Bates Family

15 YEARS...slow to post, so make that 15 1/2!!

2010-11-11T15:59:00.000-08:00

In August, Myk and I Celebrated our 15 year Anniversary. I really wanted to go back to the Temple in San Diego where we got married, but I started work the week before our Anniversary. Really at the last minute, I booked a hotel and we went the week after our anniversary. We didn't do much, but went back to the Temple and took pictures in some of the same places we did when we got married, and went to Mission Beach and walked around, which is where we stayed. It was nice to get away even though it was a quick trip. Here are a few pics of us:

Pics of the Girls

2010-11-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

While in Utah, Myk took pictures of the girls.

They really wanted new pictures and I'll tell you why!

It's actually a really sad story. You see, we have taken pictures of the girls the last couple of years, but never had them printed and I just don't buy school pics anymore. So, the girls were tired of seeing their same pics for 2+ years and that resulted in them changing their pics on the wall to their baby pics. Looks like Madi's is the only one still as a baby.

MADISON

BAYLEE

AUBREE

So we still haven't printed these pics, but at least they're posted on the blog...right?

Back in April-ish

2010-11-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

So, I couldn't leave this out! For Baylee's last choir concert in 8th grade, he let Aubree and Baylee perform a duet (Aubree wasn't in choir). We were so excited and proud of her! She chose to do this without any persuasion from us. And to top it all off, it was a song that she wrote... words and music! She has an ear for music and just loves to sit down at the piano and write songs! Good job Bay, you make me proud! Also, good job Aubs for being there and singing with her. You both did great!

Backing up a bit!!

2010-11-07T12:01:00.001-08:00

I must admit that I am not to "on the ball" with this blogging stuff! I do love reading everyone else's blog, and only hope that people feel the same about our blog. Myk takes most the pictures these days on his big fancy camera and needless to say, I am not the best "computer figure out kinda girl" so they just sit on his computer, and never make it to the blog! I just got a little more "computer figure out kinda girl-ified" today and picked up a few pics from the past several months. So I take you back in time with the next few posts until we get caught up!

The last week of May we went to Utah for my niece Alyssa's graduation. I, being the food lover that I am, offered to help my sister with the dinner for Alyssa's graduation. We kept it simple with Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches and some sides. I made the meat before the trip and froze it, loaded up the cooler, and headed on our way! Myk always makes fun of me when we travel, because he says I don't need to take our year supply on every trip! I do take plenty and almost always a cooler, but it's mostly for saving $$$!

So while in UT, Myk took Alyssa's Senior Pic's. She is so photogenic and had alot of great pic's! I just chose one to post:

Here are a few from her graduation night:

Congrats Alyssa...we love you!

Oh I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner......

2010-07-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

....that is what I'd truly like to be!

While in Farmington this summer, we took all the cousins to see the Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile while it was in Flora Vista. I think it meant more to the parents than the kids, they really didn't get the whole song thing. They were like, What? Anyways, it wasn't too exciting, but it was something out of the ordinary, and most of them wrote an essay about what they would do if they won a day in the Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile.

All about me...

2010-06-13T16:03:00.001-07:00

...Madison that is.

A few weeks back she celebrated #10! Wow, our baby is 10. Yes, we are getting up there in age!! I asked her if she wanted the big party like we usually do with all the friends, or just choose her 2 best friends to go get pedicures, lunch, and decorate flip flops. She chose the latter.

I thought...score-this will be easy! Maybe not so much!!

The day started out with mom and dad getting up to make her breakfast in bed. She has been DYING to have breakfast in bed. It wasn't all that, and she came downstairs a few minutes later to enjoy breakfast with the fam!

Later that morning, her friends showed up and we were off to buy flip flops at Old Navy to decorate after pedicures. Holy line in front of Old Navy! They were having a huge sale and the Fire Marshall was there to make sure they didn't go over code with the # of people they let in the store at a time. We thought we'd stand in line, because we had an hour til the pedicure appt, then a lady came out of the store and said the line inside wraps around the whole store (can you say Black Friday?). So we went to Kohl's instead!

