Christmas Time Well Spent...

It's been a while... We've been enjoying this time of year...our family's favorite. There's lots we've been up to so we thought we'd share all the fun things we've been doing...

On Friday night we took the kids to their elementary school where we got to ride a horse drawn carriage around our neighborhood. The kids were so excited. We looked at all of the neighborhood Christmas lights, sang Christmas Carols and when we got back to the school they had hot cocoa and cookies waiting for us. It was a cold night to be out but we loved it.




Growing up there were two times of the year that I loved dressing up for church....Christmastime and Easter. Now that I'm a mom and have little girls of my own, it's even more fun to dress them up. And they look a lot cuter too. Here are my girls all dressed up for church. Eryn picked out the skirt that she is wearing and was so excited to finally get to wear it. She likes to spin in it.



We spent last Saturday evening with our good friends, the Gazeley family, at the temple. This is one of the reasons I'm so very glad to live back in the valley. I really did miss seeing the lights at the Mesa Temple during Christmastime. It was fun to share it with our friends and the kids had so much fun!




Now, as you well know, the Holiday Season is not near over. We still have one more week until Christmas, then one more week after that until New Years. Much more Cheer to be had and Celebrating to do. We'll be heading out to Zoo Lights with family and friends tomorrow night for FHE, then baking and visiting and parties and lots of fun.. I'll try and keep posting. And, on the 26th is our scheduled ultrasound. Hopefully our little one is growing and healthy and we'll be able to find out...Boy? or Girl? What do you think???

Photo Shoot...

My lovely sister Kaci took our family pictures for us a couple weeks ago at the Scottsdale Park. It's so hard to get everyone to look good in one picture....so, that's what I'm asking Santa for this year. A really, really good photoshop program where I can easily transfer good smiling faces into one picture. Isn't Christmastime the best!
Here are a few good ones she was able to capture...

Me and My Sis

Like Father, Like Son! They both HATE getting their pictures taken, but they both were really good sports this year.

Me and My Girls....is it soo wrong to be so very jealous of one's beautiful daughters? I'm afraid it's only going to get worse!

My Briggsy Boy....so grown up!

Reagy Lee

This one out of a million pictures we had to take of this little pill to get one where she is actually looking at the camera. But, it was so worth it to get just one.

What Do We Do Now ?

Our greatest friends, the Beechers, came and spent almost one whole week with us and we had so much fun. They got in late Thursday night and then, sadly, had to depart this morning. We're in tears and so confused we don't know what to do without them. But, we are so grateful that they took the time and effort to come all the way down to AZ to see and stay with us.
What did we do while they were here, not much more than hanging out and good conversation...but here are a few things...
Christine laid out in the sun and the kids went swimming. YES, they did. It was cold, but they had so much fun! The girls played barbies the boys played video games and Colin and Eryn just about played everything. The kids got along the whole time...I don't think I heard or witnessed one single fight. I was amazed. Christine and I did some shopping and took the girls with us one day. Christine and I met up with some very special friends for breakfast at The Good Egg. It was fun to visit with Jenny and Shawna, a little Texas reunion, hopefull we've convinced Christine to move home to AZ so we can all get together more often. Jens and Chris rode a 100 miler in Tucson and then rode every where else here! They got some good miles in and were very pleased with themselves and we're all very proud of them too. We all watched movies together and played at the park and ate good food, and ate and ate and ate.






Thanks again Beechers! We had the best week! Come ANYTIME! Cassie, thanks for being such a great big sister to our girls, an awesome babysitter for all the kids and just an absolute pleasure to have around!! Craig, thanks for being such a great best friend to Briggs. Colin, thanks for loving us all and for making us smile. Chris and Christine, thanks for your friendship and for just being soo easy to hang around and have fun with. (Christine, thanks for listening to me!!!) We love you all! Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe trip home!

Happy Birthday Eryn Jane...

