So long Arizona . . . for now.

WARNING: This is yet another sappy post. Nothing that will make you cry just a bunch of gratitude.

Most of you know that my 13 year old nephew Cody is battling cancer. He’s fought very courageously, doing the tough stuff when he has to and having as much fun as possible whenever he can. Seeing Cody last summer while he was in remission, I learned something very valuable.

LIVE.

Live every moment.

Enjoy the time you have with people you care about.

Jeff and I were just kids when we moved to Arizona. 23, just married. In the twelve years we lived here we spent a lot of time working and not enough time with the people we care about. We were very fortunate to make so many good friends in spite of ourselves and we're very glad to have shared so many of our major life experiences with you.

Most of you will recall me mentioning, a lot, how much I treasure friendships on behalf of our girls. Having grown up moving every few years, I don't have friends I’ve known since high school let alone preschool - so to me its really cool that my girls do and I thank you all for being such a wonderful part of our lives. I hope we'll always keep in touch.

Our last outings as Arizona Residents . . .

A bunch of my girlfriends had a

wonderful going away party for us.

Sarah and Sydney skipped school in the morning

so they could see each other one last time.

To Christine, AmyB, AmyW, Monica and Steph - you all have been so good to me through a few really crazy years and I so appreciate you all. Thank you for seeing us off with such a wonderful party. I will miss you all!!

Look at those beautiful faces. How much we'll miss you.

Miss Carrie, Kate's preschool teacher

who helped me out through the whole move.

Carrie, you were like an angel sent to save me; I would not have gotten through this move with any sanity if it weren't for you. We only knew you a short time but I hope you'll keep in touch with us always. You will be greatly missed!

Our precious Miss Yeagley.

You embraced us sappy Schultz girls all year long and you're sincerely loved by our whole family. Sarah is going to miss being with you every day - and I'm going to miss seeing my daughter through your very loving eyes. You've been a friend, a teacher and a shining example of the kind of people we want to be. I am forever grateful for the few months Sarah spent in your class. You've given us all memories that will last a lifetime! I know we'll keep in touch forever; we love you!

Miss Yeagley with Matt, Sarah and Kate

at our favorite place: Cheesecake Factory.

To the Chandler Mall Cheesecake Factory: Granie and I and the girls (born and unborn) spent many great lunches with you. I always tell my mom: when the going gets tough, the Schultz' go shopping which usually include Cheesecake Factory. We'll miss you . . .

Kate and Garrett

Garrett and Amy were our Tuesday/Thursday McDonald's Buddies

Amy - When we started getting together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings before preschool I never dreamed how important this time would become to me. Kate and Garrett loved their mornings together - even if they wouldn't make eye contact when they talked to each other. And you inspired me to be a true supermom. I know we'll keep in touch but I will miss you and our morning coffee therapy so much!!

The Last Few Days . . .

Sarah last day of school was on Valentines Day. Her classmate Topher, who has moved a lot in the last few years, was in tears at the thought of Sarah moving away. He had great advice for her telling Sarah that all her toys would be waiting at her new house. Miss Yeagley saw her off with a loving hug, a chance to say goodbye to each classmate and a beautiful cheerleader rag doll with brown pigtails and a blue an white outfit, just like our little West Gilbert Mountain Lion cheerleader!

After all our partying, we picked Sarah up from school, finalized things at our Gilbert home and ventured up to Granie and Grandpa's house in Scottsdale for our last two days in town. I don't have any pictures of us with my parents . . . how crazy is that? Good thing I don't claim the title of SuperDaughter . . .

We were pretty busy and just trying to enjoy every moment together. Dad, if you have pictures email them so I can add them to my post!!

Grandma Betty with Danny and Kate on Valentines Day.
You are so special to us. We love you Grandma!!!

On Valentines night we went to Aunt Pam and Uncle Wayne's for Grandma Betty's birthday party. I don't have many pictures of that night because in the middle of everything Kate had an unknown allergic reaction. We ended up in the emergency room.

Here's video of little Kate in the ER.

