A Warm, Fuzzy Story to share

....edited for accuracy by Brad....
Sunday always finds Brad leaving about 30-40 minutes early to go to church so that he can prepare for his SS Lesson AND of course, to save our row. Today, he became a ‘geese herder’. As he walked into the church parking lot, Brad saw a geese family (meaning the mom, pop – 2-3 feet tall and 6 little ones - still with bright yellow feathers – no more than six inches tall) out for a family stroll that had taken them to the north parking lot of the church. He went inside and put his materials in his classroom and recruited a few young men to help get the geese to safety. Please get a mental picture of this: This group of good-doers went outside and by now, the little family had wondered to the northeastern most part of the parking lot…a sure sign that they were lost! Within the next 30 minutes the parking lot would be full of cars and people. So, with arms stretched wide, Brad herded the geese out of the back corner, and then these men and young men, in their white shirts, ties and suits, “herded” the geese to the main street, Guadalupe. The little ducklings had to try a couple of times to jump high enough to get up and over a few curbs. And, one of the little ones kept getting stepped on by the parent in the rear. Each time, he got up and quickly caught up with his siblings. The front parent kept dipping her head up and down. While the back parent (probably the dad), kept his beak open and kept hissing at Brad, especially if he got too close. They kept their little family between them at all times. At Guadalupe, Brad and another adult leader stopped traffic while the geese family crossed all five lanes to the sanctuary of the Riparian on the other side of the street. When the geese family headed into the first lake, the geeppards (geese sheppards) headed back to the church. What a wonderful good deed for a Sabbath day! Who said that a tough attorney couldn’t have a soft heart!??

Soccer is OVER!!

I guess I'm suppose to be sad. 1/2 of me is. The other half?? Well, you have to realize that we have been spending our Saturdays and now Friday evenings out at the Soccer fields since Sept. 2007. That is with a few exceptions for holidays and weddings! I'm ready for a break. However, this is Aly's favorite, most favorite thing to do. You have no idea the sacrifice she had to make when she was cast in the play. Anyways, so last night was her last game. They came away with a tie. Hopefully, I can learn how to upload some of the video we took...she is quite the "beast". In fact, one of her kicks hit an opponent in the face (of course by accident!) and took him to the ground, bloodied him up and he was escorted out of the game. He came back later and after the game, Aly went up to him and apologized. He gave her a hug! BOYS!! Now, we have tech week (oh what fun for her) and track practices...which are back to back. Homework?? Well, we start that around 10:30 p.m.! Quite the life she leads!

First BIG Milestone!

This is a bit personal, but what the heck...sometimes it's good to share the ups and downs. For the past 6 weeks, I've been watching what I eat, and incorporating exercising into my every day life. I'm trying....this time....to make it a life-long habit, so it is a very slow process. Hence.....the 50 by 50 goal. (at the bottom of my blog) 50 lbs by the time I reach 50. I figure I need to look forward to that wonderful age and why not think of it as being the healthiest I've been in a very long time. So, slowly but surely (that's why my ticker is a turtle), I've been plodding along.

WELL....

Today, I hit my first 10 lbs. That is quite a milestone for me. 1/5 of my goal is complete and I'm exercising on a regular basis. This is not easy. Sometimes, I get down-right cranky because of the choices I need to make to stay on goal. Did you know that there is food at almost EVERY event....and usually NOT fruit or veggies???? So, again, it's choices and consequences....seems like I've learned that somewhere else too! I'll keep you posted!!

El Gulfo, Jacque style

While Brad, Aly and I were at Disneyland, Jacque hitched a ride with the Goodmans and went for the weekend to El Gulfo, Mexico. She had a blast, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and had fun with her cousins andTyler and Jenny.

Back to the Eighties TICKETS

Tickets for the GFAA play are now being sold. We were thinking that since most of you read the blog, it would be easier to give the details here and then if you are interested, please call Dena and she can get you tickets. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door!! All performances are at Mesquite Jr. High with general seating. Doors open 30 minutes early.
The details:
Dates and times:
Fri. April 4th - Opening night - 7:30 pm.
Sat. April 5th - 2:00 Matinee and 7:30 p.m.
Mon. April 7th - 7:00 p.m. - Great FHE!!!
Wed. April 9th - 7:00 pm.
Fri. April 11th - 7:00 p.m. - Closing night
Let us know...it's cute and fun and you will be singing all the songs, I promise!

Easter Pictures

Easter Pictures (along with Christmas Pictures) are a tradition in the Weech family. As our family has grown up, we are amazed at the changes. Now, we are down to our beautiful girls. We didn't match at all this year, a first in many years. It's getting hard to find matching colors and styles for these style-conscious girls! But, here we are. We sure miss Aaron & Savannah and Tyler & Jenny, but know they are starting their own traditions and celebrating this season together.