Eryn Jane is "officially" 4 years old and she is so happy about it. It's taken me a while to update my blog...but here they are...some pictures of her special day. We spent the Saturday, before her birthday, at the park playing, eating and enjoying time with family and friends. She had an Ariel cake and pinata along with balloons and treats and lots of presents. The kids all had a great time whacking the pinata and each one got a turn. Alex and Briggs got the final blows and did her in.
It was especially fun to see Oma Anni and spend some time with her. She had just arrived from Germany the day before and we all feel so blessed that she is here to visit.
All in all....Eryn had a very special 4th birthday! Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate.

...and tomorrow never came...

I haven't been too "into" the blogging thing lately. Not that it wasn't fun...but that's just how I am. Really into something, then it's history and I move on to the next big thing. I figure I really need to keep it up and print it all out because this is the only journaling I do. So, I'm going to try. I know I still haven't posted Eryn Jane's birthday pictures. There's just been lots going on, as is the story with everyone at this time of year. And now I have no camera because it's with the Geek Squad getting fixed. They told me to expect it in 2 weeks. So, no Thanksgiving pictures, but hopefully I'll get it back by Christmas. We shall see.

Our friends, The Beechers, arrive tomorrow night. We are so excited we can hardly stand it. Trying to get everything in order and nice for when they arrive. I freak out cleaning when people come to visit. No matter who it is, it's just my thing and Jens can never change that...to his great disappointment. I think I feel like if its really clean and comfy then people will come back and also, I've finished all my chores and then have the whole time to play with my friends. And play we will.....the guys are off to Tucson on Friday and Saturday for a bike race. Good Luck to them.....Christine and I will be doing our own thing while the kids play and play and play! Hopefully Christine brings her camera so I can share some pics with you...

changed a bit...

Back to the same old slideshow and some new colors for fall.....I'm not too pleased with it. Will come up with something new and something that I like, hopefully tomorrow. With pictures of Eryn Jane's birthday party at the park and a new slideshow to get us ready for Thanksgiving! See ya tomorrow blogger!

Getting Ready To Be "4"...

Eryn Jane is going to have a birthday party this Saturday and she can hardly wait. But she will tell you that it's not a birthday party.....no, it's an Ariel Party. We are making cookies and cupcakes, buying party supplies and, just this morning, stuffing her Mermaid pinata with candy. We'll see how she reacts when we start letting the kids hit it with a bat, I'm a bit worried. It is a bit violent. She loves little mermaid..I'm not sure what I was thinking. Kids wacking little mermaid to death. Jens thinks I should have gotten a crab pinata...but, poor Sebastian. Oh well! We shall see!

Happy Halloween!

We had a very fun Halloween night. Jens's family and our neighbors The Brittons, came over for chili, cornbread, salad, Halloween punch, FUNJUNS (YES!), pumpkin cupcakes, cookies, and more cookies. It was fun to hang out and eat. Then, Allison and I took the eager kiddos around the neighborhood to collect their goodies. They got sooo much candy. We had to use an extra bag because the kids buckets were overflowing. They had so much energy and so much fun. My mom was also able to stop by and see the kids, they loved that. Especially since she brought and extra special treat for them. Bedtime came swiftly and surely, they were out in seconds.Thanks to all the fam and friends who helped us make this Halloween so special and so much fun! We love Ya!


Jens, Kenny, Allison & Ashlynn

all the kids, minus Briggs, once he got in with the group my camera started acting up! Time to camera shop!


Oma, Marcus & sweet baby Heidi the monkey! She wouldn't keep her hat on!

Ready to Go!!!

The Princess & Two Ballerinas! All very beautiful, of course!

Pumpkin Massacre...

For family night we got ready for Halloween by buying pumpkins and carving them. Reagan and Eryn loved pulling out "the guts" as they called them. Briggs didn't like the feeling and refused to clean his pumpkin. He quickly changed his mind when we told him that if he wanted to carve it he had to clean it! They all ended up having a good time and got very creative. Eryn wanted a goofy, happy face. Reagan wanted hers to be scary and Briggs created a Pokeball on his. They were so ready for Halloween!

We Need A Referral...

