I'm a walking advertisement

Considering I practically LIVE at this place, I thought (as well as the entire Barney family) that it was blog worthy! They keep telling me I need to put their logo on my blog since I talk about how I've dedicated my life to working out lately and I have "The Barn" to thank for everything! I'm at this place 6 days a week (Monday through Saturday). If they held church services there, I'd be there on Sundays too! LOL! Honestly though, here is my routine:

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Monday: (5am-6am) BOOT CAMP

Tuesday: (9am-10:30am) GYM WORK OUT, (5:30-7:30pm) VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE, (9:30-11:30pm) VOLLEYBALL CITY LEAGUE

Wednesday: (5am-6am) BOOT CAMP

Thursday: (9am-10:30am) GYM WORK OUT, (6:15-9:30pm) VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE

Friday: (5am-6am) BOOT CAMP

Saturday: Sporatic visits throughout the day for volleyball tournaments

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So there you have it! Outside of family, church, and friends.....this is my life! The best thing about it is that while I'm working out in the mornings, Kylee is either sleeping or at preschool. So I don't have to take time away from Kylee to do all this. The only time I'm away from her is during practices on Tuesday and Thursday nights. That's Daddy/daughter bonding time! For those of you who don't know about the Barney Family Sports Complex, go check it out! It's off of Queen Creek Road between Signal Butte and Crismon. It's amazing!!! (permanent advertisement to the right - LOL)

It's a hard-knock life....for us

I know so many people who are struggling in some way, shape or form and in many ways, it gives me courage to withstand my own personal struggles, but at the same time.....it makes me so mad at this world for being in the shape that it is right now. Things are SO bad EVERYWHERE! Why does it have to be this way?? Well, I guess it's because we as a people all need to learn something. The Lord wants to see how well we progress through the hard things in life. He felt the need to test everyone at the same time to see if we come together and get through these things in a positive way.
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The list of hard-ships can go on and on for our family right now but so can the good things. I've been focusing so much on what we don't have and what we can't accomplish lately so I feel the need to make a list of things that I'm so grateful for and what REALLY matter in this life........what makes my life perfect and so happy:
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A loving Father in Heaven
A Savior who died for me and gives me hope for all things in my future
The gospel and my knowledge of why I'm hear in this life
David and Kylee
A family and in-laws that love and support me (us) through everything
Good friends who make life fun
Volleyball and the joy I get out of playing and coaching (it's my escape)
A home that I can call my sanctuary from the world
Good working cars that get us where we need to go
Health and the health of my loved ones
FAITH in all that's good and pure
The temple where I can go during my lowest moments in life and feel at peace with everything
Laughter (mainly from my Kylee girl who keeps me smiling daily)
My calling and the Young Women who keep me strong and motivated to do what's right
Examples in my life who keep me motivated and strong
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The best thing about all of these things is that they aren't materialistic. I can have these things no matter how bad my life may seem. And these are the things that make me the most happy. I feel encouragement and hope through it all because no matter what, I can always keep these things with me (other than my car and home)!!! I can always be happy and content with what I have. I encourage all of you to write down these things for yourself to feel encouraged and get a little spark of hope if you have been struggling lately. I know it has helped me. As corny as it may seem and feel, it has made me feel better and that's all that matters! Live life to the fullest!! And as I just read somewhere......remember that our life is in the hands of the Lord - - we are on His time table, not ours! It's all about our attitude and how we accept life's challenges. It's my prayer and hope that I can get through all of life's current struggles in a positive manner so that I can be a strength to those around me........especially to my daughter!

Vegas Vegas Vegas

This past 3-day weekend my team had a national qualifying tournament in Vegas. I've been with this team for 3 years now and this was our first experience playing in Vegas. The girls loved experiencing Vegas together and we had a blast. They played HARD and unfortunately didn't end up with as many "W's" as we should have, but if you were to see them play, you would've thought we were winning! They have so much fight and heart!!! It will catch up to them one of these days and they are going to be winning machines like they were last year.

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Anyhow, here are some pics from our weekend...

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Our first night there, we drove up and down the strip and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe

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This was funny........Coach Jaime and I were both on our cell phones at the same time and the girls looked down and noticed it. So they whipped out their cell phones and started mocking us. It looked so funny so we had to take a picture! Just a glimpe into how fun and cute these girls are!

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After we were done eating, the lights went dim and the music starting blasting! The YMCA came over the loud speakers and all our girls got up and started dancing. They ROCKED the stage!!!