Then we were off for pedicure's. I didn't so much like the unfriendliness of the place we went to, so that made me a bit unhappy, then it's time to pay and that's never fun either! But Madi enjoyed it, so all was well.

Kickin back in the massage chair

Madi, Alaina, Emilee

The results...

Best Friends!

Lunch was at Subway, no big deal, but once again, it was time to pull out the ol moolah! I hate that part.

We headed home to bling out their flip flops, and Aubree and Baylee had decorated the table with this:
Whew, party 1 is over. I realized that I don't like the pay as you go party. Typically I have everything bought, and the emotional strain I feel each time I spend money has passed, and we just have the party. This time I had to feel that along the way, and try to stay happy! Not fun!

Moving along in the day...party #2 was at dinner time. We had Gma & Gpa $ over, and The Waldron's for dinner. Madi chose Haystacks! (We love you Devon!)

Yum!Yum!

A few more presents:
None of my children are too into b-day cake, so Madison wanted chocolate chip ramekins. Just a choc. chip cookie baked in a ramekin topped w/ a scoop of ice cream when it comes out of the oven.

Simply divine!

It was a pretty Madison packed day starting with an early morning breakfast, partying throughout the day, making dinner and dessert, partying once again. That night she said " It doesn't even really feel like my birthday". I just laughed and said "how can you say that, all we've done today was your birthday!" Kids are way too funny!

HAPPY #10 MADI!!

2010-05-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, this was just too funny to pass up a photo opportunity. I rarely remember to get out the camera, so this was a good time!

Myk has just a little (or alot) of redneckedness in him, and times like this, it really shows!

So this is what an "upscale redneck" looks like trimming the grass:

He's got he fancy power tool, but the shoe cover ups are just classic!!

Going Green!

2010-05-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

...or at least a little greener!

About 3 weeks ago, I traded in my gas guzzler to be a little more economic! I had been toying with the idea of getting a car instead of my Envoy, which I've had for 7 years and loved. Myk has been to many dealerships looking for the best deal, but, they're all the same, and all have the same game. We decided to put it on the back burner and just wait. I was online and found a deal and we drove by to look at it, but it was the base model and we were told they have terrible resale, but, across the street at another dealership, I found another car. They gave us a smokin' deal, which I believe was an accident on their part, but they had already told us the $$ on our trade and couldn't really change their #'s, so we jumped on it. I cried a bit outside the dealership at the thought of getting rid of my Envoy, partly because of all the memories, and partly because I'm a baby and it really stresses me out to make any "big" (or small) purchase.

It's been an adjustment driving a car, I haven't had one since Aubree and Baylee were about 2, but I like it!

So since I haven't posted until now, I'll make this a double post, and post my Mother's Day gift as well. Myk took my new car to get tinted for Mother's Day! It has been mid 90's this past week, and I have been dreading a summer w/out tinted windows! Hopefully it helps (ok, really nothing helps when its 115*).

Principal's List

2010-05-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

Madison brought home a letter a few weeks ago stating that she made it on the Principal's List this year. Myk said he made it on the Principal's List before too, but he thinks it meant something different then. Here in AZ, being on the Principal's List is a good thing! She had straight A's all year except for 1 B. Wow! We are so proud of her! She has had a really good year and loved her teacher ALL year, which is unusual for her, she usually hates them in the beginning, then loves them in the end. So they had an Academic Night to honor the students on the Principal's List!! GO MADI!!

Easter

2010-04-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well Easter was just a quick happening at our house this year. No real festivities! This was the same weekend we went on our ski trip, so theEaster Bunny's mind was elsewhere. It was late Saturday night when I even got basket out of the garage. A couple small items made it in the baskets, and Sunday after morning Conference, we colored a few boiled eggs! Happy Easter!

Our First.....

2010-04-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ski/Snowboard Trip.....in April??

Yes, it had finally happened. The Bates have gone on a ski/snowboard trip. Myk has talked for years about wanting to take the girls, but me, being the thrifty one in the family, have not really thought much of it. Well, we received some $$ for Christmas and decided htat a ski trip full of memories is what we would spend that money on. So why, do you ask, are we just going in April? Well, that's easy! That's just when life allowed it to happen!