Wanted to know if anyone out there knows of a good photographer for family pictures? Please let me know, thanks.

Happy Birthday Aiden, Grace, Kaci & Dani...

Lots of birthdays to celebrate lately. Tonight we went ot my moms for dinner and lots of birthday cake! We had lots of fun!


Grace barely had time for her cake....she was too interested in opening her gifts.

Happy Birthday Dominic & Carson...

Thanks to the Gazeley's for inviting us to Dominic & Carsons Peter Pan themed birthday party. It was so much fun! And, as usual, Dena outdid herself and threw an awesome party. Food, Games, Pinata and her house was set up just like Neverland. And, cannonball take home treats with Tinker bell wand cookies.....just everything you could think of! We had a great time!

Very Special Guests...

My Great friend Tanya and her sweet baby girl Hannah-Banana flew in on Tuesday from San Jose, CA. They graced us with their presence and stayed with us until Saturday morning. We are so grateful that they spent so much time with us! We love them and missed them so much! We had forgotten how much we laugh and smile when they are around!

Then Josh flew in on Friday and we were able to go out that night for dinner and a lot of fun! Thanks to my sister Kaci, we got some sassy haircuts and didn't have to worry about the kids while we were out because she took extra special care of them.
We had such a great time with the McKibben's and wish they didn't have to go. They are welcome to our home ANYTIME!

When You Wish Upon A Star...

The first night in our hotel Eryn came to Jens and I and said, "Can I see my wishing star?" Then she ran to the window and started to make a wish...If it was for all to have a fun and magical vacation at Disneyland, then her wish came true!
We drove to California on Monday and then spent 2 days in Disneyland and 1 at California Adventure. We got home last night and we are toast! But, it was so worth it!
We were worried that it wasn't going to work out....Jens had his gallbladder removed just last Thursday so, I had to do all the driving (which drove Jens insane!, but it made me happy!) And because of his surgery and me, well, expecting a baby, neither of us could go on any fun rollercoaster rides. We were bummed. But, it was all for the children, the little people..and the little people had a blast. Besides the obvious fun kids have at amusement parks, each one of our kids had something special happen to them in the place where dreams really do come true.

Eryn Jane's mom stood in line with her for 2 1/2 hours so she could meet Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Belle, Pocahontas and, her fave, Ariel. She said, "She liked me and gave me a hug! She's so beautiful!" Then she got to sit in a beautiful princess chair and have her face painted. She said, "Oh Mom, I look so beautiful!" She was in heaven.

At the very same time, Briggs entered his Cloud Nine....There's a stage area in Tomorrow Land where they hold Jedi Training. They pick kids out of the audience and train them to be Jedi's. They give them light sabers and robes...then they get to fight Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Darth Maul. Briggs was picked and I was so bummed I missed seeing him fight Darth Maul. Jens said he was totally into it. When I asked him about it later the look of pride on his face was priceless!

Well, for the whole time we were there nothing really special happened to our Reagy, but she wasn't complaining. She was having a great time. She's our little daredevil and she's just as tall as Briggsy, so they went on all the big rides together. She picked out some Mickey Mouse ears to wear around the park. The ears have lights on them that sparkle at night. She wore them to the parade on our last night there. We got a good seat, right in front. As Alice in Wonderland passed, she looked right at Reagan and said, " I like your ears!" The Mad Hatter was also there and he said, "What?"
Alice - " I was saying that I like her ears!"
Mad Hatter - " Oh yes,yes! Her ears! Well, I hope she can hear better because they sure don't make her look any better! " Reagan cracked up and had a huge smile on her face! She loved it!


Other Highlights...
* Jens let the kids play the Gamecube in our hotel room for one night. They thought that was so cool.

* We ate so much JUNK! (which is also a very bad thing!) churros, cotton candy, suckers, popcorn, a turkey leg, fudge, too much Coke...you name it, we ate it!

* While in the California Adventure park we were able to watch a High School Musical 2 performance and Eryn Jane got to join in and dance with the actors. She was shaking some salt shakers. We all loved it and we were singing all the songs for the rest of the day.

