The Four Amigos

First Day of School Fairy

2011-11-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start a new start of school tradition. The night before the first day of school, we will have a little visitor called, 'The first day of school fairy'. Lane totally ratted me out to the boys so they have a pretty good idea that it wasn't a fairy who put goodies in their backpacks. How rude! ;) That's okay, it's still going to be titled and gifted from 'The first day of school fairy!'
Porter and Grady put their backpacks outside their door to awaken to a full backpack of fun filled items!

Porter's loot.

Smiling...because that is what I have taught him since out of the womb.

Grady's loot.

Enjoying checking out his surprises. I had to make this truly exciting and so I went again my better judgment and put mini marshmallows in his new snack cup. Guaranteed, he loved it!

Porter's first interview with his teacher a few days before school.

This is what we brought her as a ice breaker-get to know you-my child is the coolest, treat. "With you as my teacher, I am going to be one smart cookie!"

And here it is! The grande finale! Porter's first day of school with year 2 of brotherly goodbyes and loves. They were both having excellent hair days as well. I know I will enjoy pictures like these more with each wrinkle I get. Love savoring my crazy dudes.

Porter has a birthday!...in August

2011-11-01T12:38:00.001-07:00

Porter turned 6 in August with 'full day school' looming before us. I had a really hard time transitioning into motherhood when Porter was born. My Mom told me that 'time would fly by', but by the time he was six months old, I practically chastised her and claimed they were lies, saying that was the longest six months of my life!
Well, as it turns out, she was right. His six years of life have flown by and now I want them to slow down. I love that my kids are kids and love me unconditionally and truly wake up each morning with the attitude that it's a new day. When he turned 6, all of a sudden I was thinking, 'he's almost 8 which means he gets baptized...people who have 8 year olds are the 'old-young', and he's half way to 12 which is a teenager and so on and so forth.
Well, lets leave my girly, wishy, washy emotions aside for a moment to talk about his rockin' awesome birthday party. He really wanted to invite his whole kindergarten class for a party. Quite a few kids in his class had rented out community rooms and invited the whole class for their parties. He really loved his class and his teacher and so there was pull there BUT he also wanted to go go-karting. I told him he had to pick one because we couldn't take his whole kindergarten class go-karting. If he wanted to choose go-karting, only four friends could come and then we could race and go-kart. Go-karting won the day.
There was a re-do of the 'The Little Rascals', in the early 1990s. It is a new favorite of Porter's. One of the main plots climaxes is when Alfalfa wins the go-kart race. Porter is already inclined to anything with wheels, fast, race, etc. because of Lane but go-karting is the perfect kid way to do all of it.
Kind of embarrassing BUT last year, Porter had a dinosaur Porter and the invite said, 'Come for a Roarin' good time.' Clearly I am not too creative in the puns but on his invitation this year, it was printed on a tire that said, 'Come for a Roarin' good time.' Same word, different...noun...object? I didn't realize that until after. I guess 'roarin' is just so versatile, I couldn't help myself...again. It's really not limiting myself, it's just using what works...;)

First of all, these speed racer children needed to know I meant business with a fancy shmancy finish line Happy Birthday banner! Oh yah!

Of course, driver and vehicle must be well hydrated to perform at optimum levels.

Oh my word, Porter was in heaven. In large signs across the fence were warnings of 'no bumping'. Lane thought it would be hilarious to tell Porter the game was to bump everyone else. Porter, the poor guy, thinking he could actually trust his parent to lead him true, was bumping every kid in the party and whatever stranger happened to be on the track with them. The teenage kid running the track was yelling, 'no bumping!' and Lane was cheering him on. I won't elaborate other than to say, TYPICAL!!!
I learned a lot about go-karting this day. I set aside an hour for it. 10-15 minutes of driving there, two- 5 minute drives each, 10-15 minutes back. Well, the line ups, the ten thousand other children, the wait times, we were pushing it at trying to leave after two hours. My gosh! The night before I had made Lane make a car ramp so the kids could race hot wheel cars in the backyard, and I also made a red light/green light sign to play in the field behind our house. We will save those for a rainy day somewhere in the obscure future. We got home, scarfed down some car cake, opened presents and bid farewell to Porter's peeps.
The beauty of it is, nobody but the adults present knew any different. The kids LOVED the party. The go-karting was a huge hit! Everyone was so happy and content. Though it didn't go on without a flaw, it felt like it did because five, 6 year old reactions thinking this was 'so cool!' made it flawless.

Here's Porter's car cake that my friend Erin made for Porter. The desirable object on the car to receive on one's plate were the oreo wheels. Good thing we had extra oreos!

AND, what's a party without presents. Here's him, his doting brother Grady, and four of his buddies looking at the very exciting, boy toys. Transformers, monster trucks, lego, etc.

Everything must be themed, I say! Race car hot dogs! You accessorize your hot dog to look like a car, take a picture and then immediately dis-assemble. Pointless but I get points for awesome. The pointless and points come neck in neck sometimes.

Here are where my puns are redeemed! You're 'Wheelie' cool! And all the kids really were. Porter had a great time. I had fun putting it together and was only stressed during the party, as per usual...which means I had a good time in my own way. It went down in history for Porter and that could not make me any happier! Wa-hoo!

Just for Fun

2011-09-06T12:32:00.001-07:00

Well, you know, I try to keep things "fresh". The tv can be an enticing friend for me and my two little men but keeping the home life 'spicy'...maybe that's not what I was going for, keeping things more engaging than Diego and updating my worldly opinions is fun to do. I want Grady and Porter to have a good relationship with each other and a large selection of good memories with me because why not? Too many reasons.
Here are some crafts that we did. Porter is more in the crafting age. Grady is more in the coloring on the wall stage so there are pictures of Porter doing crafts and none of Grady napping during this time. ;)

I took light corn syrup and separated it into different glasses. Each glass was a different color and got about 10 drops of food coloring. You let it dry for a day and then it turns into this cool, shiny, plastic looking art work.
Spring doesn't really have a distinctive menu but Summer, Fall, and Winter can. Everyone has heartwarming memories of seasonal foods. For example, fall is all about pumpkin everything, squash and turkey. Winter could be about Christmas baking, cranberries, nuts, and warm drinks. Summer is watermelon, corn, blueberries, divine peaches, etc. We wanted to have some summer food lovin'. This is a smore chocolate milkshake! We had Lane's brother's family over for dinner and this was dessert. It is essentially a chocolate ice cream milkshake, garnished with crushed graham cruckers, chocolate chips, toasted mini marshmellows (done in the oven on a baking sheet with tin foil and pam) and though it is not pictured in this beauty, we added a two piece chunk of a jersey milk chocolate bar. Summer drink perfection.

This was Lane's father's day gift. He is a hero in our home and in his work life. It came in this box and then he opened it up to his favorite treats, labeled with the supernatural abilities each product provided. They're real by the way.

I can't help it, this present makes me smile every time I glance at it. I made this for Porter's kindergarten teacher as an end of the year present. I just added a bow and Porter gave it to her. All of the Mom's came over to get a look, telling me how beautiful it was, how touching, just amazing, etc. I should've said, 'no, no, it's nothing really. You're too kind', but I had a smile from ear to ear and just accepted the praise. I didn't expect the response because I've seen this project around before but nobody else in Porter's class had seen anything like it. It was a hit and though Lane mocked me a little, it was fun to soak up the praise.