We had Good Friday off from school and Wednesday night I was talking to Myk about it, and he said oh, then we should go snowboarding. So that's just what we did. I "Pricelined" us a hotel in Flagstaff, found a good deal (of course!) on tickets and rentals, and off we went! The girls just had a blast!! They fell on their butts quite a bit, but it was a good lesson of endurance. They eventually made it down the bunny hill without falling.

After snowboarding (I was the only skier), we went back to our hotel's Teppanyaki restaurant and enjoyed some live entertainment by the fire as we paid good money to watch the cook play with our food.

Here are a few mountain pictures:

(Sorry, no up close of Bay. I don't know where she was when I had the camera out. I think she came down as I was trying to help a lady who was about as good of a skier as me, who went off course into the flag ropes)

All duded up! (don't know how to spell that)

Aubree and Baylee riding the lift

Myk is sooo cool!

Madi is getting it.

Aubs is having so much fun!

Few and FAR between

2010-01-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

I realized I don't get around to posting very often, and that usually makes for quite lengthy posts. But, I suppose better late (and lengthy) than never!

So on November 26th we officially became the parents of 2 teenagers!! Can I just say...YIPPEE SKIPPY!! Aubree and Baylee had their B-day Party early so as not to interfere with all their friends' Thanksgiving Day festivities! They decided on a "Balloon Party", so they came up with lots of balloon games, and just had a great time. I loved it because it was easy! Neither of them care too much for Birthday Cake, so I made mini cheesecakes. Here's a few pic's.

Baylee is getting ready to blow out her candles...her wish couldn't come true!!

Now it's Aubree's turn, I can't remember if her wish could come true or not!

Say Cheese!

Now comes along Christmas Time. I don't think I have ever been as unprepared as I was this year! Lot's of last minute shopping, by last minute, I mean within the last week before Christmas. I did finally get my tree changed to Blue and Silver like I have been wanting to do for about 4 years. i just could never find the right shade of blue, until this year. Here it is:

Christmas Eve jammies, 3 cute girls... (and a dog)!

We spent Christmas at home with Myk's parents and my parents. The week after, we spent in Farmington. It was a good time. It snowed the day after we got there which was nice, so we could get a dose of snow, but it sure was COLD!

Fall Break Vacation

2009-11-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

So this summer we decided as a family that we wanted to go to Six Flags, but we needed to ALL save money to make it happen. So my entrepreneurial children came up with the idea to make baked items to sell. We earned about $125 making various sweet breads, and Myk donated his change basket which had $200. But, then we put the money in a jar and school started and we kinda forgot about the trip. Fall Break was coming and we started talking about it, but we didn't have enough $ saved, so everyone started pitching in what they could, and we came up with enough money to go.

Myk then decided to add to our trip and go to Northern CA to see his parents. We decided that we were "going cheap!" I used Priceline to get our hotels, and I must say it turned out just fabulous!

Myk has a 100 gallon fuel tank that goes in the back of his truck w/an electric pump for fuel, so we filled that baby up before we left and saved about $.40 a gallon not having to pay CA prices!!

Myk stopped to take pictures of the Golden gate Bridge.

We spent a couple days w/ Myk's parents and went to the "sandblast" beach (The sun peeked out from the rainy clouds, and we ran to the beach. It was so windy it was sandblasting the girls, so they named it the sandblast beach.) We got to see the neat town they are staying in which is called Ferndale. Myk and I stayed a night at the Victorian Inn there. It was like a Bed and Breakfast with each room decorated with a Victorian theme. The girls also got to ride horses while we were there. That was a huge highlight of the trip for Madi. We went to a cheese factory and got to sample lots of yummy cheese.

Six Flags was fun! I realize that I get a little woozy on rides these days. I had to go 1 ride on 1 ride off. That helped me keep my tummy at bay!

When Me & Myk got married, we went to Six Flags and took a picture in front of this bear, Neither of us really remembered anything about the rides, but for some reason this bear jogged our memories. We had to have another picture here, 14 years later!!

