Becky Skydiving

For my husbands birthday this last weekend I decided to surprise him and take him skydiving!!  Every anniversary and birthday we always talk about how we should go.  Then we think of something more important we could be spending our money on.  Well, this birthday I decided to just book it!  I had to hold this secret in for a WEEK!

I woke him up early on his birthday and said you have 15 min. to get ready!! He looked at the clock and said what are you doing?  I just smiled and said we are taking a little road trip.  I gave him directions of where to go and the whole time he wanted me to tell him what we were doing (he does not like surprises as much as I do LOL)!  We finally pull up and he sees the big Skydive Phoenix sign.  He was so excited!!
After watching the video that tells you everything that COULD go wrong with the plane and the parachute, I was thinking this is the stupidest think I have ever done!  There was no turning back though! ---Becky---

My husband skydiving:)

This is me telling my buddy Marti (that is strapped to my back....at least I hope he is) that I changed my mind and I don't want to jump! It looks like I was even holding on to the pilots parachute (like he could save me)...oops!  You can see the wind blowing my cheek across my face!

Here goes nothing!

Nothing like free falling from about 11,000 feet to 5,000 feet!! It was awesome, I loved it!! No fair the professional gets a helmet...what about me?:)

There I go falling to the ground!

I asked Marti if I could pull the parachute out, he said he would give me this hand signal when it was time to pull!  I was so excited to pull it.....but my eyes were closed so I missed it!! The next thing I know he pulled it out....oh well next time right:)

This is right when we landed....the hair explains it all, LOL!! I seriously loved it and would do it again in a second!

Blog Revival - Monthly Challenge: Who Inspires You?

 Life can be a tricky thing sometimes, as we all know. Our to do lists can seem to go for miles and miles...

-Pick up/Drop off kids and school

-Go to work

-Make meals

-Clean up after the Family

-Bills, bills, bills

-Exercise

-Church responsibilities

-Ect...

The balancing act can be overwhelming at times. 

Who do we look to when we need a little inspiration to keep going? Whose impact on your life, made you the amazing woman you are today?

This months challenge is to do a post on your blog about who inspires YOU!     Right click this cute image below to save to your desktop.  Then upload it to show at the top of your blog post.  Then write about who inspires you!!!  Be sure to leave a comment here to the share with everyone who inspires you!

In asking ourselves the same question, we decided to share with you who inspires us. 

Ashley's Inspired by her Mom

I could go on and on all day about this woman. If there are angels walking the earth, she is one of them. I had no idea growing up how lucky I was to have her. Now as I grow into the role as a mother myself, I see how incredibly patient, loving, and kind she is. She has a happiness inside of her that can never be crushed. She is always anxiously engaged in doing good. When she walks into a room, she lights it with her countenance. I would be proud to be like her someday. I feel so much joy to think that she could actually be my mommy. Yes, she still plays the mommy role in my life. Growing up, I needed a little more coddling than most kids. I was shy, and quiet. But when I think back to those days, there was always a beacon of love that was there to lift me. My mom. She gave me the tools I would need to become a confident young woman.

 
Becky is inspired by her Grandma 

I have the fondest memories of my grandma.  Ever since I was little I have looked up to her.  I always told myself, when i grow up I want to be just like Grandma!  She lived only a few minutes away from us while I was growing up.  I was able to see the countless good deeds and services she provided for those families in our town. Sometimes it was small acts of service like dropping of a loaf of bread or a bag of oranges on their door step and running.   Sometimes it was dropping of Christmas presents to a family we knew needed it.    She is always thinking of others and it made us kids excited to serve with her.   I don't think Grandma ever stops serving from sun up to sun down.  She is always giving us grand kids 'lectures' about being nice to everyone at school and finding those kids that don't have friends and to reach out to them.   Even today she will mail her grand kids little newsletters with quotes and inspiring stories!  She is ALWAYS smiling and making someones day brighter.  What an amazing women! I still strive to be just like her:)