* The weather was absolutely beautiful...oh how we miss that cool Cali breeze!

* We saw a lot of other Disney characters. Eryn got her picture taken with Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Briggs and Reagan also saw Princess Jasmine! Briggs blushed and got quite angry when Reagan said, " She waved and smiled at Briggs! "

Not So Fun Moments...
* Jens had to ride on the teacups with Reagan & Eryn. Jens and I both get so sick on any kind of spinning ride. So he was trying to keep the teacup from spinning as much as he possibly could. Reagan pouted and said, "this is boring!!!"

The Dunford Blog, By Invitation Only ...

A Little Paranoid???? Maybe...but, I'm taking someone's advice and going with my feelings. Jens and I have felt for some time now that this would be a wise decision. We shall see. So, if I have neglected to invite anyone...please accept my apologies. Not that you can read them!!!!

Time Out For Women...

I need to start out by saying a BIG Thank You to Jens. He was gone all week in San Jose, came home Thursday night and then watched the kids while I went to TOFW Friday night and ALL DAY Saturday. It was my first time going and it was a wonderful experience. Both my moms, sister, sister-in-law and my friend and neighbor were able to go with me and we had a great time together. I have to say that the Saturday session was the better of the two and thank goodness because it was a lot longer. I will definitely go again. I came home ready to take on anything....spiritually charged. Hopefully that will last until I can go again. I highly recommend it, it's a great girl get-a-way because you definitely feel rested and recharged and ready to see, and take care of, your husband and children once again.
While I was away....the mice came out to play! Jens took the kids "Balling" as Eryn Jane calls it. Bowling actually and Jens said they had a great time. What was better was that it was ROCK N' BOWL and they played some High School Musical Songs. OHHH....my kids were in heaven. They had a blast and were so excited to tell me all about it when I got home. What lucky kids they are to have such a wonderful Daddy. He really does love them and he takes such good care of them, and me. We love you so much Jens and are so very grateful for you... WHAT would we do without you????

Kaci, I'm So Very Sorry...

"Katie Jane"
...you just want to squeeze her!!!

As I was looking for old Halloween photos for my "seasonal" blog, I came across these pictures of my big sister Kaci. I know she's going to be a little "pee-oed" at me for putting these pictures up. Oh Well, what can I do..... I couldn't resist. She was the cutest baby ever! and she is the best big sister a girl could have. So, Kaci, I hope you can forgive me, but just remember how much I love you. I'm so very blessed to have you in my life.

Did I mention that one of the reasons I love you soooo much is your GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR !?! Hehehe

Blog Makeover...

I visited my friend Nancy's blog and thought it was so cute. She has a link for all kinds of "free" blog makeover's. Check it out. I chose to have some fun for the season. Hope you like it.

www.matiekay.blogspot.com

The Name Game...

Jenni & Christine had this on their blogs. It was so much fun to read...and lots of fun to do myself! Enjoy and take a stab at it yourself...

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car): Meegan Mazda

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Cookie Dough Grasshopper

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name): K-Dun

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Green Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Lee Phoenix

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): DunKr

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink): The Orange Coke

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers): Sherman William Marion

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Pleasures Junior Mints

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ): Lee Andrew

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Hayes Hamburg

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Autumn Gerbera Daisy

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”): Strawberry Sweats-ie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Waffle Ash

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”): The Blogging Rain Tour

Hmmmm! Interesting!

What I Got For My Birthday...

Besides the best news of all (that I'm expecting a baby!), my nephew came home from his mission & sang to me in Portuguese, then Jens (yes, Jens!) sent me beautiful flowers with a very sweet and romantic card, My friend Christine sent me my favorite....the newest Bath & Body Works bag with all sorts of sample goodies, my sister Kelli gave me flowers and that morning my friend Dena called and her cute boys Dominic & Carson sang Happy Birthday to me, she also took me to breakfast where I tried eggs benedict for the first time. (Tanya, can't wait for you to teach me how to make that). Tanya called and sang to me. I also got more flowers today from my really nice neighbor Tiffany with a congrats! There were many more well wishes and congratulations from lots of family and friends and I am so grateful! Thanks to everyone for making my 30th so special! I feel very spoiled, Thanks! Love Ya!