Easter Part Two

Pictures are always fun with teenaged girls. You would think that two beautiful girls wouldn't care so much to have their pictures taken. Not these two. They were like little kids......not cooperating and goofing off. I threatened to blog the goofy ones and they laughed at me....so....here we are....in all our "seriousness"

Disneyland Trip

We finally took Aly to Disneyland. Since Jacque could not go, Aly took one of her good friends, Rachel. They had a blast, made lots of memories and walked many miles! I think their favorite rides were the California Screamin' Rollar Coaster and Grizzly Run. We also took them to Balboa Pier where we did a little shopping and over to the Newport Temple to see that beautiful temple. It was a long ride home, since Brad stayed over to meet a client. For the last 2 -1/2 hours, Aly drove home. That kept me awake and kept her adrenaline pumping as she battled all the semis! She did a great job and we got home around midnight. It was a great trip!

Disneyland Trip Continued

More Wedding Pictures

Wedding Pictures!!

Great news! Jenny just posted her wedding pictures and they are gorgeous!! Just thought you would all like to ooohhh and aaaahhhh over them!
Go to http://www.shutterfly.com/
Then to sign in. Sign in as tylerandjenny@gmail.com with the password "love". There are 3 wonderful albums! They are great pictures.
YEAH!!!!!!!!

CONGRATS to Aly!!!!!

Aly just found out that she made the Concert Choir for next year. It's the top choir at HHS and she is excited. Next year should be fun!!!

Congrats to Yvette and Mark!

Mark and Yvette just announced that Matthew Ammon Weech was born today at 12:33 a.m. Weighing in a 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 19.5 inches long. We are so excited for this new addition to their family!!

MORP = 1st DATE

MORP....girl ask guy casual, fun date. This was Aly's first official date with Jack, who by the way, turned 16 2 days ago. It was also his first date. They had a good group and had a good time. The theme was "Neon Phenomonen", hence the bright t-shirts. They had had a bar-b-que last night, so no dinner was planned. This group decided to catch a quick bite at the Taco Bell before group pictures and coming over to our house for more pictures. Should be a fun night!!!! Our baby is all grown up and we definitely plan on seeing more dates, more drama and tons of fun....stay tuned!!
PS: I really think there HAS to be some African blood in that Weech line...Look at that hair!!??!!

The Best is Yet to Come

Yep, I'm another year older and "That's Life". I had a great day and a wonderful celebration. But I'm thinking "the best is yet to come" because I have such a great family. In fact, they are "EVERYTHING" to me!! They are "always on my mind" and I have great "dreams" for all of them. Sometimes, I feel so blessed I feel "I've got the world on a string"!!
HMMMMMM
See a pattern here??
If you can't see a pattern, then I will tell you what my family gave me for my birthday........
TICKETS TO MICHAEL BUBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jacque, Aly, Jenny and myself are headed down to Tucson at the end of April for his concert. Can I say WOW??? Brad, of course, was also involved from the start and loves to send me on my way to music concerts. He and Tyler are sitting this one out. But I tell you...it was a surprise and it's going to be a "wonderful tonight"!!!!!

Same ol' same ol'

I know I haven't blogged for awhile. I don't have any exciting news to share. No international traveling.....no terrible Tuesdays or Mondays..yet!....I'm just doing the Mom things. I have a full blown taxi service going for my daughter and she is getting it very cheap! I'm trying to catch up on all my projects that were due...oh....let's say at Christmas time. But for great and exciting news?? I have none....nothing....zip!

But...have you seen the new LDS site?? WOW....what a site. It's www.jesuschrist.lds.org and it has the most amazing testimonies, pictures and such. What a great missionary tool this will be.

Know that we love you guys!

The Big Bad Jeep

Yes, it is Tyler's and Jenny's. They came with us and helped immensely with our quadding day. Tyler even convinced both his mom and dad to take a ride in the jeep. We (mom and dad) both agreed it was alot of fun....especially the "water hole". Tyler kept the quads running and both made playing Frisbee Dead or Alive much more fun! Thanks to both of them for helping and spending the day with us.

SWEET 16!!!