I was asked to teach a class on container gardening this spring. I don't know a thing about container gardening (let alone gardening. It's amazing how chores like weeding are somehow blocked out) but I love doing research so I put together a four page user friendly handout, with some cool pictures, easy tips, and step by step processes. I became converted to it in the process of researching about it. With all of the knowledge we can acquire on any kind of broad subject base, in the end, what does it matter if there's an emergency and we don't even have the basic knowledge on how to feed ourselves? It's easy to get involved with as an individual or family and you can use any space, big or small. This is how I got Porter involved. I bought him a pot he could decorate and he could choose what to be planted. It was his responsibility to water it and take of it.
That's all for now. I really enjoy enriching my kid's lives, my life, my family's life with things that add just a little more joy to the regular Alphaghetti and bill paying.

To My Little Man

2011-09-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am having a difficult time coming to terms with Porter going into Gr. 1. There are some superficial reasons and some emotional, love inspired reasons. As for superficial, I do not want to take away my 6 year streak AND hard trained work of having children who sleep in gone to waste. I'm sorry but school starting at 8:30 am is still sleepy, sleepy time for me. This need to sleep in the am, I believe has been years of conditioning since my own infancy. My mother was a single Mom when I was a baby and we slept in and slept together. I picture a cozy team. Then my Mom put me in afternoon kindergarten...strategically for sleeping in. Habits of staying up late and waking up at the last minute remained my entire life even through university (I only had one class that ever started before 9 am). Don't think I am lazy, just don't even tantalize that idea. I work hard until the wee hours at night. It's hard to change a lifestyle from the pm to the am and honestly I have not put forth a reasonable effort to conquer it. What desire would I have to wake up earlier anyway? I taught my children the same thing, the only thing poor ol'me ever knew.
Second superficial reason: rush hour traffic. This is short and self explanatory. Makes me shudder with disgust.
Here's my love inspired reasons for not wanting to part with Porter to a stranger (also known as teacher) who does not love him nearly as much as I do, who tries to have his best interests at heart but can't possibly know him as well with 20 other 6 year olds competing for their attention and a salary with thank you cards for every special holiday behind it all. You start kindergarten knowing your child needs it and is ready though you have to internalize the idea your child is growing up and reaching new milestones. On the other hand, Gr. 1 is 8 hours out of the day where I have no influence or ability to teach principles that are important and valuable to my own child. I don't think people can really appreciate this unless you're going through it. At one point their babies, next they're toddlers (glorified babies), directly after that they are 4 and five and starting school. They are too young to be away from their home for the majority of their day. Porter will come home to homework, supper and sleep.
With a gospel perspective my Aunt once pointed out to me that we have the responsibility and possibility of having our homes a place where the Spirit can dwell. Outside of our home, we cannot control the things that are seen or heard. That is where temptation and harmful influences lie, BUT not in our homes. She counseled me that once my children are in school for 8 hours a day and then have extracurricular activities, friends and whatever else comes their to pull on their time, so theoretically 8-10 hours a day, starting from the age of 6, they are out in the world on Satan's time. What will I do with the two hours of time I have with them at home? What are the things I will say or teach or how will I behave to make our home distinctly different from what they are exposed to outside of our home?
On top of that, he's not that old and developed and mature. He's still a small child that says hilarious things and is bluntly honest. There's no evolved conflict resolution with peers yet! He's still at the age where his blunt honesty can catch you off guard and then instantly develops into hilarity (fast forward another 6 years and it would be rude but now it's funny and true to a child).
To be realistic, there are days where I think, 'Okay, when is school starting?!' Porter and Grady together are dynamite (think of a literal picture). The options include with each other, to my house, to my nerves, etc. It's not skipping down the sidewalk with ice cream all the time but it's the love behind it that makes parenthood the great motivator through the difficult.
I DON'T WANT HIM TO GO. I am pregnant, low energy, sick, I used to be organized (in my own way) but now am scatter brained. I need to feel better and then have more time to enjoy. I'm not asking for the lottery win (although I'll take it if it's offered), I am just asking for time.
Here are some pictures of my awesome dude to show how creative and imaginative and completely awesome he is. Give him supplies and he makes his own fun. He's inspired by the things he sees and then creates it for himself.He watched a tv show that had a robot in it so he decided to make a costume and pretend to be a robot.

Experimenting with head gear.

He took pillows, blankets, and toy boxes to get the perfect angle. One of his favorite movies right now is called, 'Down and Derby'. It's all about a cub car derby. He was building a track to race his 'derby cars'. The only set back to his design was the blanket ramp had a little too much friction for accuracy or speed.

He made popsicle race car puppets! I know! He's a genius. If only I was good at playing pretend or coming up with puppet story lines. It really is a weak spot of mine.

Back from the Unintentioned Blogging Hiatus

2011-07-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have been chillin' in the blogging world. I am almost 15 weeks pregnant and I feel like in those past 15 weeks, I am a person who roams the world wishing to sleep. Not lazy, tired! Oh so, tired. I feel like it sounds quite substantial to say, 'Hello, yes, I am pregnant with my third. Why yes again, I have two very active boys (one borders on maniac... a well intentioned but defiant, maniac).'I've had friends describe such children as 'curious, little scientists, problem solvers, exciting human beings', I need to angle my perspective more to appreciating my little scientist's experiments, as opposed to silently thinking, 'please calm down. Why, why did you just rip that book and head butt your brother? Why did you bang my two nail polish bottles over my cream carpet stairs leaving them stained orange (deep red fades to orange)? Why do you continue to spit everywhere after I ask you not to? Why do you take a bite of food, chew it a few times and spit it out on the floor? Why do I not have a dog to eat your half masticated food that was spit on the floor? Why are you so cute and melt my heart directly after I want to pull out my hair?'
People used to tell me that Porter was easy. I felt there was certainly a level of difficulty to my task as a parent for sure BUT was always bewildered by their children. I have since lost my bewilderment. Now I look at people with quiet, well behaved children and am happy for them but kind of feel perturbed. My thoughts have on occasion gone like this, 'You don't really know what it's like. You don't know how I suffer during sacrament meeting. Nobody in this room can sympathize with me. You just can't know when your 2 year old sits there with a peaceful, almost spiritual zen-like smile on their face. What do you know?!' I actually don't think these things maliciously, it's more with air of 'oh, please, you probably think the scenarios in Robert Munsch books are actually exaggerations.'

Super Cute! I say, 'EEEEEEeee', and he scrunches up his face and does this really adorable cabbage patch kid look.

I had just given the boys each some sort of kitchen utensil to lick delicious chocolate cake batter off of.

Grady looked at his spatula with 'curiosity' and wiped it all over the counter. He then preceded to lick it off the counter instead. No one can deny that if you ignore the logistics of having to clean it up, that's quality funny right there.

I just thought this was a funny picture of his body language displaying whining, mixed in with demanding something, topped off with his cute gap-y teeth.

The day of INFAMY! That was a bad day. I stumbled upon a brand new bottle of deep red, Opi nail polish smashed on the stairs. This picture does not do it justice because they were puddles that couldn't absorb due to already being over saturated. Hours and hours of scrubbing, carpet cleaner, nail polish, oxy clean, lysol, acetone, etc. He was very sweet for the rest of the day.
To make a short story, really long, I have been unmotivated and tired which has resulted in a lack of blog posts; however, I still cruise the blogging scene, indulging on others blogging.
I wanted to say thanks to my cousin Krymsen for re-designing my blog. She has talent oozing out of every finger and finger nail. A new and different talent for each appendage. She said, 'Can I pretty, pretty, please, please, design your blog?' Why, twist my arm and beautify my blog! It is so much fun! Now I just need to move forward and fill up all of my cool tabs she created.