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One of the best places we visited.......the M&M Factory!

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Ya.....we are awesome like that!

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Coaches........Best Friends.......Sisters from another Mother.......that's us!

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And here is HAVOK looking all cute in our purple warm up shirts! I can't tell you just how much I love these girls!

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Vegas was a blast......totally!!!! But I have to mention just how much I missed my babies back home! I wish Vegas weekend wasn't over Valentine's Day. When I got to the hotel and unpacked my bag, I found a card tucked under my pajamas. I knew what it was right away and got teary-eyed! I love my sweet Valentine David and I missed him so much! I know I'm gone a lot due to volleyball and I'm so thankful to have a loving supporting husband who lets me fulfill my passion in life. He truly is the best and I couldn't ask for a better companion! And the best part of it all......he's mine for ETERNITY!!! I love you so much David!

Lemonade and Laundry

Despite all the toys and things that Kylee has at our house, she would much rather help me in the kitchen and do laundry with me. Most days I'm annoyed by this and just want to get things done faster by myself, but today I decided to let Kylee be my BEST LITTLE HELPER! She really is my best helper and we had a fun time doing it all!

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I got about 100 lemons (no joke) from my Aunt's tree so I decided to squeeze all of them and make some lemonade. I have to freeze the rest of the juice because there is just too much!!

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My HAPPY little helper!

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Kylee's attempt of using the camera. She's actually pretty good! Here I am in action using my wonderful Bosche juicer! Love my Bosche!!!!

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On to the laundry. Yes......Kylee still had the camera!

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Kylee in action with the laundry!

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Her favorite part........putting the dryer sheet in!

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Silly girl!

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Silly Momma!!! LOL

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I know I look SCARY in these pictures but I had recently worked out and hadn't cleaned myself up yet. Why would I when I was going to clean the house and get gross again anyway?!! I guess I didn't have to show case to the world how nasty I look after a work out! O'well.........guess I can't be beautiful ALL THE TIME!!! hahahaha!

It does snow in Arizona!!!

What do ya know!!? It snows in Arizona! Woo hoo!!! Well, HAIL is the closest that Phoenix is going to get to "snow" so we'll take it! It couldn't have snowed on a better day too.........it was the Pew's turn to have my family over for dinner this month and I planned to have soup in bread bowls. What a perfect fit for the cold "snowy" weather! The only down side to it was the fact that the kids couldn't play outside because it was too muddy. But they had fun playing pool and ping pong in our new "game room". We have the fun house now! Inside and out!! We just need more kids to enjoy it! Kylee gets bored playing by herself.......even though she has a "house of fun"! Here are some of the pics I took from the "snow" yesterday!

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And Natalie......if you ever read this, just know that one day I WILL BEAT YOU AT PING PONG!!! You are my everest!!! LOL

Non-stop fun...

This little girl has it all!! We've had the trampoline since April and now, thanks to Grandma and Papa Montez and Craigslist, we were able to complete our "backyard of fun" for our little spoiled princess with this swing set! She would literally spend ALL DAY outside if she didn't have preschool or tumbling class. She's a lucky little girl!

Now if only Daddy would mow the dead grass and pull the weeds we got going on here.......our yard would be complete!

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And here she is with her most favorite friend/cousin!! They could play all day long together out there!

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Thanks again Grandma and Papa!! Kylee and MOM will forever be grateful! This was the best purchase we've made in a long time!!!

Okay....you win!!!

I have decided to go blonde......even though I only received about 30 comments in total! I always knew deep down that I was going to go through with this no matter what. I HAVE to do this for me!!! I've always wanted to and I'm not about to back out now that the entire world knows I want to do this! And everyone I talk to is encouraging me to do it.....so you know.....I wouldn't want to let anyone down! I'm doing this for all of you! hahaha! Now I just have to save up some money because going from dark to blonde is going to cost me a pretty penny I'm sure! So pictures to come within the next month or so! Stefany's fund for blonde hair will be set up at the JUST KIDDING bank if you want to pitch in!! LOL

So Sad...