Welcome Home Elder Bonham...

My nephew Jonathan came home from his mission yesterday. We had a brunch/luncheon at my moms house to welcome him home. It was so good to see him. He's tall and handsome and all grown up. I think we embarassed him by talking about all the cute little songs he would sing and how he would dance when he was little. It was fun to hear him talk about his mission in Brazil and very fun to hear him play his guitar and sing. He is so talented. I feel like I could have sat and listened to him for hours. We also were able to witness the baby of all the grandbabies show us his new Big Boy trick. He's walking and we're so proud of him. In the slideshow he's giving his favorite aunt, Kelli, kisses.

I recorded many more songs that Jonathan sang that day, including ones that he has written himself (and they're awesome!) I've just been having a difficult time getting them downloaded. As soon as I can I'll add "The Jonathan Sessions" to my blog. You'll love it!

Rain Gutter Regata...

Briggs didn't win the races, but he did get a certificate for the best paint job. Our little creative man. We are so proud of him. Jens got to spend a little Father/Son time on his birthday. Too bad he had to work all day, not much of a 33rd birthday, but he got ASU tickets for Saturday night and he'll be party'in then! We Love you Dad! Hope you had a great BDay!

Its Our Birthday...

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!...and we'll dance if we want to !!!

What To Do....

People were asking what I did while Eryn Jane was in school yesterday, with no kids at home anymore. Unfortunately Jens is no longer working from home, he's working in at the office in Scottsdale. So, no afternoon meetings! But, the answer is obvious. Of course, I went to Target. Where else do I go? I guess Costco, but that's where I'll be going today. It's QUITE the life I live!!!

First Day of "Pretty" School...

There were'nt BiG princess stickers all over the walls, but Eryn Jane didn't seem to mind. She was very shocked that it was FINALLY time for her to go to school. When I told her I was going to take her after lunch she said, "No Mom, tomorrow!" And her friend Ashlynn said, " it's open now? It's not closed anymore? " They were so cute.

The best of friends experiencing school for the first time together and they had a blast! They couldn't even look up from the book long enough to smile at the camera. It's like they had never seen a book before.

When Eryn came home she was very excited to tell Briggs and Reagan that she had gone to school too. She brought home an ABC book that she made. When I asked her about it she said, " C is for pie ". It was actually a CupCake. Then when I told her she did a great job she said, " Yeah, Yeah! Whatever! " (with an attitude!) What is happening to my little girl ??? She doesn't need ME anymore!

Thanks to Allison for carpooling with me. I'm so glad we live right next door to eachother. You and your family are a blessing.

She's Got It....

Eryn Jane is finally swimming on her own. Jens and I feel so much better and she is so very proud of herself. She has become FEARLESS!

Congratulations to our brave little mermaid!

Almost 30...

It just hit me today that I only have one more week to be in my "20's". I'm not sure how I feel about that!

Lunch Date...

Today was a great day! My mom watched Eryn Jane for me while I went to have lunch with some friends from High School. Rachel, Nancy, Shelly, Annie & Laura were there and it was so much fun to see them and catch up with them. I've been reading all of their blogs for months, but I haven't seen them since, well, I think my wedding. They are all still as beautiful and nice as ever. Thanks to Rachel and Shelly for setting this up....I had a great time. We need to do it again soon.

Daily Funnies...

In church today someone was bearing their testimony on having a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Eryn Jane then turned to me and said (quite loudly), " A broken heart ? Oh No! That's not good! "

Daily Funnies...

WHAT KIND OF SEXY POSE IS THIS?????

Our conversation while getting Eryn Jane dressed this morning:

Mom - here you go. Put these on!
Eryn - Mom, you found my favorite skirt??? (it's all about "skirts" these days!)
Mom - yep! I washed it for you!
Eryn - Thanks so much, Mom! I'm so very proud of you!