Little Projects

2011-05-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy giving out little gifts. I know it makes people feel great to be thought of and in a sense, it's a form of service to be thinking of others. Any kind of holiday or random project is fun either to do on my own or to get the two mr.handsomes to help along.
Sometimes I still find it odd because six or seven years ago, this was not in my personal repertoire but now I hope that one day doing the 'little things' or going just a little above and beyond the norm, or doing something pleasantly unexpected for others will be something that my kids will remember and carry on. By golly, I think I'm fleshing out part of my legacy to pass on! Well, I'll be darned. ;) Although to clarify, my Mom did try to teach me to write thank you cards and be a good guest but I'll admit when the world truly revolved around me, I wasn't consistent at these acts. Now I try to do that and more.

People, who does not love a cheesy play on words? As much as people mock puns and combo words, everyone secretly has an initial little laugh. Just let it out. They're almost sort of funny! 'Smeeps' is funny and a cheery delivery around Easter time. I got this idea off of eighteen25.

A birthday present I gave to my friend. I got the idea off of House of Smith.

This was just a fun project for thing 1 and thing 2 (I think that's what I'm going to dress them up as for Halloween! It's so funny...to me.) Porter and Grady's lives revolve around cars, more especially the ones that look fast. They got to paint their own and for almost a whole day, they loved to play with them. Porter was very particular with his. He really wants a race car with blue wheels. He always talks about being a race car driver that drives a car with blue wheels. In addition to this desire, he told his kindergarten teacher his name is 'Speed'. He has already told me this many times but now he's trying to make official in his social circles. Last year his name was to be McQueen but now he claims McQueen is for babies and he is Speed Racer who is faster than McQueen. As humorous as this all is, never laugh because he is dead serious. ;)

My Hairy Concern

2011-05-02T11:30:00.001-07:00

Grady really needs a haircut! It's so long right now. If he puts on a hat, the poor dude turns into Cousin It Jr. (but with more texture of course!). The dilemma is thus: when I get his hair cut it goes straight for about a month and once it gets longer, it returns to my satisfaction level of large/voluminous and curvy/curly. I want to get family pictures done BUT if I get it cut now, that means I risk losing the curl...but he needs it shorter.
This may not be an epic decision like those determining to go to war but I, in my little homey, small world am torn by his hair. His hair is near and dear to me. I'm getting 1/4 of an inch cut off today...Maybe this less is more approach will work.

Here is Grady shortly after a haircut (with his mouth full. He really gets a kick out of showing people his food. I have many pictures under the category: Grady's seafood):

Here is my baby after it is grown out:

AND, Just for FUN!
These pictures were taken back in January. I could not stop laughing that day. I did his hair in what I felt was style: un chic mobster. I'm sure I gave him a complex because every time I looked him in the face I burst out laughing. Picture how you would feel if every time someone looked at you they started laughing! Still, I indulged myself. We were on our way to Church and Lane claimed Grady was not his son that day. That's cool. It was all worth it, sadly to say, for my own entertainment. My justification is he is incredibly adorable and can work that ponytail!
p.s. Inspired by my cousin Sarah who did it to her son first. The idea was a keeper and I followed likewise. It would've been even better if we could've gone to Church together with both our boys in such spectacular and might I say, fashion forward, hair statements.

They're Magically Delicious!

2011-03-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

So I found a fun pattern for leprechaun ears on my good blog 'friend', makeandtakes. You know, I loved it when I saw it but I couldn't put my finger on what was a little off. They are hilarious. So check. They were a big hit with the recipients. Check. Ah-hah, the culprit is the fact that leprechauns may wear green, St. Patty's day is characterized by green BUT are leprechauns green? As far as I know in regards to mythical characters (they should be real though. I would be a pot of gold hunter), they are NOT GREEN. They're Irish! Who is green? Yoda. These are the perfect Yoda ears.
Get this! Porter was detailing out the 'Lucky Charms' box and whoever is in charge of advertising did not do their research! Where are his pointy ears? Porter was like, 'He (referring to Lucky) doesn't have pointy ears'. Well, one more thing to add to the pile of things that don't make sense in the world! I told him that there are two species of leprechauns. One type has pointy ears and the other type don't. Now that I write this out, I can't believe I told him that. I should've fully laid the blame on General Mills. ;)

I wanted to give Grady a reward for keeping the ears on for so long (a solid three minutes, which in our terms is likened unto an eternity). I think he is grasping the fact that Mommy wants a picture and then he can dip them in water and tear them to shreds. He humors me. What a good son.

They're so cute! I feel like the dreaded aunt that pinches cheeks but it's worse because I'm their mother! Their cuteness never tires for me. The aggravating whining tires me but the faces the whining comes from does not tire me.

Surprise! Happy St. Patrick's Day! As a side note, I have always been baffled that 'Lucky Charms' does not sell extra bags of just their dehydrated marshmallows. Everyone would buy them! Anyone who eats a box wants to pick out more marshmallows, only to pay for it during the next bowl when the findings are scarce. I would always buy extras to put in my cereal. I would add it to other cereal. If only the right people knew how smart I was! I would let them know they are losing out on a serious money maker. Am I right or am I right?

Oh, Valentine's...and a short monologue.

2011-02-15T14:18:00.001-08:00

I like blogging for three reasons:
1)It's a journal of my family. My life.
2)It's a more personal way to keep updated on friends and family...well, more personal than a facebook status. You're able to read what's happening right from the horses' mouth (here's a two part question, where did that ridiculous saying come from and am I even saying it right?)
Lastly:
3)People, mostly women, have turned blogging into a livelihood. There's creative genius' online and I get to browse their blogs and better myself (become more awesome). Getting ideas and sharing them again with someone else has practically turned into a hobby. As a bonus, I like to be able to admire and support women with ideas and ambitions.
My life story p.o.v. on this is, I actually used to pride myself on not being crafty and not having well honed domestic skills but I have had a turnaround in the many moons since then. The phrase, 'necessity is the mother of invention', comes into play and it kind of took off from there. It’s rewarding to make life fun and fulfilling with what you have to work with. Don’t get me wrong, if anyone wants to share some millions I wouldn’t turn it down but as for now, this is a way for me to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. I can create what I need instead of being sad about not being able to buy it. I can make a food item I’m craving. I mean hello, store bought muffins are nasty and oily. Frankly, most of the things I make, or can make, I like better anyway. So there cruel world!

This post relates more to item #3 on my list. I pretty much want to show off.
We did a couple of fun things in honor of the day of love so consider this idea sharing. The pay if forward of blogging. Ah, sweet.

This is what I started out with for Porter's Valentines to hand out at school. Wait for it, it gets AWESOME!

Ta-Da! Trick of the eyes! It looks like he's holding a 3D sucker and guess what? It's real, no illusion!

25 Valentines later.

Buttermilk syrup. It was good. Like really good.

Red Velvet Heart Pancakes. Yet again, really good.

Chocolate dipped fortune cookies prepared for a punny result.

The goods inside the Chinese food box.

Almost there.

Hah! 'I am so fortunate to have you for a teacher!' Punny and sweet. This was for Porter's kindergarten teacher for Valentines. Porter often expresses his wishes for Mrs. Havens to come over for a play date. Teachers mean the world to kids.

