Passing up Pom Poms...

Okay, I had to really think about this blog and couldn't decide whether or not I should post it. Of course we all know that Michael Jackson died June 25th, and if this is news to you, well I guess you have been living under a rock. Watching all of the news coverage of his death really gave me a chance to think and reflect on Michael. I have a story that I would like to share... when I was a little girl my parents didn't have a lot of money. Getting something from the store was very rare. Sometimes my mom would buy me some paper dolls or a Sunkist soda if I were lucky. But there is one occastion I remember so clear in my mind. I had to be in Kindergarten. My dad, mom, and my cousin Angie went to Smitty's. For those of you who are new to Laveen or South Phoenix, Smitty's was the only grocery store and it was located on Central and Baseline. Smitty's was the "one stop shop". They had everything, groceries, movie rentals, candy shop, toys, and of course records. I can't remember what I did that was so special, but I was able to pick something out, something big! I can clearly remember standing there holding the Michael Jackson Thriller album and staring at the red and white pom poms hanging on the shelf. I had to choose. I couldn't make up my mind, but I passed up the Pom Poms and my parents bought "the album".

I remember going home and listening to "wanna be started something" over and over. I don't think that I really liked "thriller" because it was scary, but I cherished that album. It was on a shelf right next to my record player. I also wore one white glove that I got from the parade. I seriously had issues :() Later came the We are the World record that was added to my collection. This has always been a childhood memory for some reason, I am not sure, but my memories of Michael don't end there.

My brother was a Michael fan too. He can still do that famous move and spin... he was really good at it. For entertainment (because there weren't video games, internet, or DirecTV) I would beg my brother to dance to Billy Jean. I would just sit back and laugh. Those were some really good days for me and Michael... I am not sure what happened to the Michael Jackson that captured a 5 year old little girl's heart, but he definitely had some charisma.

What ever happened, I am sure we will never know or understand.

However, I am understanding that Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, or like Barry Gordy said, "The Greatest Entertainer that ever lived."

I guess Michael, in death, can still capture a little girl's heart with his talent.

GO NAVY!

Well another girls camp has come and gone... of course it was a blast. As I reflect on girls camp this year, I learned a lot about myself, witnessed amazing teamwork, and once again felt the spirit of Christ.

Rejli put on an uplifting program on Sunday night, there is not a doubt in my mind that the message that night will be remembered by the girls for many years. It is special people like Rejli Woodecki and Janet Bencomo that dedicate their time and life to service, and in turn the young woman of this stake will grow testimonies from programs like Girls Camp @ Camp Lo Mia.

I watched Sister Chancellor work non stop for five days cooking for nearly 140 people, just amazing, of course she didn't do it alone, but let me tell you, she is the BOSS.:) The teamwork was extraordinary. We live in a world that is selfish and self-centered, it was refreshing to see the people helping each other out. I couldn't have survived the week without Tobie Stevens. She was my right arm. Thanks Tobie.

About learning something about myself, well again, I learned that people who are just "nice" get further in life, and if they don't get further, they are just a little bit happier. I have been accused of being too passive, but I have to say it's better here in "passive" land, I like it.

Some of my greatest memories I have are from my youth. I love thinking about Camp Lo Mia, I made a life long best friend there, Amanda Bartlett. I strengthened my testimony by embracing the words spoken by my leaders and following their example. I will be forever indebted to my leaders. It was now time for me to return those favors, or pass it on.

Summer begins...

Summer has begun!

The first day of summer, or weekend of summer, was spent with my husband. We had a blast... it was so nice just the two of us. The kids were in Texas visiting with my grandfather. They had a lot of fun. Colby's schedule just changed, he now works days and gets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thrusdays off, it has a been an adjustment, but I think it is going to be perfect. We have spent a lot of time together, time that we have lost in the last couple of years with what life has brought us. I am definitely not complaining, life has been really good to us lately, or should I say the Lord has been really good to us. When the kids came back, we went to a couple of movies and went on bike rides every night.

Taylor on her bike.


Me posing of course on my bike.

It was awesome. This last week, we went to Woods Canyon Lake. That was a lot of fun. It was like out of the movies, it was so perfect. There was a couple of times where I felt like I needed to pinch myself. I took two naps! I am really enjoying our family and the age of my kids.