The hotel we stayed at they were filming a CSI: Las Vegas Episode. That was tons of fun for the girls. We got to watch them do several takes inside and outside.

We had a great week together and really enjoyed all the family time that we had together!

It's Official!!

2009-10-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Bates went on their 1st Real Camp out Ever!!

So our Ward Family Camp out was last weekend. I decided that I would try my best to be okay with this. (I am the queen of paved roads and all!) We decided to buy 2- 3 man tents instead of 1 big tent because Myk needs a smaller tent for Scout Camp outs anyways. We are not campers and only own 3 sleeping bags ( I had to buy 2 this summer for A & B for girls camp, the other is from when I used to go to girls camp). Blankets work well too, right?

Anywho, Myk spent a couple days building his best redneck BBQ that you ever did see! Larger than life, annoying, but functional!

We load up the back of Myk's truck, and can I tell you that for an overnight campout, it's ridiculous that we were overflowing out the top of the bed of his full size truck!!! Our poor doggie had to ride in her kennel on top of stuff above the bed of the truck! (Don't worry, she was safely strapped down top and back).

We arrived at the campsite around 4:00 and after the pure stress of Myk maneuvering his new, shiny, unscratched truck between trees that were barely wider than his truck, we began to unload the mounds of stuff we brought. Myk's 1st priority was to start a fire in the redneck BBQ so he could get some good coals for the bread in the Dutch oven (which I might add, the Dutch Oven is larger than life too!)

I decide I can be a big kid and set up the 1st tent all by myself. I laid down the tarp and opened up the tent on top of that and proceeded to push the poles through the top of the tent, Myk stopped me to let me know that I needed to lock the pieces together (oops, who knew?). So I finished that and asked where the directions were. I was sure if I read the directions I could figure this out. Myk showed me and then I did a pretty good job finishing up by myself! Whew!!

All in all I actually had a good time. I only saw 1 creeping bug as I laid down the tarp, but other than that there were a couple of flies and bees the next morning. I couldn't believe that I actually almost liked this camping thing. I was bored and ready to go by 11 the next morning, but a good trip all in all.

Oh, I almost forgot. We actually didn't really get to sleep at all, because camping across the trees from our ward were some recovering alcoholics, there on a retreat!! They blared their music and partied (alcohol free, of course) all night. Someone in the ward who lookes at the time said it was until 5:30 am! Holy cow, don't these people need sleep?

Here are a couple pic's:

Happy Belated Birthday!

2009-07-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

Poor Madison. Her birthday just happened to fall on the day we left for Kayla's graduation, so I gave her a few small insignificant presents along the way to kinda make it special, but I planned on a party when we got back. Well, you know how life just seems to be too busy and you never get around to things... well it was after the reunion, and we still hadn't had a party for Madi. I like to do the whole shebang. I decided one morning that her party was today, it was just going to be us, and nothing too fancy. We had pizza, watched a movie, opened presents and had cake and ice cream. The kids put up a few streamers to make it festive. I think that was a great idea for birthday parties! Who needs all the friends and frills? Ok, maybe I really do, because I like to do that for my kids, but simple is nice too!

ROAD TRIP!!!

2009-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

So after the reunion I convinced Gina to let Elise stay with us for about a week, and that would force me to have to bring her home and get to see Gina's new house. I have to admit I was a bit worried (ok, alot worried) about making the long drive to Utah by myself (Myk didn't get to go). I take 6 hour trips all the time by myself, but anything more is just not good. I get really tired when I'm driving, and knowing the only back up I had was 4 girls who could do much backing up, I was worried. But nonetheless, we set sail. It was actually much better than I had expected. I think I decided it took 10 hours from my door to my sisters door, with a few stops along the way.

Here are a few pic's along the way:

We stopped for a quick photo at Glenn Dam in Page.

We stopped in to see Tara and baby Teagan. We are eating suckers, that's why the funny faces!

All the Lybbert kids and us at the park! See Kris hiding out in the background?

The cousins at Kris' house.

Kris and Scott

Me and Kris. My camera was really having a hard time focusing, so this was the only one that was not blurry.