Well, if you don't know by now that the Cardinals lost the super bowl yesterday, than you are either in a coma or dead. But what many of you may not know is that I had put my hair on the line and was destined to go blonde if the Cardinals pulled off the "W". Well, it didnt' happen but I am disappointed in many ways. Obvious reasons are due to the fact that I wanted the Cardinals to win......but also because I was getting excited about going blonde. So with that.....I am working up the courage to take the plunge without any bets! Check out my facebook status if you are a fellow face-booker!!! I have a challenge going on right now. If you don't have a facebook, my challenge to everyone is that if I get 50 comments, then I will still go blonde. I'm extending that challenge to my blog as well. For today only, if I get a total of 50 comments (combined from facebook and blogspot), then I'll still go blonde. So start commenting people!!! The challenge is on!! It's me vs. all of you! haha!

Kylee's Day of Fun.....and Exhausting Day for Mom!

Today was a busy day, but a very fun day for Kylee. I got to enjoy it as well because I was able to see a friend of mine that I haven't seen in YEARS! Heather and I met during GCC volleyball and she is how I met David......so she will of course always hold a special place in my life and my heart! She's a great friend......and her daughter Madison is so stinkin' cute! She has the raddest personality.

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Anyhow, Heather and I met up at McCormick Ranch Park in Scottsdale. It's the greatest place for kids ever and it's practically FREE! I say practically because if you want to ride the train, it's a dollar! So yes.....FREE is the word!

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Here is Madison and Kylee. This was the first time they've met and they became instant friends!

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Playing on the playgrounds........yes plural......there were like 5 different playgrounds for all ages!

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Getting ready to ride the train! They were so excited!

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Playing some more!

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Heather and Me! I don't know why I wear this shirt......it makes me look extra WIDE! I hate stripes!

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And this picture marks a historical event for me in my life. I got stung by a bee for the first time ever! Tomorrow is my birthday so I almost made it 27 years without getting stung. But it really wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be.

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After a few hours at the park and a long drive home, Kylee went straight to tumbling class. I crashed on my sister-in-laws couch while Kylee tumbled. I've been awake since 4:30am because I had boot camp this morning. I am sooo tired!!! And I have mutual in a couple hours. I just might fall asleep while making salsa!!! LOL

Go Cardinals.....but don't!!!

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT I WILL MAKE ONE 'FUNNY LOOKING' BLONDY!!! I MADE A DEAL WITH MY FRIENDS THAT IF THE CARDINALS WIN THE SUPER BOWL, I WILL GO BLONDE! I'VE NEVER GONE BLONDE BEFORE AND IT'S ALWAYS BEEN SOMETHING THAT I HAVE WANTED TO TRY AT LEAST ONCE IN MY LIFETIME! BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE PLUNGE. WELL, I'M ALWAYS UP FOR A GOOD BET SO I DECIDED TO PUT MY HAIR ON THE LINE! THIS WILL MAKE ME DO IT NO MATTER WHAT BECAUSE I CAN'T GO BACK ON MY WORD. SO NEEDLESS TO SAY........

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GO CARDINALS!!! (BUT DON'T)

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(You tell me.....can you picture me with blonde hair??? YIKES!!!)

At least people will believe me more when I say that Kylee is mine!!!

My obsessions...

I feel it necessary to blog about my recent obsessions just because they are over-taking my life. Some are good and some are bad. They truly contradict each other and you are about to see why......

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I'm currently wrapped up into the tv show LOST. Jaime introduced me to this AMAZING show about a month ago and I've been watching the past 4 seasons on DVD now daily. But with the new season premiere coming out tonight, I have been in "zombie" mode and am trying to catch up FAST! I'm on the last season and have 2 more discs to go, which I intend on finishing today before the premiere tonight. Yesterday I literally sat on my booty for 6 hours trying to catch up. I make it sound like a chore but believe me when I say that I LOVE IT AND CAN'T STOP!!! Luckily Kylee was at preschool for 3 of those hours so I wasn't a total bum-Mom the entire time.

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My other obsession is working out. For those of you who know me, I am a die-hard volleyball player and coach and have typically stayed in shape throughout my entire life. But since I've been married and stopped playing competitive sports, my work out habits are slim to none! Well, then Wayland came into my life and I can't stop working out now. Wayland is a personal trainer who has been working my volleyball teams out since August. I join in every now and then but didn't do it faithfully until he started a morning boot camp this month. I'm going on 3 weeks strong of working out everyday, except for Sundays. I am on a work-out high and want more of it everyday. I haven't felt this good in years! My insides feel great........now I'm just waiting for my "outsides" to catch up and start looking as good as I feel!!! LOL

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So as you can see, my two obsessions totally contradict each other. I'm a couch potato, yet a work-out-a-holic! Hahahaha!