Uncle Wayne, I owe you special thanks for hauling a$$ and getting us to the hospital so fast. Thanks for staying all night and keeping my mom company. We love you!!

So long for now . . .

After we found out about the move to Illinois everything went really fast and we were busy getting things ready. There wasn’t time to even think that in a few weeks we wouldn’t be able to see our friends and family any time we want to. I knew it would hit us later on and did my very best to follow sweet Cody's example and LIVE, enjoying each moment. The girls and I enjoyed these very special moments with all our friends. Thank you all for all the fun times we've had together and for taking time to see us off.

We won't say goodbye, just 'so long for now.'

What Does A Month Away From Your Family Look Like?

This move has happened really fast for us. Jeff’s been gone since January 4th and I’ve been here with the ladies wrapping things up.

Today is February 7th: The movers are here ( a day early )packing all our stuff, they let me keep my office setup so I can get some work done, whew! Superdad is in Illinois and will close on the new house tomorrow, then he’ll fly to AZ Saturday. He's been gone just over a month. I saw him for a few days in January when I went to IL to buy a house - but he hasn't seen the lades since January 3rd.

Originally, Jeff was going to fly here to help with the movers then fly back to IL mid-week with Laurel to meet the moving truck. I spent a whole day arranging flights for him and Laurel and transport for the car – and wouldn’t you know it as soon as I hung up with the car people I noticed that little Laurel had gone into heat!! Poor thing. So the plan was changed. The Schultz' would roll into Illinois just like the Beverly Hillbillies with the car loaded down and our dog in heat. Poor Jeff - whos been in an uncomfortable hotel for over a month - would have to drive little Lo to Illinois.

Today is Saturday the 9th. Jeff gets in this afternoon and since the movers came early, he'll have to head out for Illinois on Monday. Eeek, he doens't know that yet. I’ll have to get Jeff to write a post of their trip - it promises to be an adventure . . . Exhausted Arizona guy, dead of winter, driving 1300 miles with a fully loaded car containing everything flamable we own, his grandfathers heirloom guns and oh yeah, our dog in heat.

Well Jeff made it. Allegiant Airlines Rocks.

After not seeing daddy for almost a month the girls were really happy to see him.

Dad looked a bit tired.

We'll all be back together in a week. Then we'll get some healthy home cooking in daddy and get him rested and he'll be back to himself again.

The Hannah Montana Movie

The other day my friend Christine (a real supermom) called and said she was getting tickets for the Hannah Montana Movie and asked if we could join them. What? There’s a Hannah movie? Go Supermom! Way to be on top of the single most important thing in your girls world!! Maybe I should change my name to SlackerMom - seeker of . . . well, nothing. I promptly ordered tickets for the first show on Superbowl Sunday (dad is still in IL) and we planned to meet our friends there.

The day of the show the girls were so excited! They woke up early and bounced around the house for hours before it was time to even get dressed for the show. They both wore their favorite Hannah-style outfits, complete with official Hannah dog tags and guitar shaped purses. We arrived about an hour before the show, thank goodness! It was packed.

Hannah Fans.

Sarah and Kate said the show ROCKED!! For me, it was more fun watching the girls reactions. Sarah was so moved by the music she couldn’t stay in her seat. She had to get up and dance and sing along.

After we got home, Kate needed to put on her own show, complete with Hannah Hair.

Oh Yeah, Girls Rock!!

GNO

Girls night out – or when you’re 3 and 5 it’s actually Girls Late Afternoon/Early Evening Out With Mom (GLA/EEOWM). It was a gorgeous Arizona afternoon, sunny, warm a light breeze. We went over to the new San Tan mall (to get my hair fixed – the hairdresser left me looking like Mrs. Brady, uuuugh) First we hung out by the fountains and made lots and lots of wishes. Then we walked around for a while and shopped and had dinner. If dad has to be away this isn’t a bad way to spend your time.

The Dentist

Okay so you all know that I, supermom, seeker of perfection, never ever make mistakes, right? So it will completely shock you to know that while Sarah and Kate have pierced ears neither of them had ever been to the dentist (except for when Kate chipped her tooth on the princess piano.) Yeah – I know what you’re thinking . . . I turned in my supermom cape a few months ago.