At Gina's house in the front yard among all the trees, the Anderson's and Bates.

Me and Gina

The girls cruzin' down the highway

We decided to make another pit stop on the way to Farmington at the arch between Moab and Monticello. Holy sheepdog that's a good workout!

Aubree's saying hurry up Mom!!

The girls at the top.

I have been trying to see Amy the past few time we've been in Farmington, because I realized I haven't seen her in almost 2 years, since we moved. Too crazy! So we met ant Grandma's and all of us got to visit there. ( I did realize while posting pic's that I didn't get one with Grandma.)

So going to see new baby Keegan was on the top of our list of people to see in Farmington. Isn't he just a cutie!

The Dollar families and the Bates

It really was a fun trip. I was ready to get home though and sleep in my own bed! We brought Heather and Rachel home with us to stay for a while! It's nice to have cousins here, because they keep my kids entertained and not so BORED! Thanks everyone for letting us stay with you! We had a great time!

Busy 3 Weeks

2009-06-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

SOOOO, I was looking at pictures on my camera last night and realized I better sit down and post a few pictures. We got out of school on May 21st, left at 6 am on the 22nd (which happened to be Madison's B-day) for Kayla's graduation, went up to Farmington for 2 days, came home cleaned house for 2 days, and had a Bates family reunion. Now Myk is the photographer, but I have a couple snapshots that I have of each of these occasions (I think).

1st is my neice Kayla's graduation. She graduated from Moriarty HS with Honors. Congrats Kayla! We Love You!!

Nathan and Lanessa and their family stayed with us. Also Meara and Joel and their girls, then Gina and her girls surprised us on Friday as they came bursting in the front door!! We loved having everyone in our house and visiting. It was a great time! I only have a couple of pictures that I took hanging out around the house. Myk will have to get actual reunion photos later.

Nate, Myk and Gina just chillin':

A car full:

The kids hangin out in the loft:

Holy Chicken....Part I

2009-05-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

So my dad found a super good deal on chicken breasts that we use for canning a while back and bought enough to fill 2 freezers worth. We finally got around to canning 2 weekends ago. We did 1/2 of it and lets just say I am glad we stopped there!!

After a morning at the dry pack cannery, I headed over to my parents house to can chicken. It took almost 3 hours to get the 1st pot boiling because the chicken was frozen. Once we got the 1st batch done, it went much quicker. Needless to say, it took til about 8:30 that night. We canned about 125 lbs of chicken.

With that, comes the New Meaning of "Sweat Shop":

I had to have a picture of me watching the pressure cookers. The story is just great. Because we live in Arizona and it is so stinking hot, we didn't want to heat up the house (or have it smell like chicken for days), so my dad got a cook top and had an electrician wire up an outlet in the GARAGE (yes, the garage) to cook on. I sat out in the garage watching pressure cookers do their thing and it was only about 107* that day, No biggy!

After all that hard work, we ended up with 64 pints of chicken and 14 quarts of chicken broth. It was a good day!

FAMILY IS THE BEST!!!!

2009-04-19T10:58:00.001-07:00

So, I am not the picture taking girl anymore, and realized, once again, that is bad. After Devon & Lori & their family left last week, I had nothing to show for it.

I do have to say though that it was so great to have them come stay with us!! I love my family sooo much. I woke up Monday morning (the day they were leaving) and thought to myself, I really don't want them to go. There are alot of houses for sale in our neighborhood you know! Wyatt & Brooke and their girls also came down for Easter and stayed at my parents. Madison was just as excited as she could be to get to play with their girls. I think she mostly like to be in charge, to be the BOSS!

Thanks to both my brothers for bringing their families to Mesa for easter! I love you both. Remember, there are many houses for sale in my neighborhood, and right now the price is right!!! Hint. Hint.

SICK DOGGIE!!

2009-04-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Maya had to go to the vet this week. (She's not a big fan of that!) She snapped at the helpers when they tried to do somethimg to her ear, so they went to get a muzzle for her, and held her down with a towel. She kept fighting and the helpers told Myk she's got springs in there!!