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No pictures today......just me rambling on about my life and what's going on lately. I feel extremely optimistic about this year and feel that our future as a family is looking good and hopeful! I'm so thankful for a hard-working husband who will do anything for our family. He is the rock of our family! Kylee is loving preschool and is sad when she doesn't get to go (on her off-days). She also loves primary at church and is learning so much from both preschool and primary. She also loves her tumbling class and of course, playing with her friends and cousins.

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This has turned into my "post-New Year's" post. Things are going good so far in 2009 and I'm excited to see what the rest of this year holds for me personally, and for our family!

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PS......Happy 33rd birthday to my brother yesterday! Love you Aaron!

My little gymnist!

Kylee started a tumbling class today with her Aunt Becky. It was so funny to watch! She didn't have any "tumbling" clothes so she insisted on wearing her ballerina outfit. There are 6 little girls in the class and they are so cute together. Here are some "poor" quality pictures that I took from my phone (because I forgot my actual camera):

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Working on her back bends...

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Learning how to do a back-roll...

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And the best part of all.........getting 2 pieces of candy at the end!

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I don't know how Mom's of 2 or more do it! Kylee just started preschool and tumbling classes this month and I feel like I'm running around like a taxi Mom! I love it but I can't imagine having to take more than just one child to different places everyday! Kylee doesn't know how good she has it!!! She doesn't have to share any of her Momma or Daddy's time! Lucky girl!!!

First day of School!!!

What an emotional day!! Kylee started her first day of preschool today. She was soooo excited and I was so excited for her, but I was also sad because my baby is growing up so fast and there's no stopping it! She is so excited and ready to start school. I know she'll love it and learn so fast! She's going to be a young one when she starts Kindergarten (since her birthday is in August) so I felt that starting her in preschool early was very important.

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Here she is all ready to go and excited!!!

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VERY EXCITED!!!! LOL

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I love the look on her face........if she were to say something, I'm sure it would be...."Why are you following me Mom......just drop me off"! (because she did mention that on the ride over there - - she said, "You can just drop me off Mom") - No kiss??!!!! Sniff sniff!

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A big reason why she was so excited to start preschool was because some of her most favorite friends from church go there. Here she is with Matthew Lindblom and Tylee Payne.

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So....day one down! I'm actually shocked that I'm not crying because yesterday during Sunday School at church, I got emotional thinking about the fact that Kylee was now in primary and not nursery anymore. She's graduating from all the toddler stuff and onto the big kid stuff! Ohhhh....my baby!!!

Our CRAZY-FUN New Year's...

Okay....so I have a very close group of friends that I grew up with and we hardly see each other throughout the whole year (if at all), so at the end of the year during Christmas and New Year's, we make sure we always get together and have our annual parties!!! This year our New Year's party was definitely one of the most memorable and fun! Here are A LOT of pictures from our fun night at the Webster's...

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We started out the night with lots of yummy grub!

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It was "Bring Your Own Meat" so we stuffed our faces with delicious steaks, chicken and cheese-filled hotdogs!

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The newly weds - Jon and Jodi

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The crazy Mills.....Cliff and Heather

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The handsome Townsend couple - Tausha and Gates

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And here is the sad and lonely David without his spouse.......because she was busy taking all the pictures!

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And this is why we get together every year...........FRIENDS FOR LIFE!!!

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The singles of the group - Jeremy and Heidi

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Hanging out by the fire pit

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Love my Stina!

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The highlight of the evening was just after the rang in the New Year at midnight. Heather was flashed a little cash and dared to jump in the freezing pool. If you show Heather the green, she'll do anything!!! So here it went...

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Not long after, Heidi and Tausha decided to jump in for FUN!!!! No money involved.....just absolute CRAZINESS! This is why I love my friends! Jodi, Christina and I decided to stay dry and warm!

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The whole fun gang! It was such a fun night! Love my MP girls and MP spouses!!!

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On a side and sad note, David and I were in the hospital with Kylee on Sunday night due to a bad case of the croup. She was really struggling to breathe that night and started to panic. She couldn't take in a full breath so we rushed her to the emergency room and spent a nice 5 hours there! They had to inject her with some steroids to open her airway and monitor her for a few hours, along with some breathing treatments. She's fine now but the whole night was extremely scary for Mom and Dad!!! Poor baby!