Grady's Grand 2nd Birthday

2011-02-04T13:07:00.001-08:00

Grady, like his predecessor brother before him, loves Frosty the Snowman. When I sing it, Grady gets diggy wit'it and starts bobbing his head to the beat of 'thumpety, thump, thump, look at frosty go'. I figured a snowman themed party was where it's at for my winter baby.

I am aware this tablecloth looks nasty but it was a disposable paper one and we had just had a pancake breakfast on it. I didn't think how it would contaminate my picture so! The main focus should really be on his tiny, cute lips, attempting to blow out two candles, which as it turns out, I blew out for him.

Pancake and sausage breakfast. Ooh la la

How incredibly genius is this?! That's rhetorical. It was not my genius however, but I have to say, I did alter it a bit...so though the doughnut head was not my own idea, the felt body was. It was a Neilson milkshake drink (they're nasty by the way, but I figure kids would like it because it's sugary. I don't have great faith in their palates yet. And I mean, I couldn't just buy plain milk, this is a party, who doesn't expect a supply of fun, sweet goodness. Forget the veggie platter.).

Craft. Grady was not interested but it was fun anyway.

Grady is excitedly opening this present from his Aunt and Uncle that was here since Christmas. There was a lot of anticipation behind him finally being able to open it.

This was the take home treat. We like to thank those that party hard with us.

Tapioca Pudding

2011-01-28T12:04:00.000-08:00

This is a tragic tale so prepare your dry eyes for some salty tears. Never mind, it's only truly tragic to myself.
I love tapioca pudding. All the way down in the US of A, you can buy cook n'serve JELL-O tapioca pudding. Here in Canada, all you can do is buy the tapioca beads and make it from scratch. Lame. Oh, how I love my JELL-O cook n'serve tapioca pudding. I had one last, blessed box that I had imported from my last trip when I had the sudden urge to eat it. So I made it but I had my two darling children around. Though deep down, I wanted to eat it all myself, I contemplated and realized I would be a kind, self sacrificing mother; that the act of sharing this highly prized commodity would be forever ingrained in their memories.
Not only did I share but I gave generous portions! This is what I happened upon moments later! Wasted. Porter barely touched his (as in licked his spoon with the very tip of his tongue...no licking is not the right word, he touched it with his tongue) and Grady dumped his almost immediately and slapped, spread, and swam in his pudding. I gasped and he gave an exaggerated smile and then continued to thwap it with his hands, loving when it sprayed further than the last time. He knew he was cute. I knew he was cute. We had a mutual understanding of this but I still felt that inner sadness as I wiped it all away. BUT he's cute so this account still has a happy ending.

Our Christmas Letter to the Masses

2010-12-23T22:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family!

I love the Christmas Spirit and how we are reminded to focus more on the people around us. We’ve been having a wonderful time this year teaching Porter about the true meaning of Christmas and about the significance of the birth of the Savior. Here’s a long winded update of what our family has been up to this year.
This past year our travels have revolved around specific family and friend events. My Grandpa Harrison had his 80th birthday up in Fort Kent which was a great visit. Later in the summer, we were able to to attend the Trim’s first family reunion down in Oregon. On the way up from Oregon, our little family stopped in Vancouver to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Seu. I was able to learn more about my family history from that side of the family which was a great experience. We went to two weddings, one where I flew solo to Utah and also one as a family to Rexburg where I was a bridesmaid. We really enjoyed visiting our family and friends within the province and getting to visit those who live far away. Hopefully in 2011 we can continue to strengthen and build our family/friend relationships and get to see those we weren’t able to last year.
Lane has had three great things happen this past year for him as a police officer. One, he was entrusted to train four rookie police officers (because he’s so awesome). Two, though he didn’t make it on the Hawc helicopter team in September, he did have the best test scores. He needed a few extra courses and some acting time as a Sergeant, which he has completed and is re-applying in January. At least he still gets to go up in the helicopter a few times a month. Last, and this is the best part of all, Lane passed his incident command course!! He was already able to be an acting office sergeant but this course enabled him to be an acting street sergeant. He is the big chief on the street so watch yourself. He’s decided he doesn’t want to yet apply to be a sergeant full time because of his desire to pursue the helicopter team but this was yet another way for Lane to move forward in his career. I still want to give him high five’s whenever I talk about it.
Apparently he has a lot going on because there’s one more noteworthy thing to mention. Lane has been putting a lot of effort into getting sponsors in the hopes he can attend the World Police-Fire Games and compete in the ATV motocross in New York this upcoming summer. He served his mission in New York which is really special and 2011 also marks the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. It’ll be an incredible experience so we’re really hoping that sponsorships work out.
As for myself, I’ve been able to continue classes at the UofC part-time. I attend an aerobics class regularly and it’s been liberating to feel stronger and healthier. I’m also the room parent for Porter’s kindergarten class which I like because it really enables me to be more involved and still somewhat in control in this ‘unknown’ school realm. I love being a Mom and spending my time with Porter and Grady, doing my best to raise them to be wonderful little men. So that’s kind of a big deal though it remains the same year to year!
Porter has been in swimming and soccer this year. His highlight was turning five and going to school where I also convinced him that kids who go to school have to zip up their own jackets. That really worked well for me. This was also the first year in many that we didn’t have a Thomas the train birthday party. I kind of regret saying that it was forced. There’s only so many takes you can do on a Thomas birthday cake so he settled for Dinosaurs.
Porter is absolutely loving school and he’d probably challenge anyone who did not give praises to his beloved kindergarten teacher. He has learned so much in such a short period of time. His school is a little more rigorous in the homework department but he really takes pride in the work he does. His only slight disappointment this year was when he was a hamburger for Halloween and every other boy was a superhero that wanted to eat him. He liked being a hamburger up until that point. He loves making crafts. There is not enough tape or styrofoam plates that could fill his needs.
Grady is really funny but balances it out quite nicely by being mischievous. His smile envelops his whole face because his smile is so big and once the dimples reveal themselves fully, it’s like his whole face is smiling. This is his trick after he has thrown yet another random item in the toilet. My cousin kindly put it that he’s not being bad, he’s just ‘busy’, as he turns on the water jug, dumps the dog food, digs in the plant dirt and goes to empty out a cupboard. Yes, Grady is adorable and ‘busy’. He loves to play fight, jump, run, dance, and tackle. He was in swimming lessons earlier this year and loves the water. He loves jumping off the edge of the pool like walking the plank would be a party. Grady loves to cuddle, play with cars, and read books. So along with funny and mischievous, he’s also pretty perfect.
Upon reflection, it’s great to look back on a year. We had some really great experiences together as a family that were worth the work and sometimes strain behind it. We loved every minute, with the exception of Grady screaming in the car. We hope everything is well and hope we get to hear how you are.

Love The Trims

The Rest of October

2010-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

This cupcake was inspired by an invitation to a family Halloween party via the Woodruffs. I thought I'd put in the extra effort and make something truly spooktacularly festive. oooh. I felt like a jolly, old soul when I saw a picture of monster cupcakes in a Taste of Home that looked sooo easy. To sum it up, my cupcakes looked nothing like the magazine picture! Yes, you can assume the magazine's looked better.