St. Lucia

I have to share a little bit of  this beautiful Island.  Rick took me to a gorgeous resort in St. Lucia for our 10 year anniversary!  There are 3 different Sandal resorts on the island and we stayed at the Grande.   It was by far the most relaxing vacation we have been on so far.   With the white sand, turquoise warm water and all the amazing food..... I was in heaven! It was a much needed vacation.  After the week though I missed my cute kiddos terribly and couldn't wait to see them!  ---Becky--- 

I thought the beach would be packed, but we had the beach to ourselves first thing in the morning and late afternoon!  Even during the day it was not too busy...probably helped that is is an adult only resort!

This is what we spent most of our day doing!  Enjoying each others company and the beautiful view!

So relaxing!

This little sail boat thing was a blast! They gave us a little 3 minute class on how to sail and we were off!   It would get going pretty fast and we loved it!

This was one of my favorite restaurants, The Pier.  This was at one of the other Sandal resorts, Halcyon.  It was one of my favorites not only because the food was great, but the view overlooking the ocean was amazing!

This is when we went snorkeling at Jade Mountain Resort.  It was black sand beach so it was neat to see something different!

Unique Designer Jewelry

  I came across this amazing custom jewelry site called Gemvara that I had to share with you! Their prices are reasonable too....even better!  I love that you can click customize your ring and it shows you right there what it will look like.   Customers can customize each of the designs using one of 5 metals and 19 gemstones!  They have  black diamond engagement rings,
ruby engagement rings and emerald engagement rings
These are just a few of our favorites!
 

Happy Birthday Ashley

I just wanted to give a shout out to Ashley today on her BIRTHDAY!!   Ashley is one of my best friends and I LOVE working with her.  There is never a dull moment when you are with her.  She is so fun to be around and I love that she is so funny!  Ashley is creative, an expert in designing, super smart with musical stuff and sings like a professional!  These are a few of the things I think of when I think of Ashley:


AMERICAN IDOL....Yes, Ashley tried out for American Idol!!! She is awesome! Even if I could sing I don't think I would be brave enough to try out, but she did!! Ashley is a very talented singer and I would not be surprised if she hits it big in the music industry!

LAS VEGAS....The first time I met Ashley we were sitting next to each other in our boss's suburban on our way to Las Vegas.  He hired her and the next day we went to an Optometrist training for the weekend.  Even though she did not know any of us she fit right in and we never stopped laughing.  My favorite moment that weekend was when a band made up of all older optometrists :-) were playing Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond (LOVE LOVE this song!).  All of us girls started dancing & singing as loud as we could.  Having Ashley there made it a million times more fun!

Girls Nights....Once a month Ashley and I go out for a girls night!  Our great hubby's watch the kids and we take a time out from the world.  We usually end up shopping and then sneaking our Dairy Queen blizzards into the movie theater!  I love just being able to hang out with Ashley and talking about anything and everything (including work) :-)!

Love ya Ash! Thanks for being such a great friend! I hope you had an awesome birthday, you deserve the best!
----Becky----

10 year anniversary!

Today is mine and my husbands 10 year anniversary!! Can I just say I feel like the luckiest girl in the WORLD to be married to the man of my dreams.  He is seriously an amazing husband and dad!  He has been such a great support to me through all my random and crazy hours working on the computer.  I look forward to the years to come!!

 So.......has anyone heard of an island called St. Lucia?   It is a little island north of South America. This is where we will be celebrating our anniversary. I am so excited I can hardly wait!  I love the Caribbean water, it is so warm and clear.  Oh, and the white sand....heavenly!  If anyone has been to St. Lucia give me a shout out of some cool things to do over there.

Speaking of  LOVE...we just added 2 new free animations for your blog.  They are Valentines day animations. We have falling petals and falling hearts.....be the first to check them out!!

