video Link.......Over the past 7 months, our lives have revolved around Nicole's Club Arrowhead, Team Ohana. Imagine taking over 500+ photos and videos and trying to condense it into one video. The original version that was passed on to the players was 37 minutes long. Fortunately, this version is only 7 minutes long.

It was a worthwhile experience to see these 12 athletes transform over the months and improve their volleyball skills. I can't say enough about our Coaches. They were patient and knowledgeable and educated the players step by step. Many thanks to all for an outstanding season. This Saturday is our final tournament and it is all day from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Good Luck Team OHANA!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Team Ohana Professional Photo



This is Nicole's Club Arrowhead "Team Ohana". For the past seven months, these young ladies have been practicing at least 4 hours each week, with 1-2 tournaments per month and now on May 14th, it will all come to an end at the Regional Championships. Nicole has been fortunate to be on this team of athletes that have worked diligently on and off the court. These girls bonded and got along so well, they were always very respectful of each other and their coaches. This was the first time that all (but one) had played on a Club team.

Back Row: Brianna, Nicole R., Coach Leaven, Coach Andy, Bella
Middle Row: Ally, Emily, Mekaela, Delaney, Shayla
Front Row: Morgan, Nicole, Holley, and Devon

Saturday, April 23, 2011



Vistancia's HOA hosted an Easter Eggstravaganza. The entertainment for the day was seeing me with the smashed egg on my face. I felt like a celebrity with all the people taking photos of me.

Fun at the Pool



Had fun Friday at the Pool with the Robinsons and Rileys.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fun with Emma


Nicole's friend, Emma, is in town for a few days. Nicole has always wanted to try this spinning thing at the Mall, so she waited until Emma came in.

Lake Pleasant Showcase Concert



As always, we enjoyed being entertained by Mrs. Julie Carlson's OUTSTANDING Advanced Band at Lake Pleasant's Showcase event.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Vistancia Talent Show



Tonight our community, Vistancia, held a Talent Show amongst the residents. It was great to catch up with friends, sit outside in the evening and be entertained by so many talented young men and women. Julie Carlson's Steel Drum Band from Vistancia Elementary kicked off the event. Gotta love that! And Journey Church's "Garage Band" closed up the evening. Did I mention I LOVE living here?