As well, I was limited to making a mere 12 of my monster goodness because as I left the room, things got quiet (oh, blessed quiet), only for me to walk back in and find Grady had left his trademark. That's okay, my couch needed some mooshed cake into the cushions. I want people to know as soon as they walk in the door that this is a kid friendly home that they can first-hand witness from the dents in my walls, and stains on furniture. Kidding! I love my kids and everything that goes with them AND at least in hindsight, they're cute even when they create disasters but the food stains on my furniture that I can't afford to replace is a no-go.
To be honest though, I did think it was particularly funny that he took a single bite out of each one before moving on to the next. I feel as though I am a living story of Robert Munsch. His stories and characters are hilarious because they exaggerate the reality every family knows, with a 'find joy in your day' attitude. It's good to find humor while I'm vacuuming baked cake off my couch.

Thank you blogging world. I love these ghosts! I found the idea on the blog, eighteen25. One more way to preserve their childhood. To keep with the eternal handprint, I'm switching it up and this month, those fingers are going to be snowmen.

The last mow of the season. This is also the last time I saw any living plantation.

This rad snowman was created but days later. Bye, bye grass for 8 more months of cursed cold...I mean winter wonderland. Lucky!

Happy Halloween! The classic from Porter this month was that he was thrilled to be a hamburger until he saw everyone else his age was a superhero. Then he felt left out because he too, thinks that spiderman and his Marvel comrads are fascinating beings of ultimate coolness. The tipping of the scale came when the superheroes at the Halloween party said they wanted to eat him. Sorry, Po! He is a cute burger though and I loved it! He had a good attitude after he realized they really weren't going to eat him and enjoyed his day as a fully loaded hamburger.
Grady was Nemo. It never gets old for me. Grady was none too pleased with his fin hat though, but I felt it was necessary for his overall fishy look. I told him it makes mommy happy, but he didn't alter his pattern of high pitched whining. All head piece annoyance suddenly disappeared at the first sign of candy. mmmm. It's like he won the lotto after that. After they went to bed, it's like Lane and I won the lotto! jk. Halloween and all of the parties and activities, were great. Now we're just rolling forth into the Christmas season.

Pre-Halloween Merriment

2010-12-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

I discovered a new place to go to in Calgary area for some good ol'fashion family fun. It's called Kayben farms. I thought I knew the majority of the cool things to do around these parts but as it turns out, I've been missing out on the Global fest until this year (it's one of the best, if not the best festival in this city) and now Kayben farms.

This place has a pumpkin patch which has enough lure power for me by itself. I have always wanted to go to one for picture purposes but the closest I had ever had was in the fall splendor of the Eastern United States via Stars Hollow via The Gilmore Girls. Kayben also had a corn maze, a massive, bouncy contraption, slides, tire horses, old fashioned water pumps, bikes, dune buggies, wagon rides, green houses and a gigantic+enormous=ginormous scarecrow to greet you at the entrance. Here's some pictures of our Kayben Fall Festival Day.

Porter and the pumpkins.

Searching for pumpkins to take home!

Pumping water like ol'Auntie Em.

This was the funnest, bouncy...thing. Porter needed help a couple of times so I sprang to his rescue and got a few jumps in. I would spend a lot of time on this if it was in my backyard.

My sweet baby riding his first tire horse.

They had some really cute spots to take pictures, although I faced two obstacles. One, the sun was in their eyes and they were quite vocal with their complaints. Two, Grady would not sit down. The first picture I was telling Porter, 'Hold him down and then smile at the camera!'. It didn't work, can't imagine why. The second picture is Grady escaping.

I love this picture. The picture shows how fun it was. If there was nobody around, I totally would've gone down the slide too. My only concern would be if my hips would not fit the width of the slide.

Grady hitting a dead end of maize.

The Boys painting their purchased pumpkins. Tres Magnifique.

Here is some fantastic, live action footage of my epic pumpkin sling shot. I think I'm a champ in the making. I would like to say in advance that I was just warming up.

I have discovered I need a little more practice with a pumpkin slingshot. Good thing they only gave me mutated, mis-hybrid, or rotting pumpkins. I thought for sure on the second time that pumpkin was going to fly to China, instead it caught some low air and rolled not a few, but many feet short of the target. Next time for sure I'll get it. I'm all warmed up now!

Summer Cap Off- Porter's 5th Birthday

2010-10-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

To end the summer with a bang, Porter turned 5!! I can hardly believe my baby is that old. Not to sound cliche, but seriously, how did that happen? He is the most amazing little boy. He's a total goof ball but amazes me and teaches inbetween the goofiness. For example, this morning, I was going to press snooze one more time on the alarm clock when Porter said, "Mom, I don't want to sleep anymore. We need to all get up so we're not late for Church."
He said what I was trying to push out of my mind for another ten minutes on the snooze button but he was right!
Our party was dinosaur themed. Poor guy wanted another Thomas the Tank Engine party but I didn't want to do another one. That would've made three in a row so I can him the option between dinosaur and pirate. He went back and forth between the two until he finally decided on dinosaur.

Pin the tail on the Dinosaur

Crawling through treacherous terrain to find their dinosaur prize

Yet again, more treacherous terrain!

Making dinosaur feet. I thought I was so smart killing two birds with one stone (metaphorically of course) by buying glitter glue instead of glitter and glue. Well, turns out that was a crappy idea to put it bluntly. Glitter glue takes hours, who knows, maybe even days to dry! I had all these imaginings of pictures with all the kids wearing their dinosaur feet and that little hope was thrashed.

My Mom started by telling the kids a bunch of stories. They were hooked! She had them wrapped around her storytelling finger!

Kids encircled about their entertainer.

She made a puppet out of a banana. Now Porter constantly wants his banana made into a puppet.

This cake, though it make look juvenile, was my pride and joy for that day. The hershey kiss spikes were the talk of the table.

Sugar much?

Each kid had an egg with the letter of their first name (this was to prevent one person picking up a bunch, etc.) and then they searched around the Church for their egg.

Little dino jube jubes. They also got a dinosaur balloon and dino water gun. Though trying to think of enough activities to keep kids busy can be tricky, I love planning my kid's birthday parties!

Summer Re-cap Part 3: Family Reunion & Vancouver

2010-10-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Lane's family planned their first family reunion. With 9 siblings, plus spouses, and more grandkids than I feel like counting right now, it's hard to get everyone together. We headed off to Portland area where one of Lane's sisters lives for our destination beach house. And may I say, though I've traveled to Portland a few times for reunions on my side of the family, my memory didn't do me justice. It is gorgeous there! Breathtaking! I'd like to go back and do some more touring. AND...AND! On top of that Portland is a hub for great diners (thank you drive-ins, diners, and dives). On the way back we went up through Vancouver where I met up with grandparents. The adventure continued until we made it back to home sweet home. May I say, though this may not be realistic at all, I would like to have this kind of adventuresome fun all the time! It's so much fun to have fun! That statement may not be quotable but it is true.

First stop on the holiday journey: Spokane!

On the way down to Oregon, we traveled down with Lane's best friend and bro, Kale and my buddy ol'pal (works out nice doesn't it?) Kenny AND Porter's fave/ Grady's toy rival, Brookey. Lane and I have never traveled with anyone else before and I loved it! It was so much fun! We shared snacks, pulled over for breaks, got lost together. It was so much fun to travel down with friends! We even got to swap war stories about which child had the best meltdown.