While swimming in the pool this afternoon:
Eryn has gotten very brave and quite good at swimming now! She loves to jump off the high wall and swim to the stairs.
(if you're not familiar with High School Musical 2 you probably won't get this)

Eryn - Mom, I'm going to jump in! (while jumping!) "HEEYYY LIFEGAURD!!!"
Mom - good job swimming Eryn!
Eryn - No Mom! I say..."Hey Lifegaurd!" you say.... " Your Crazy WildCat!"

Daily Funnies...

Tonight I came out of the bathroom, after taking a shower, in my red bathrobe (a bathrobe that was given to me for Christmas, years and years and years ago!) and Reagan says:

Reagan - you always wear that robe, mom.
Mom - Well, when you're older you can buy me a new robe.
Reagan - maybe I'll just buy myself a robe.

That's My Reagan!
I miss my chunky monkey little girl! I found this picture of Reagan Lee at one year!

Daily Funnies...

I was swimming with the kids this afternoon and Briggs and Reagan started playing "Marco, Polo"....
Briggs - "Marco"
Reagan - "Polo"
Briggs - "Marco"
Eryn Jane - "Bingo"
Briggs - "Marco"
Eryn Jane - "Cinco"
We all had a good laugh. Eryn was so pleased with herself that she started being silly about it.....you can only imagine what it lead to...

Love & Adoration...

So, I was browsing all my favorite blogs and found this questionaire. I don't know if I praise Jens as much as he deserves. For those of you who have read the Twilight series, he is my Edward. He's the one person I wouldn't know how to live without. I feel very blessed, extremely lucky and not a day goes by that I don't wonder why he chose me....this is a little about us...



1. Who is your man? Jens
2. How long have you been together? 11 years
3. Dating/Engaged/Married? 2mos/2mos/11 years
4. How old is your man? 33
5. Who eats more? I would hope that would be him.
6. Who said "I love you" first? I don't remember....I think I did? in French....how corny can you get, right!
7. Who weighs more? he does
8. Who sings better? either I do, or I just sing more often....
9. Who's Older? he is by 3 years exactly to the day.
10. Who's smarter? is this question even necessary....he is.
11. Who's temper is worse? Mine, definitely. he is the most patient person I have ever met.
12. Who does the laundry? Me
13. Who does the dishes? Me ( okay, so, I never said he was perfect, but he's pretty darn close! )
14. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.
15. Who's feet are bigger? Definitely his are
16. Who's hair is longer? Always mine....he likes his hair butchered short....I'd like him to grow it out a bit.
17. Who's better with the computer? he is....
18. Who mows the lawn? he does....
19. Who pays the bills? He does now, and We're doing sooo much better financially. I was ruining us!!!
20. Who cooks dinner? I do, most of the time begrudgingly....but he likes to eat at home.
21. Who drives when you are together? He does. He can't relax when I drive. what can I say he's better at everything. Do you understand now why I wonder each and every day?
22. Who pays when you go out to dinner? Well, he "technically" pays for everything.
23. Who's the most stubborn? He is!!! okay, I have one good qualitly....I'm very open minded!
24. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong? I am.
25. Who's parents do you see more? We see both of our moms as much as we can since we've moved back home.
26. Who named your dog? we don't have one.
27. Who kissed who first? I think we both leaned in....we both new it was about time.
28. Who asked who out? Jens called me, we talked forever (it was so easy), and then we almost hung up before he remembered why he had called.
29. What did you do? we went on a group date to dinner and then to South Mountain? I think, we just hung out!
30. Who's more sensitive? Definitely Me!
31. Who's taller? He's over a foot taller than me!
32. Who has more friends? I think it's a tie.....but I do a better job of staying in contact with them....ya know...being a woman and all.
33. Who has more siblings? I do. 3 bros/ 3 sis
34. Who wears the pants in the relationship? He does, although he tries to make it as even as possible.