XoxOxoXo---Becky

London's Run

 London's Run is a race held every year since 2006 in honor of London Solomon, a courageous seven year old in our community who lost the fight against Leukemia in 2005.  Over its first five years, London’s Run has raised more than $250,000 for area families in crisis.  This year over 1,000 people participated in the fundraiser run (1/2 marathon, 10K or 2 mile).

This is mine and my husband's 4th year participating in the run.  It is one of my favorites.  Along the trail they have posters of children that are fighting cancer with encouraging words to motivate you throughout the race.  It was hard for me not to get too emotional when I saw these pictures and thinking about these precious children and the battle they fight every day.

I ran the 10K with one of my good friends Linae.  Our goal was to run 8 1/2 minute miles and we beat our goal!! I was so excited and so glad Linae pushed me! I felt good about the run, but more importantly was glad to participate is such a good cause!  My heart and prayers go out to those families with children fighting cancer.    ---Becky---

Sledding in Arizona!

Happy Monday friends!! I hope your week is off to a good start!
So my husband and I were feeling kind of bad that our kids have NEVER played in the snow before!! That's right, we don't get snow where we live.   The poor little guys were missing out.  We decided it was time that they experience sledding.   After borrowing snow clothes for the boys (who
 has snow clothes while living in the middle of the desert??) we headed up to the mountains.  We went to a spot called Old Sunrise just past Lakeside, AZ.  I bundled them up in layers and layers of clothes, worrying they would freeze!  I was laughing so hard watching them try to walk. It reminded me of the little boy on Christmas Story. It was hilarious!  

We found some pretty steep hills that even I was scared to go down!  The boys were so brave and loved it.  They hated getting snow on them and getting cold....haha I guess they would rather melt in the 110 degree sun!  We had a blast with the kids and will definitely be going up to the mountains next winter to keep them tuff:)  In the mean time we will enjoy this fabulous warm weather. ---Becky

P.S.  Our new free Valentine's Day animations for your blog are coming VERY soon!!  You won't be disappointed.....I can hardly wait to share the love!!  Our followers will be the first to know when they are up and ready to use on our blogamation.com site!

Poll:

Introducing Ivy

Okay, so if your confused, Becky is pregnant with a little girl (as you saw in her adorable post earlier) and I just had this little sweetie on December 3rd 2009. I've always loved the name Ivy, but for some reason this name didn't come into my head until about 6 months into the naming process, so I was relieved when it did because I just new it was the one! Her middle name is Nancy. That's my Mommy's name. My mommy is such an amazing person, and it was only proper to give her that middle name. I hope Ivy can grow up to be as sweet and selfless as her grandma Nancy is.

She came out with a head full of luscious blonde hair. The doctor had never seen such long blonde hair before. I was thrilled, so I have been very careful not to comb it out. I like to mowhawk it so that people can see it in it's full glory. She has beautiful blue eyes too. Her big brother Ethan (3 years old) loves to poke and cuddle her. He calls her a little fella lady. He uses his toy dump truck to take her diapers to the trash for mommy. Such a big helper!!

I LOVE this stage of life. I'm trying not to take any moments for granted. :)

Love,

Ashley - TCBOTB

Baby Girl on the Way!!

I am thrilled that we are going to be having a baby girl soon!! I am due the end of May. After having two boys, I am still trying to get use to looking at ALL the cute girl clothes and accessories! I am thinking for the colors in her room: black, white and baby pink.....What are your favorite colors for a girl room? Do you know anywhere that has cute crib bedding for a good price?
-Becky

Toffee Apple Dip

This apple dip is perfect for fall! I love it. The recipe is from myrecipes.com. I made it the other night and loved it!

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8-oz.) package toffee bits **the chocolate covered toffee bits are good too!**
  
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Mix together all ingredients until well blended. Best if refrigerated over night. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
-Becky

First day of Preschool!

What a big day for our boys AND for me & Ashley! I was a little emotional as I was leaving his class....okay so I cried a little! I was not sad to leave him, I was just having a hard time thinking he was old enough for school! I feel like I was just holding him the hospital a few months ago...where does the time go? They go to different preschool's and have amazing teachers. What a fun stage in their lives!
-Becky

Make way!!