A personal highlight for me! I am all about food. I would travel the globe for the sights and FOOD. I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more...for food, yes I would. This was the Byways cafe. I caught a glimpse of it on Drive-ins, Diners and Dives. I don't know why but I love that show. Actually, I do know why, they show you hidden gems with amazing food and then I even think to myself, 'if I go to that obscure town in Kansas, I am definitely going there!' I narrowed my list down to three diners I wanted to try in Portland but sadly, I only made it to one. On the bright side, I made it to one! I felt like I was going to a celebrity diner. For the records, Lane got amaretto french toast and I got corned beef hash. Also, I couldn't speak about this experience without noting that Grady screamed the whole time, Porter then through a temper tantrum which is surprising for him, and in the end, after being embarassed (it's a diner! It's ten feet long!), Lane and I proceeded to eat in shifts while the other walked around the block. It was worth it.

The Portland Rose Gardens. It was dreamy. :)

The Portland Oregon Temple.

Teaching Grady the fun of smelling the flowers on temple grounds. I made sure to point out many flowers for my photo needs.

The Tillamook cheese factory. I hyped up my little family and those around me because I went here as a kid and loved it! There used to be a tour guide that took you around the massive factory with little samples along the way. Now there's not that. There's a viewing window with some helpful signage. Maybe there cheese became too popular for their own good. Who knows?!

Yes, we had to do tricks for our food. I made a funny, it was a family home evening activity. Lane is so tough he is on the bottom, holding up the masses of children. And bonus, no hernias or popped blood vessels while walking away with a little sugar to quench the carb need.

My niece offered to teach me how to hula dance. My, oh my, I'd be delighted! She was quite a pro. I paled in comparison to her shoulder shimmeys.

This was a sight to behold. They were both laughing hysterically together! Grady just loves her!

Seaside City, Oregon.

The Olympic Cauldron! I was so pumped to see this! I imagined all the excitement from months ago while standing in front of it. I am cheesy, always have been, it's innate but I just think it was so magical when the Olympics were here earlier this year. I wished I was an athlete, to be apart of something that wonderful. Unfortunately, I snow plow down the hill, the whole way! I have always been one for self preservation. It wasn't meant to be but I can say with conviction I truly admire and appreciate the talent and event as a whole.

Grady and Grandpa Seu. This was a really great experience. I don't know my dad's side of the family very well and after taking a family history class, I was more in tuned to ask questions about my heritage. It was really incredible listening to my Grandpa's stories about his past. He used to work for the UN! I'm really grateful for that experience of being able to listen to his story.

Looking over the water in Vancouver.

In fact, not the Orient but a cool area in a beauitful park in...you guessed it! Vancouver!

The Enchanted Forest. I went here a few times as a kid but may I say it is way better to watch your own kids enjoy it. The forest was beautiful and it's filled with sculptures from old nursery rhymes and fairy tales.

A spot of tea?

Wild ride on the log! Whooaa!

Summer Re-cap Part Deux: Erin's Wedding and the Burg

2010-10-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

You know, I had several lovely people in my life tie the knot/get hitched/seal the deal, etc this year. I even had to miss a cherished wedding of my friend Erika because it fell on the weekend of my Anth. final exam. This wedding I attended in late July was for my sista from another mista, Erin Jean Walters.
Erin has been everything a great friend can be and helped me climb a lot of obstacles. I feel completely adopted in the Walters family which was an answer to many prayers when I moved to Calgary and was so lonely and needed a little lovin' from family... and that's what I got!
Erin gave so much service on my behalf but thankfully she followed the Savior's example and loved me even more after helping me. whew. hahah We have so many great memories together and she got my back, yo.
Why do I sink so low and complain about the weather when I have so much to be grateful for? Good question.

We drove down to Rexburg, a place that will always feel a bit like home for me and stayed at a hotel with frigid water. Lane and the boys made the most of it. Lane's trying to teach Grady how to blow bubbles in the water. Red cross education for infants, don't y'know?

Oh, man! was Lane a trooper during this hotel stay. I was a bridesmaid having fun while he stayed in the hotel for nap times or early bed times or wrestle times or meltdown times. I still feel like I owe him cookies for that because seriously, I had an awesome time being able to enjoy this beautiful wedding.

Craigo's! It has a pasta and pizza bar. End of story.

Here we are at Porter Park. It is actually called Porter park, which of course we played up that fact to Porter. "How special, a park just for you!" Unfortunately, neither one of the boys thought it was that great. They weren't that cool with getting splashed. Porter was freezing!

Grady is miffed and insulted with the water that reached his face. Here is Lane consoling the poor sir.

After a beautiful temple wedding we waited for the bride and groom to exit. Lane and mine's peaceful exit from the ceremony was cut- like with a samurai knife, because Grady had a meltdown (thank goodness for my bridesmaid status. I felt like I got to dodge that bullet for a day). Above: a picture of the two grumpy's waiting for the two pretty's.

I started to take pictures to pass the time for Porter.

This is Porter on the edge of losing it BUT with my magic camera we had some fun taking about a thousand face shots.

Here's my favorite one. Porter would contort his face and I would continue to snap photos. He would've played this game forever! It was hilarous!

Mr. and Mrs. Lowrie make a grand exit from the Rexburg Temple! They were so happy! They were so at peace and were just beautiful! It was an amazing day that I'm sure they'll always remember as perfect. Their shiny countenances were practically blinding! j.k. Porter loved being at the temple too. He loves temples and are a big topic of interest for the little guy.

These are some classic shots. Erin really is an Auntie to Porter, so of course he needed to be documented in pictures...but not every picture. Here he lays, waiting for his turn in front of the camera. He was such a good example of my excellent parenting that day. Perfect child! hahha He was such a good boy (that's my baby!).

This is the candy table with all candies coordinated to Erin's colors. She left no detail left unturned.

Erin's cake she made the night before. Delish. And might I add it was my recipe! Well, actually, it's Dorienne's recipe but I was the middleman at least. :)

Lovely Erin and I.

Summer Re-cap Part 1: Wendy's wedding

2010-09-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

As I have written under every picture, it has more turned into an ode! Quite lengthy but I feel like I have to be honest and my thoughts are always long. In fact, this was practically cutting it short as I could've written a short novel about each person from this trip who has meant a lot to me and who I grew up with in the best way.

Night before the big day! I couldn't peel myself away from talking to everywhere that night. So many amazing friends were there in one place! How often does that happen anymore? Rare to none. We all came to celebrate the same gal and guy. Wendy and Hari!

Hermie and I had no qualms about writing BFF since we were 13. It was so amazing to spend some time with her. We haven't spent one on one time since we were roommates, years ago when I was young. ;) I got to see how amazing she is as a Mom and a wife and I learned a lot about running a household just by watching her for a few days. It's amazing how people change and grow and yet are still the same in the special, core of who they are. Growing up we laughed so hard we couldn't breathe, we both could be prideful and had awesome tempers, but we could be completely ourselves and we would only become better friends at the end of every day. I remember one time she asked me something and I lied because I knew, I KNEW what I was doing was wrong and I was embarrassed to admit it but she called me on it and once again, we were better friends for that. I still feel bad for lying but I'm glad she forgave me! I miss having her apart of my everyday life. I really, really do! That's where life gets a little unfair. I guess the great part is though that we'll always be friends, I can still borrow her clothes (be it difficult with the distance), and there's still so much more fun we're going to have. I feel grateful when I think of Hermie.

Dearest Rebecca and Donna. I remember one time I saw Rebecca after it had been a long time and we both started crying at the same time. It was awesome. Donna was the toughest girl I ever met. She's the youngest of 15 and the siblings just above her were the twins, David and Darin. Their favorite game: slaps.