AND never been Kissed, I might add!! She did it. So......all you who BET that she wouldn't.....she wants you to PAY UP!!!!! She has been celebrating for a few days. Aly's dream birthday finally came true as the Olivers were nice enought to let us borrow their quads and we took Aly's group of friends quadding. They had a blast and no one was hurt. THAT was a blessing!! She wanted to open presents and told me that no bags were allowed...just wrapped boxes....so this morning, she opened boxes and boxes!! She is beautiful, she is sweet and she is 16!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jacque's Dream Car

FINALLY.....after a year of waiting...the car of her dreams has arrived. Jacque and her Dad went to Peoria on Saturday and picked up her car. It's an 2008 Honda Civic and the exact color she wanted. She is VERY VERY happy and excited to finally be driving a new car.

Valentine's to our Favorite People

As a family, we thought of our favorite people and decided to come up with some of the reasons we LOVE these special people. Here are our Valentines' to our Grandma, Grammy and Grampy! You will have to click on the picture to see our "Reasons We LOVE them"!!

You are Loved!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!

Animated Gifs

New Pictures!!

Yeah! Our family picture is finally loaded on my blog. Don't we look great?? Someone once told me that only a great photograher can make everyone look great. Thanks Matt!! If you scroll down to Aaron and Savannah, you will see an updated picture of their wedding day. They are beautiful. I can't wait to get the rest of their pictures. Boy, I feel much better having our new family picture for everyone to see. I sure love my family!!!

Very thought provoking....what is our banner??

Today, my visiting teaching companion shared this with us. I wanted to share it with you. It's from Pres. Eyring:

"I am part of the Fellowship Unashamed, the dye has been cast out. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I AM A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST. I won't look back, let up or slow down. My past is redeemed, my presence makes sense, my future is secure. I am done with the low living, small talking, colorless dreams, tamed visions, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, postions, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, learn in his presence, walk with patience, am uplifted by prayer and labor with power. My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliabe, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, powder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up or let up until I have stayed up, stored up and prayed up for the cause of Christ. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops me....and when He returns for his own, He won't have a problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear. The Fellowship of the Unashamed.

Just thinkin....

OK...even tho it rained at the beginning of the week, I'm now just uploading the pictures I took. Rain....such a rarity for us Arizonans. How we love to watch it, play in it and just plain enjoy the change in the weather. I saw this beautiful rainbow, got Aly to come and see it with me and we ooohhh and aawwwed together. Then, as the rain started to stop, the clouds broke up and again, we were witnesses to some of our Heavenly Father's greatest creations. Sometimes, I really do need to stop the fast paced life and enjoy the smallest of details. This was one of those moments!

"Hey...what about me??

So, someone in our family, name not mentioned, wanted some much needed attention. I told her that her life is in the "boring" stage, and she said NOT SO!! So, I thought I would blog about the life of a college student. Wake up early, go to school, try NOT to get lost on the big ASU campus, walk many, many miles, try to grab something to eat between classes, hurry to work, homework, dinner, homework, go to bed....except on Wednesdays...that is the social night....dancing and getting her dates for the weekend. Actually, she is doing great!! Just barely talked to a counselor and is on track to apply this summer for the nursing school, entering in January of 2009. WOW!! Her grades are impressive also. So, just so everyone knows...we do have another daughter whose life is better and better each day....just nothing to take pictures about and blog....so this is her very OWN blog!!

Aly's Next Adventure

This is the Play the Gilbert Fine Arts Association is doing this spring. Aly auditioned and got the part of Kim. She plays a cheerleader who is a twin. Her "twin" also has blond curly hair. She has a few speaking parts...not many, but does get to be on stage quite a lot!! Rehearsals are every T/TH evenings and Saturday afternoons. What happened to soccer?? OH....she is ALSO juggling soccer and reffing for the soccer games. Is she busy?? NO....her MOM is busy taxi-ing her around everywhere! Put it on your calendars! It's going to be a fun play....especially if you grew up in the 80's. Oh my....every name, every song we know from that "era" is sung and referrenced to. I think the parents will get more laughs from the script than the kids! Performances are:

April 4th and 5th, 7th and 9th and 11th and 12th. WOW!!!

Goliath wins this time

Aly played a good game. Her JV team put the first goal on the board, but it was not enough. This is Aly...taking on a rough and tough Gilbert player...she definitely knows how to push and work the ball!

Big Game Day

Today is the day. The mighty Goliath against the .......Highland JV Soccer Team. Today is the game Aly has been waiting for. She is playing Gilbert High's JV team. Why is this such a big deal? One.....it's Highland's main rival. Two.....Dani (Aly's best friend) is the goalie for Gilbert's team. Three....Dani's team is undefeated and Aly's team hasn't won....any!!!! SOOOOOO....................................
You see the tension?? The build-up?? The anticipation?? Come watch the game!! No matter who wins...it will be a fun game. 4:00 at Highland High School....see you there!!