Bub at Woods Canyon Lake.

We went on bike rides, rented a boat, and did some "fishing", if that is what you want to call it.
All in all we had a lot of fun! It has been a great start to a long and restful summer...


My Husband, Officer Holt. (I love saying that :)


Kennedy enjoying her bike ride!


Marley does her "trick", isn't she so cute?


Our Family Flag... we have some more stuff to add since the last time we used it two years ago!

Twins turn 10...

Yes, you read that correctly, they are ten! Can you believe it? I can't and I am the one that gave birth to them! They are such a blessing to our family... they are two of the most loving children that I know. Colby has really grown up now that he is the "man" of the house (his father keeps reminding him of that). He is always worried about me and does anything to make my day easier. Taylor is a minnie me, so of course she is a delight! I love these two so much and can't imagine my life without them. I feel so blessed to be their mom.

take me out to the ball game...

Little Colby up to bat.

Playing 3rd... minutes before walking off the field.

Okay, so some people just don't get the Holts... come spring time, our lives are centered around baseball, professional and little league. Little Colby has been on two leagues this season, and being a "single mother" has had its challenges. But he has really grown up a lot and he has been playing on the major division in Laveen. Being the youngest on the team has been interesting, but Colby has been doing a really good job proving to people that he belongs with the older boys. It might have something to do with the fact that Colby has been playing ball all year round since he was 3. Yesterday, he played in a tournament at St. Agnes. His team placed second (poor coaching) and I realized that my son inherited my husband's temperment. He was so mad at his coach that he called a time out, walked off the field, threw his hat and glove in the dug out, and was close to tears. Of course it had something to do with the fact that he woke up @ 6am after playing the night before until 10 pm, played 4 back to back games that started at 8 am and it was now 4:30pm (no break, he ate pizza in between innings), and the temperature was 90 degrees. He was toast! But I am NOT going to give him an excuse, he was totally out of line and was showing NO sportsmanship... when I walked back from seeing what was wrong with him, my husband asked, "What was wrong?" I simply replied, "You, he is you!" Some people might avoid putting this story on their blog, but I am not... the Holt kids are not perfect and I am not going to pretend that they are! I wanted to beat him in front of everyone for his poor attitude, but thought that might be a little more embarassing! This morning it's funny, but yesterday it was not. The worst part is, I didn't think they would get that far in the tournament so I didn't put sun screen on, oh my goodness! You should see me, I look like a tomato! Anyway, long story short, we got in the car and I looked in the back seat to yell at him (or "talk" to him rather) about sportsmanship and the kid was asleep! What can I say, I might have walked off and made a scene had I been playing baseball all day and I was watching my coach make poor decisions that were costing us the game too! Maybe he gets it from me!
Okay, so now the professional baseball... my parents are season ticket holders for the Diamondbacks! Woot! Woot! So our lives this summer will be consumed of sunflower seeds, noon games, water bottles, cheering crowds, nooners (from the Duck and Decanter, a sandwich shop people!), the old man that sits in front of us, and of course fireworks. Bring it on! I am ready for my summer centered around the Diamondbacks! Let's go D-Backs, let's go!

Alice...

Kennedy was in the"Alice in Wonderland" play at her school. She was just awesome! The play was awesome and all of the kids did a wonderful job. As I watched her act in front of all those people, I was so impressed how calm and confident she was. She truly made me proud. I am so grateful for her, even though at times she and I battle, she is going to be a strong young woman. I am so grateful that she has the opportunity to attend such an amazing school. There are so many different opportunities that are going to come her way and I know with out a doubt she is going to make history!

Blessed.

I have been very reflective the last couple of weeks and trying to pay close attention to how blessed I am. I don't really need to go in great detail, but it feels really good to know that my Heavenly Father looks out for me and my family. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. We never get to go to church with my parents, so we joined them in Vineyard Ward for Easter Sunday. It was nice and worked out great since I didn't have to teach the Young Women on Sunday. I am so grateful for my family and their examples to me. Well anyway, 5 1/2 weeks left... do you know what I am talking about???????