We first thought she might have to have surgery, because she has a bad habit of eating the girls undies, and we thought they were not passing, but found out it was actually the opposite of that. She was sick, and had diarrhea. I know TMI, but we were thankful that was the problem! We are not sure why she was sick, but she has been on several different meds all week, and after 2 days she was back to her naughty, mischievous self.

Family Trip to Nauvoo

2009-03-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our Spring Break Trip to Nauvoo. What a great time we had. We are so blessed to have all the luxuries in life that we have. The pioneers definately had it alot rougher than we do! I so admire the strenghth and faith that they had to have had to endure all the trials they went through. Myk (our personal amateur photographer) was of course present on the trip with us and took between 400-500 pictures. I didn't think all of those were necessary, so he chose 24 to post. I added some of mine as well.

The plane ride was absolutely exhausting!!

Okay, so can I say it is a VERY, way out of the way drive to get to Nauvoo. Thank You GPS Lady for your turn by turn directions! We would have never made it to this picture if it weren't for you!
Can you say CHEESE? Here we are in the grove Sunday morning. This is a grove of trees similar to where they would hold sacrament meeting.

Madison got to pet the horses after our COLD Wagon Ride.

Joseph Smith Homestead

This was Joseph's Smith's 1st house that he lived in.

OLD NAUVOO: Post Office and Print ShopHere we were learning how tedious of a task it was to print the newspaper.

Madison is inking it up for printing.

Aubree is cranking the press.

Oh, the oxen ride was great fun!

Madison just LOVES the animals. This was probably her favorite part of the trip! Here she is having a good time with Gary.

AUBREE'S FIRST KISS!!!

Now, I guess we need to have a talk with Aubree again about not kissing boys!

Aubree on the balcony of our hotel

Baylee in the window of our hotel

Carthage

Our tour guide handed Baylee the key to unlock the door to go into Carthage!!

Baylee pointing to the bullet hole in the door that killed Joseph Smith.

Carthage jail from the outside.

A beautiful Nauvoo Sunset (photo courtesy of our own Myk Bates)

Learning how to make a rope: Aubree is cranking one side...

Madi is helping with the other.So Baylee was introduced to the first "running water" in nauvoo. Put this contraption on your neck, add a bucket to each side, fill with water, and run!!

A few pictures of the temple:

Aubree and Baylee got to do baptisms for the dead for the 1st time while we were in nauvoo. And to make it even better, they got to do some family names ( Thanks, to Myk's Aunt Diana!)

So we didn't think to take pictures until we were leaving, so we are a little wet, and lookin' good, but what a great experience!

Here's myk, living the "koosh" life, making his girls do all the work! The girl's really had a good time with the handcarts. We only had a few minutes to "play" around with them, but are glad we got that chance! FYI: Uphill is REALLY hard!

On our way to Adam-ondi-Ahman (which I might add is another way out in the boon-docks drive, thanks Again GPS Lady) we stopped at a gas station to eat lunch (that's the only place to eat in those parts) and saw atruck full of baby pigs. 2565 to be exact! The driver let the girls look at them and opened up the door so Myk could snap some pics.

Here we are at Adam-ondi-Ahman. It was a wee bit windy as my hair shows!!

All in all it was a great trip. We learned alot about the early Saints of the Church and the trials and hardships that they endured. They were hard working people with an incredible amount of faith. What a great experience! We are very blessed to have had the opportunity to go.

Thanks Unkie!!

2009-02-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

OK, so I'm not too into this blog thing, but there are signs of hope in my future. As a matter of fact, my fortune cookie from Panda Express Saturday said that I will soon change my present line of work!! So who knows, maybe I will become a professonal blogger! (Not counting on that one!)
But anyways, just wanted to thank Wyatt for helping get a pretty background and teach me a few tricks of the trade while I was in Farmington. I "accidentally" started this blog back in December, but had no plans of continuing it. I have had second thoughts now and then. I enjoy reading everyone else's blog and think maybe someone would actually enjoy ours?? I know, that's a long shot, but I can be hopeful, right??
So, no promises, but maybe randomly, I'll find something to post. We do lead pretty boring lives!