Cell Phone Blues

We have a "strict" no using the cell phone during FHE time at our house :) However, one child in particular has a difficult time with this rule.....yes, you could say she is addicted to her texting. But she is so good and so clever, that mom (that's me) hardly ever notices when she is texting under the table or behind a book, etc. Tonight was different. Tyler and Jenny joined us for dinner and FHE. During dinner, I finally caught the culprit! She had to hand over her phone and was not happy about it. I told her she couldn't have it until 9:00 p.m. Tyler had a complete fit as he couldn't believe that we did not ground her on the spot. He says we have become soft and "that would have NEVER happened in HIS day". So, I let him be in charge of the phone. What a riot that took place!! Of course, he promptly started texting any boy he could find on her phone....any random thoughts he had. He added a picture of his lips and that really started us cracking up....all except the owner of the phone! She was not a happy camper and repeatedly tried to get the phone away from her brother, but he threatened to touch her face and she couldn't get near him....quite the dilemna. It was better than a grounding and I'm sure that she has learned a very important lesson. NEVER get caught texting at FHE while your brother is around!!

Wedding Pictures

For any family wanting to see some wonderful pictures of Aaron/Savannah's wedding go to the following link:
www.stilllifestudios.com
Click on Weddings, event login, Scroll to find Aaron/Savannah
Passcode is his last name.

They are GREAT! Awesome! And VERY fun to look at. I now know that Tyler gets his funny faces from Daryl, that Tyler looks great in pink, that Adam can take a nap anywhere, Corey makes a great fish face, and Aaron and Savannah looked wonderful and totally in LOVE!!

The "C" word

We are back home in Gilbert! We met with Dr. Kwak this morning. He gave us the good news that my cancer is "stable". That is a very good thing! Nothing has changed and that is good. He said we could start thinking about the "C" word. Brad and I looked at each other and the first thing that came to both of our minds was Cancer. But no......Dr. Kwak said we could start thinking about the GOOD "C" word.....CURE!!! Wow!!! I really feel blessed. I know I am a walking miracle. I also know that it is only because of the many prayers on my behalf by so many good people. How I love you all!!!

Houston Update

Brad and I have been in Houston since Sunday. It's been muggy and nice. I don't think we have ever been in Houston when it's been "cold". Monday, I had tests in the afternoon, so I was there a little longer due to delays. But the nurses were wonderful. Really! I didn't even feel the needle go in my arm for the blood. As she was taking it out, I commented..."Wow...I didn't even feel that go in". She said: "Honey...I AM good!" Yes, she was! Afterwards, we met up with Lane and Kathy Cook, some new friends we have made while sharing our cancer experience. He is also having treatments, something a little different than chemo. We are very interested to see his results. His doctor is also Dr. Kwak and his appointment is right after ours...really. Today, Tuesday, is our down day. Meaning, Brad works hard from the hotel room and I go shopping at the Galleria. Very fun! Then we brave the traffic and head to the temple for a session. It takes us 1 1/2 hours to get there and only 45 minutes to get back! Houston has such a beautiful temple and it is always a wonderful experience for us to be there. Tomorrow we visit with Dr. Kwak. Always a little apprehensive and nervous...probably won't sleep much tonight. I always wonder if I'll have the faith to face the cancer challenge. We will see! I'm sure there is so much I need to learn. Cancer is just not my favorite "class" to learn from. It ranks right up there with math!! hahahaha

Aly's New Dilemna

For all you wanting to know the latest and the details:
Aly has been struggling with some sort of "skin disorder", "allergic reaction" or anything else the doctors can think of at this point. At Ashley's Baptism, her skin started to peel off, kind of like a snake....no, just like a snake. It was painful, and we really didn't know what was happening. We took her to the Urgent Care, and they thought that she was sluffing off an internal infection of some sort. HUH?? Since she had struggled with an upper respiratory infection 3 weeks ago, we thought...ok....that makes a little bit of sense. New meds were given. Then, thru the week, her arms would turn red, and be very painful. Up in Las Vegas, she was very uncomfortable and not feeling so well. Brad and I drove home and within 4 hours, I took Aly to the Gilbert ER. The doctor's comments?? "EEWWW" They treated it like an allergic reaction...to what?? We don't know. More meds, steroids and pain meds also. After 3 hours, we were sent home. However, the next morning (Mon), Aly started to have trouble breathing and we rushed her back to the ER. New doctors this time. New meds thru the IV (that is always a fun experience). Still no definitive answers. But they were able to get her breathing regular. Now, in the coming days, we are seeing a skin specialist and also an allergy specialist. Her arms are red, ready to peel again.....here we go! I'll keep you posted!!

Happy New Year to ALL!!!