Back to the story. Sarah was a bit freaked out because her classmate Layla had a cavity and had to “get a needle in her cheek.” I’ve actually gotten some mileage out of that one when encouraging my little diva to brush her teeth better. But this was different, she had to go and actually see a man with the ability to stick a needle in her cheek. Kate was not scared at all she even held big sisters hand while waiting for her x-rays to develop.

Big sister returned the favor while waiting for Kate’s x-rays.
In the end it was a great visit. No needles and no cavities for anyone!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

This year Grandpa Tony turned 60! To celebrate we went to see Disney on Ice - Princess Dreams with Granie, Grandpa and Grandma Betty. Isn't that what every 60 year old grandfather wants for his birthday?

The girls got crowns, binoculars, light up wands, cotton candy and popcorn. After the show we went to Z-Tejas for lunch. What fun!

Grandpa you should have a birthday more often!

Grandpa and the girls having cake at home.

Granie is getting lots of extra hugs in before we move away.

Happy 60th Grandpa.

We love you!!

When the cat's away . . .

For over a year, little Kate (who is barely three and a half,) has been begging to get her ears pierced. She asks once or twice a week normally but over the last few weeks she's been asking daily - I think because I've been wearing earrings (something I don't normally do.)

Over the course of this last year I've been explaining the pros and cons of ear piercing to both Sarah and Kate. I explained that it feels a bit like a vaccine when they put the earrings in -and like a vaccine - it doesn't hurt for long though it may throb a bit. I explained about cleaning them and how you have to wear the first pair for several weeks.

Well, today Kate begged and begged and I decided she was ready to have her ears pierced - and since we're moving - we'd better do it now so we can have it done at Lollilocks. I made her an appointment.

Upon telling Kate that she could indeed get her ears pierced, Sarah decided that she too needs hers done. I wasn't sure Sarah would really do it, but I told her she could if she wanted to.

Off we went to Lollilocks.

Kate went first. She was very excited.

Supermom was feeling excited for her.

One last hug of encouragement from big sister.

Ouch!

Supermom feels like a jerk for letting my child be hurt. Look at those eyes.

Kate had a delayed reaction.

She sat for about 5 seconds before she started to cry.

Ninety seconds later, after being held by mom she was better

and encouraging big sister to go for it.

Look people, I'm okay if you don't touch, look at, or even think about my ears!

Supermom is still feeling bad. Look how red her sweet little earlobe is. How could I let this happen, let alone pay someone to do this to my child?

Kate rallied again and coaxed big sis into the chair.

Sarah says - can I just do one ear?

Mom: Sarah its your choice. You don't have to do it. You can do it another day if you want to . . .

Kate says, "Don't worry Seerah, it just hurts for a second!"

I'm goin' for it!

I can't wait to show my friends at school.

Pre-piercing placement dots. Are they even?

MISSING PICTURES. WE HAD BIG TEARS

Sarah's hurt quite a bit - for about two minutes. She cried right away so there was no shock photo, just immediately into moms arms.

Three minutes later a group photo.

Miss Brooke (who also cuts their hair) in yellow.

Everyone was feeling happy now.

After calling Superdad (who's in Illinois) and letting him know what his little mice did while he was away, both girls were feeling pretty good. Showing off their I Did It! stickers and calling Nana and Poppy in Virginia to share their big news.

You go girls!!

P.S. Things are changing so fast in Schultzville, the girls are growing up faster than I ever expected. This ear piercing thing was a tough one for me. My only hold-up was making sure that both girls really wanted it and knew that it would hurt when they got it done and it would take some work to keep them clean.

At the moment that the ladies pulled the piercing guns away from Kate's ears and I snapped the shot of her teary eyes my heart sank. How could I willing allow hole to be made in my precious child's ear. She's scarred for life, and I let it happen . . . Both Kate and Sarah are thrilled with their earrings and can't wait eight weeks to try others on. But I have to say, I will never forget the look on Kate's face and that look will come to mind everytime one of our girls has to make a major decision.

I wonder if it's too late to order protective bubbles.