This happened to be a really emotional day for me. I was with so many people I grew up with but hadn't seen in years. Being able to attend a beautiful temple wedding and then being there with these people I love and care about made me feel so grateful. Good thing Sandy-pants was there because I knew I could find a tearful moral support with her.
Sometimes it is so easy to feel lonely but when I was there, all I could think about was how blessed I felt to be with all these friends and how they had shaped me to become the adult I am. Even though my Mom was totally ticked off when I came home at three in the morning at the mature age of 14, the wrath was by far less severe because I was at the Hornberger's house. Harmless fun in my Mom's eyes and it was true. For me, it was REAL FUN! I watched the most ridiculous movies at the Hornbergers, played violent games of fruit basket turnover, Hermie and I borrowed each other's clothes constantly and lip synced to Duke of Earl. It was because of the people I was saw at that wedding: my testimony had grown to be solid, I learned about the scriptures, I built lasting friendships, I chose to go to BYUI and I felt like a part of friendships that felt like family. HENCE the tears. I think it was the combination of us all being together and me staying at Hermie's house and experiencing a beautiful wedding of an amazing friend, that led to my nostrils flaring and tears trickling (flooding) down.

Posing with my pal, Hermie Kay

T. Lawrence/White, preggers and pretty. Tanya and I lived together when I was 16. I hear I was a royal pain in her behind at times but it made for a life long friendship. We used to always say (in parts, no less): "We are one. One in mind. One in purpose." Typing it sounds weird but we always said it with the right amount of genius humor.

Prettiest dress I have ever seen. I felt luxurious myself just by beholding it with my eyes.

I loved the flower balls! They are gorgeous. With the beautiful gardens and swans, it felt so ethereal.

This is my idea of a great pose. We weren't very good at keeping our balance. This is tame compared to the pictures I have of her/us. I still have a treasured picture with Hermie wearing a Biore strip.

The reception at La Caille.

Can I hear an 'OH!'? It is the Canadian table! Our table ruled. It was such a fun wedding! My pals from the north who banded together. Later that night there was a dance. An awesome dance. This wasn't your average Church dance wedding. Hari (Wendy's husband) is part of an African dance group and they brought some serious life to that party! It was so much fun just to watch them! I felt like a stiff board trying to dance next to them...they were that good! This wedding was perfect...literally! H&W are in love, amazing people came together to be there for it, and then there was a rock n' roll party after!

W is for Wendy Wednesday. Wendy took me in when I was 19 and 20 and every year after. We're both from old W-town but she was gone by the time I moved there. We had the town/branch connection and so when the going got tough at home, I moved to Edmonton with $8 left in my bank account. I moved in with Wendy and the girls at age 19, during the summer before my sophomore year at BYUI. We have had SOOOOO much fun together. I can talk to Wendy forever and never feel the need to stop. I ruthlessly peer pressure her into staying up late with me whenever we get together (she's a real trooper). She became the truest of friends over a thousand fun dates, rooming together, laughing, seeing things. I met Lane when I lived with her. She saw the whole, mushy thing. I think Hari is awesome and I was so excited but I was sad to say goodbye to the Wendy I was able to have all to myself. haha When we were in Utah last summer, any time we went somewhere cool or when we went to Education week, Wendy was able to come and make it that much more fun. I miss her so much! She became a part of my everyday life and then she headed for the sun and found her hunk a hunk of burning love. Congratulations my dear, lovely friend.

At the end, I had a new adventure. Hermie went home with her hubby and family and I was going to catch a ride with Laurel. I didn't know Laurel as well but I had no worries about the drive back. Well, as it turns out, there was a huge game or concert, mixed in with a few wrong turns and it took hours (well at least 2) to get back. By the time we made it to Provo, I was almost bummed we were already there because I didn't want to part so soon from the party in the car. I now dub Laurel my road trip buddy because we were in that car long enough to have made it a road trip. It was so much fun! We talked and laughed AND talked an laughed. My only regret is not getting to know her middle name or favorite color because the ultimate road trip buddy should know that. Next time Laurel, next time. The whole trip was fantastic and...you guessed it, FUN!! I had my birthday out there too. I felt like I made some new friends out there. Karen and I had hung out before with Wendy but I got to know her so much better this time. We're like decade old friends now. ;) Kass made me a cake for my birthday (I felt like a birthday celebrity after that cake) and I love talking with her! Her, Dorthy and I, all went in on some perfume to get the fourth of july perfume deal. Cashmere shea is delectable.
As for Dorthy, I danced for her as a teenager, to my still present embarrassment and so we go way back.
Oh, back to cake. At Dorthy's they gave me a birthday cake which looked amazingly like Wendy's wedding cake. Wedding cakes are so useful that way! Re-usable! Then on top of the delicious hand-me-down cake, Kass made one...for real! I am a lucky lass.
I got to see Susan's brand new baby (tiny and adorable) and sadly, Sandra (previously my teary eyed support) was not there. She was missed.
Wow. Awesome week of my summer!

I LOVE Provo. It feels so wonderful when I'm there. I was there for the fourth of July but guess what folks, it was on a Sunday! So, fireworks were on Saturday and the parade was on Monday. I missed the parade which I bitterly wept about. It would've been my first fourth of July! I couldn't bitterly weep for too long though because the fireworks were a blast! We have nothing on their celebration down there! The streets were closed off everywhere and people could set off fireworks wherever they pleased! It was totally awesome! I felt like I was getting away with something bad because you want to hear a capital 'I' for Illegal in Canada! It was a blast! Dorthy and Paul's kids made sure to catapult multiple little cracker thingy's my way for initiation. I felt like I had to run away from children. haha No, it was so much fun! The Hornberger clan took me in and let me join in on their prime blanket spot.

How I could go on. Wendy, wedding (the main event full of high class citizens, like myself), sleepovers at Hermie's, cherished friends, new friends. Should I write a poem?
It was a beautiful week.
Summary: Awesome

I Get Lost in Those Eyes

2010-09-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Aye, me he's more cute than cute even is!
Today, he spilled his milk. Actually, he took his cup and dumped it upside down on the table and then sloshed his hands through it to spread it around, all the while maintaining eye contact. I expressed my disfavor for those naughty actions. He just smiled and then splashed his hands in the milk a couple of more times for effect. Punk!
Yet, I melt when I look at him! This may be a spoiled child in the making because I'm going soft in my old twenties.

My Baby's in School!

2010-09-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

A Little Somethin'Somethin' to start the year right.

Meet the Teacher. Porter and Mrs. Havens. Porter had a runny nose. Poor fella.

Morning Breakfast!

How to even begin this topic! I was so excited for Porter a couple of months ago, but as the time got closer the dread set in. Porter was thrilled for school and being a 'grown up' as he puts it but as a Mom I lose so many things. I have no idea what's going in there, I want to make sure he has help, he has friends and now, my jurisdiction is limited in the school realm. An era is gone! We can't go do whatever we want and party it up at the zoo at any hour of the day or take a little road trip and stay for how ever many days. There is so much more outside influence. I came to this realization pretty strongly. This is why what we do at home before they go to school is so important because from here on in for me, he has more and more outside influence that I have no control over.
Aside from these motherly worries I experience within a five second span, the kid loves it! The day before school, we went to the zoo, then had McDonald sundaes (he excitedly said this was the best thing at McDonalds) and he picked out homemade pizza as his choice of dinner before the big first day. It was fun to do whatever he wanted. For breakfast all he desired was toast, I tried to make it look more pa-zazz by putting his milk in a wine glass.
After school we had a fashion show trying to show off all of his two uniforms. You know you're cute when you can rock a maroon sweater vest. We had some music going and made a runway from the bathroom to the couch. What a superstar. He started to do interpretative modern dance to 'splish spalsh'. What a talented, young mind I've honed!

