Trains and Peacemakers

Phoenix has been the 5th largest city in the nation for some time now. And that is just Phoenix proper. It does not include all the surrounding cities like Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale or even our very own fine township for that matter. Despite it’s size, Phoenix has been a little slow in the area of mass transportation. All due respect, they’ve done a fantastic job with other aspects of the infrastructure, but mass transportation has been lacking. And it’s not entirely the fault of the officials. It’s a tough metropolitan area in that it is so spread out. We’ve got a few city centrals. There is the “official” downtown Phoenix area, downtown Scottsdale, and Camelback corridor. Then the high tech area is more central to Tempe/Chandler. And when they moved the football stadium out to the West side…well that really distributed the metro area even more.

But alas, a light rail system is finally opening in the Phoenix Metro area. It is in no way convenient to the Desert Doer’s way of life, but I’m sure some lucky folks will get to partake in the tax payer's dollar. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure we’ll be able to use the service for an occasional baseball game or Tempe event, but it does not help us in our weekday commute.

Regardless, we did take part in the grand festivities that were held in downtown Tempe. There were a lot of activites for the kids, free rail rides and exhibits. But the big draw for us was one of our favorite local bands, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. Roger fronted another local band, The Refreshments. He and the boys played an hour and a half set complete with all of our favorites. This marked Megan’s first concert, since Emily has already attended a concert a couple years ago. The festivities were capped off with fireworks.


We then went out for a great Italian dinner with friends that met us for the show, Clint and Debbie. It was a perfect afternoon and evening.

A little post-Christmas R&R

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We certainly did. The thing about Christmas though...all that preparation and planning and then it seems like it's over in a flash. I'm at a loss for what to do. No cards to send out, presents to wrap, shopping to do, meals to prepare? Seriously, what is a mom to do? Put a load of laundry in and then recline on the couch, reading a book while enjoying a cup of coffee? Sounds delightful.

GMa has arrived!

Let the festivities begin.

A season steeped in tradition...

We had a busy but very fun weekend. On Saturday Emily attended her friend Morgan's 5th annual cookie party. Morgan is a friend from preschool, so one of Em's oldest friends. They don't attend the same elementary school, but I'm delighted that the girls have remained friends and we are friends with their entire family. The annual cookie party is one of Em's favorite traditions of the season. I copied this photo right off there website...so hopefully I'll be pardoned for any copyright infringement...thanks Michelle and Woody!


Today we took part in one of my favorite traditions of the season. The annual Christmas pageant at St. Matthew's. The children act out the nativity story while the church sings carols. We've been attending St Matthew's for over 10 years and I have volunteered with the children's ministry for over 5. One of the many rewards of that work is watching the children grow up. The pageant is just one of the events that spotlights that process. Emily was an angel again this year. Next year she'll be old enough to volunteer for a speaking part. She's already talking about it. Megan will be old enough to be a sheep, although she told us today she'd like to go directly to angel. You know what they say...you've got to earn those wings.


I wrapped up the weekend by helping out again at church in preparing and serving the holiday dinner for the Youth Group. We had a fun time in the kitchen with much laughing and singing. Thanks to all the ladies in the kitchen that made it so much fun. Who knows, this may just become another holiday tradition.

Dear Santa...

The lists to Santa were ready to go soon after the Toys R Us catalog came in the mail in November. Emily wrote hers up and helped Megan cut and paste hers together. It was pretty reasonable. She even had a couple items for the family on her own list (like a Wii Fit and Wii Rock Band...since you'd need the entire family to be in the band of course). A couple weeks ago she asked if I'd mailed the list because she wanted to add to it. An "addendum" if you will. The extra letter went like this...

Dear Santa, Hi! As you can see in this package my letter (list) is in here, but if you got anything else you think I'll like then you can give it to me and my sister. P.S. Hope your doing good at the North Pole. Love, Emily

I can't make this stuff up folks.

Another girls night out

I'm feeling neglectful to my loyal blog followers...all 6 of you. Even though a week isn't really that long is it? Well, my apologies. It has just been real busy at work and I have not been feeling very eloquent by days end. The good news is that it will be quieting down soon.

In the meantime, here's some pictures from Emily's recent Brownie troop meeting. We had a Investiture ceremony for the first year girls. Each girl did a great job reading a portion of the Girl Scout law. Then Emily and Madison, second year Brownies, pinned their friends.

And I always have to get one silly shot...

A fondness for routine

We decorated the Xmas tree last night. The girls were excellent helpers this year, although we did have to rearrange a few ornaments in one sector of the tree that was getting a little crowded. Meg seemed to especially have a fondness for this particular branch.


That's right. Four ornaments all on one branch. It cracked us up so much we had to capture it on film. And we'll leave it like that for the season...just for the continuous giggle.