I'm excited to announce a new baby coming to the block this winter. I am 5 months pregnant and just found out yesterday that I'll be having a little girl! I already have my little hot wheel drivin', Diego watchin', dirt playin' two year old boy, but being the girly girl that I am, I always knew I would want a little pink, fluffy, feathery, sequin, pearls girl! (Let's hope she's not a tom boy!)

I welcome any name suggestions as I am at a loss for ideas! Also, any other pregnant moms please feel free to leave a comment of how you're doing so far!

Ashley - TCBOTB

We've been featured!

We are always happy to be mentioned on other sites because it helps get our name out there to everyone looking to make their blog cute! We were especially excited to be mentioned on Blogger Buzz this month since Blogger is currently the platform that most, if not all of our fans are using. It's a great article and we're proud to be on the "Blogger Approved" list now! Yay for TCBOTB!

Thanks to all of the fans for recommending our site for the list!

Click here to see the article!

Ashley - TCBOTB

(contest below still going on)

What do you think? American Idol 2009 Results:

The lights are dimmed for the last time this season... after the nationwide vote of nearly 100 million, the winner of American Idol 2009 is KRIS ALLEN. I hate to be the party pooper, but Kris was not my choice! I always got goosebumps when I would listen to Adam's performances. It's almost like he sold his soul to the devil to become such an amazing singer. Kris is very talented, but he just wasn't the best.

Do you agree with the result?

Pat's Run

My husband and I participated in Pat's Run a few weeks ago. This 4.2 mile run/walk celebrates the life of former ASU football star and Army Ranger, Pat Tillman. It is such a fun run! It is neat seeing some his former team mates running in their football helmet and gear, and also see the guys in the Army running in their full uniform. They said there were over 20,000 people participating in the event! My goal was to run it in under 40 minutes. My time was 35:19....I was so excited!!

Caramel Fudge Cheesecake

For my mother-in-law's 'Over the Hill' birthday party I tried this new recipe. All I can say is wow, wow, wow!! It was amazing! Everyone was commenting on how it was the best cheesecake they have ever had. I am not trying to brag...but I really think it was better then The Cheesecake Factory. I can't take credit for the recipe. The Taste of Home always has amazing recipes. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Becky-TCBOTB

(Taste of Home)

1 package fudge brownie mix (8-inch square pan size)
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, melted
2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted

Prepare brownie batter according to the package directions. Spread into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with milk. Pour over brownie crust; sprinkle with pecans. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in melted chocolate. Pour over pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool completely. Chill overnight. Remove sides of pan before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 12 servings.

A Child Again

Do you ever wish you could go back to being a child again, have the same energy, and a 'worry free' look on life? Becky and I thought we were just going to bring the boys to to have a fun day at Bounce Jungle, but we found that it was a good reminder for us to have a little more fun too!

Bounce Jungle is exactly what the name suggests, a jungle of bouncey air with slides, ladders, and fun obstacles to climb through!

The slippery slides give your tummy butterflies!

Becky and her little boy going down the big slide together! Bombs away!

Me and my two year old heading down the slide too. Kinda freaky!

Becky's little boy in utter delight!

Becky's one year old climbing!

The morning ended with Becky and I letting our inner gladiator loose. Becky insists she won the battle, but this photo cleary shows otherwise! :)

Ashley - TCBOTB

Rocky Point

A few weekends ago we went on a quick get away trip to Rocky

Point with some friends and with no kids! We stayed at Los Palomas for just a few days
...but it was perfect! The entire time we saw maybe 10 other people...
we had the whole place to our selves! They had an overly heated pool,
a freezing lazy river, a cold infinity pool, and a jacuzzi. Our trip pretty much
involved laying out, relaxing, playing volleyball, jet skis, hanging out
and playing games. It was nice to get away and relax.

****Don't forget to check out our giveaway below. It ends Sunday night!****