Calling All Girls Camp Experts

Well, I have been called as the 3rd Year Certification Leader at camp. I have only been to girls camp as a leader once and that was as a cabin mom. I NEED ADVICE! I have received some wonderful training, but could use some help coming up with some creative ideas for teaching the girls certification. The YCL's will teach the different areas, but I really want to make it fun for the girls. Any advice, comments, words of encouragement will be gladly accepted :)

Cherish turns 12!!!

I can't believe it has been twelve years since I gave birth to my second daughter Cherish Elizabeth Olivas. She was born on February 7, 1997. She weighed in at 9lbs 8oz and was 21 inches long. Wow, what a difference it was having Cherish because Chelsea weighed only 5lbs 6oz. Cherish was born with the chubbiest cheeks I had ever seen. She was such a doll and the nurses couldn't get enough of her (or should I say her cheeks!) Cherish is a wonderful daughter, who has many talents. We are so grateful for her in our family.

Cherish at Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma's property in Pine, AZ fourth of July weekend

Cherish started her own business this past year. It is called Cheri's Treats, Triple C Inc. They make custom cakes and cupcakes. She is such an entrepenuer.

Cherish loves her dog Twinky. She had begged for a dog for over 2 years, she even saved all her money to buy dog toys and a dog tag, which read "Twinky". We found the best dog ever a year and a half ago. They truly love each other.

Cherish on the beach in 2008

Cherish loves Goofy. Her Grandpa surprised us all with Breakfast at Goofy's kitchen this past year on our family trip to Disneyland.

Happy Birthday Cherish, we love you very much and are so grateful for the beautiful and talented daughter that you are.......

Welcome to High School Sports

Chelsea is playing JV soccer right now for Tolleson High School. She just had her 7th game yesterday. I love watching my kids play sports, but had a serious dose of reality last night. Chelsea is a pretty aggressive player and last night she collided with one of the players on the other team. She did a flip in the air and landed on her right shoulder and head. I think my heart stopped for several seconds as I watched my first born lay there on the field without moving. I quickly made my way down near the field to see if she was ok. She eventually was able to get up and walk with assistance. The athletic trainer iced her knee and her shoulder and my Mom and I helped her get into the van. Wow, was she in pain! We got her home and after alot of ibuprohen (sp?) and a nice hot bath she was feeling much better. She also appreciated all the loving tender care from her Grandpa and Grandma. Anyone who knows my Dad knows that he will do anything to make sure you have what you need and that your boo boo is all better. Thanks Grandpa! I don't think I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility that she might get injured playing High School sports! In the words of my sister-in-law Julie, "Welcome to High School Sports."

The Wedding of Tait and Laura (aka Pinky)

David's sister Laura (we all call her Pinky) got married the day after Christmas. We had relatives from all over come into town. What a beautiful bride she made. She was definitely glowing. Tait looked ok I guess!!! JK my hermano blanco!!!! The sealing was beautiful and the reception was wild! I was so busy with all of the wedding details I didn't get to take too many pictures, but I will have to get a copy from my sister-in-law who is the family photographer.

The beatiful bride and groom

He decided to pick her up and quickly decided it was time to put her down!

The bride with her Daddy!

Chelsea and her favorite Tia Martha

Savannah with her favorite cousin and twin Vanesa.

Chelsea and Cherish freezing outside!

David's sister Ivonne and their cousin David

Our nephew Omar and our cousin Eric

David and his oldest brother Chuy

Wolverines 3.........Falcons 0..............

Chelsea is on the junior varsity soccer team at Tolleson. They have had two games so far, but of course I forget my camera for her very first game. I did take it to her second game. They had a pretty exciting game, I love watching her play soccer. Soccer can get pretty physical and my little girl is tough. She slammed into this other player pretty hard and I thought to myself, "that's my baby" (I am not one for violence, but love it when my daughter plays aggressive!)
After the game we were talking about the game and Chelsea made a comment about the big hit!! She told me "Mom, I hit the girl hard and it hurt, but I didn't say anything, the other girl let out a umph!!!! Awesome, I love my tough little girl...

Final score Tolleson 3 Falcons 0........Way to go Wolverines!!!!!

Family Pictures

Today we had our family pictures taken. It took me two hours to curl 5 heads of hair! What would it be like to have boys? We headed off to the Mesa Temple. I think everyone else had the same idea today, but there were a lot of weddings. The girls did a great job and were patient with their obsessive compulsive mom, who has to have everything just right, Dr. Phil please help me!!!! We ended the evening at Serranos Mexican Food, yum!!

Chelsea

Cherish

Ariana
Savannah

Ciera

Charlie never knew he had so many angels!!!

After a long day!

Gotta love our girls :)

An American Girl Mystery Party

Ariana's birthday is officially on November 28th, but we usually celebrate her birthday a week early because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Ari is a fan of all the American Girl books (she loves the dolls too), so this year we had An American Girl Mystery Party. We had scripts and invitations that assigned each girl a character. I loved each of the outfits that the girls came in. Some were orphans, maids, etc.... The girls had so much fun acting out their parts. It was quite funny watching them all. They all had a great time and were able to solve Samantha's mystery :)

The best part of a birthday is the presents!!!!!

What a great bunch of girls ( who turned out to be little night owls, I'm exhausted!) Happy Birthday Ariana we love you!!!!!