School Aftermath:
I asked Porter how his teacher was. "She's so, soooo nice."
So you really like her? "She's like really, reeeallly nice."
What did you learn about today? "Lines."
Did you make any friends? "Yah, like all the kids."
Then he pulls out a container saying it's his other snack. I think to myself what other snack? He proceeds to eat chicken nuggets. Uhhh?
"Porter, who gave you chicken nuggets?" --'The teacher'.
"Why?"-- 'So I can grow big and strong.'
"Did all the other kids get chicken nuggets?"--'Yah'
"Did other kids have bigger snacks, were you still hungry?" (even though he still had apple slices left)--- 'Yah, the other kids had really, big snacks.'

Then I start to get worried. Snack time is only fifteen minutes long and they said not to pack a lunch because they're only there less than three hours but what if I didn't pack enough? What if the teacher thought, 'poor, starving, deprived child! I will share my chicken nuggets with him.'
I call Rachael Mason and ask her if it is normal to get chicken nuggets on the first day of school or if I was depriving my child and making him look pitiful on the first day of school. She had a hearty laugh and then I realized I'm a clown. ;) It all made sense, Porter probably got containers mixed up or maybe Mrs. Havens thought it was his. First lesson: you can't take a five year old's word on surprise chicken nuggets because it plays tricks on the mind. I wrote Mrs. Havens and sure enough she thought they were his and all would be rectified returning the now, empty container back to his classmate.

Homework Aftermath:
I'm cuddling with the Po during bedtime. He says, "Why do I have to go to school EVERY day? Don't you know I like to play still?"
I think to myself, 'Honeymoon over so quick?'
Because he's always talking about being a grown up now that he's five and in school, I say, thinking he will be greatly pleased, 'It's because you're a grown up now!'
Porter: 'Mom, I'm not a grown up! I'm just a kid!' Then he takes off his blankets and shows me his legs. 'Look! I'm not that big.'
Ah, sweet boy! I love him! This is definitely a new adventure! He is so excited to be onto something new but there's adjustment to grown-up, five year old heaven. I reassured him he was still a kid and we could still play a lot.

SOCCER ADVENTURES!

2010-06-02T21:59:00.001-07:00

Well, well, I feel I don't have anything too exciting to tell but to laugh at the funny things my kids do and say or to tally up the number of loads of laundry I wash in 48 hours. I figure my children's hilarity although it probably is the funniest for me, is probably still better than the laundry option. On reflection, maybe I need a new hobby to add variety but for now, I love writing about my kids anyway!
Yesterday, I was at Porter's soccer game. Porter doesn't mind soccer but he more likes chillin' with other four year old dudes than focusing on the ball. All of a sudden, I see him in this other kids' personal space, bellowing and screaming with anger emanating from his gaze. He was like an inch from this other kid's face, having it out. I started yelling at him to stop and the coach started to walk towards them to break it up. He came off the field and I asked him why he would do that.

He said, 'I told him I'm Lightening McQueen and he said I wasn't.'
I said, 'Porter, that's no reason to yell at somebody like that.'
Porter said, 'He was mean to me.'

Oh man. So funny! I was laughing about it today in the car and Porter asked what I was laughing about. I didn't want to tell him that I was laughing at him, so I said I was laughing because I like it.
My friend Tanya pointed out a good thing. Porter is so laid back and the sweetest guy, that most of the time, he lets other kids walk all over him and push him around. He stuck up for himself which he never does. Initially, I scolded him for that behavior (I mean, it was a little extreme) but at the same time it was one of the first times he took a stand for himself which I want to encourage. My dilemma is how to harness that in a good way and when to discourage it; finding the line where it crosses over and then trying to teach that balance to a four and a half year old.
Anyway, later in the game, there was this kid on the opposing team who was like he was born from the Greek gods. He was super-child. He wasn't mean but he took out any child in his way. He sent Riley Layton, Porter's little pre-school friend, off the field crying twice. The second time, Porter was on the field playing when he saw Riley crying. When Porter saw that, he ran after that kid with his arm poker straight in front of him and his hand in a fist like it was a battering ram ready to charge. I had a big smile on my face when I saw it because I couldn't help but find it funny! But once again, I had to call off the charge. I thought it was very noble though that he tried to defend his friend's honor and stick up for him.
Those are my tales of the first soccer game in June. I will continue on as super awesome soccer mom and cheer on my sonny boy as he kicks the ball the wrong way. I love it!

The Porter Dialogues

2010-03-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

#1. Porter has recently discovered new found abilities in successfully bullying his little brother. He kicked Grady while Lane was at home with the kids and I was out. I got home just after the fact. Porter had already gotten into trouble from ol'Papa Bear but I needed to have a discussion with him as well.
Me:"That is so mean! You never ever kick Grady. What do you do instead?" (I'm thinking along the lines of hugs and kisses.
Porter: (he scrunches up one eye in serious contemplation and replies) "Spank him?"
Me: "NO!" I take a moment to fully absorb his response and then say, "Hugs and kisses!"
Porter: "Ooooh."
Geesh.

#2. We're eating macaroni and cheese. Lane forgets I only eat like a cow when I'm pregnant and makes me too much so I don't finish. Porter finishes every morsel. He comes up to me after I'm done and says, "Are you done?"
Me: "yep"
Porter: "You're not finished. Are you full?"
Me: "yes, I'm full."
He takes his four fingers and prods my belly twice.
Porter: "You don't feel full."
haha Maybe if I had a six pack I would feel full.

#3. I say to Lane, 'Merci', showing my thanks like the French do.
Porter: "What's merci?'
Me: "It means, 'thank you' in French."
Porter: "Oh. Merci, means spank you in French."

It seems like there's a lot of 'spank you very much' kind of stories (just in case that sounds bad, it's supposed to sound like 'thank you very much'). My babysitter said I could write a book with some of the things Porter comes up with and says. Agreed. Endearing and hilarious.

My Life.

2010-03-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday: Porter has to take an emergency pee in the parking lot of Michaels. Thank goodness he's a boy. They are truly blessed in the emergency urinary situations and of course vacation road stops.
We make it into Michaels and buy Porter some 'Lellow' paint. We leave Michaels. Enter van. Proceed to exit onto Deerfoot. Porter exclaims, 'I have to peee!'
I say, 'You just went!'
He says, 'I have to gooo!'
There is no where to pull over but the next exit takes us to a friends house. We're driving. He doesn't say a word. The panic is lifted from the atmosphere. We pull up to the house and he I hear unintelligable whining. I run from my side to his side and start to unbuckle his car seat where he suddenly gets a worried look and pees right there in the car seat. I whip him out mid-relief and whip down his pants in the hopes to get most of it not in the van. He finishes off what's left on the sidewalk in front of my friend's neighbor's house. Lovely.
This middle aged woman is going for a nice spring walk when Porter turns around, shows her the family jewels without caring and she sees the wet puddle on the sidewalk. She stops short and crosses the road to the other side. Every second I jump between laughing and being utterly embarassed. I put Porter back in the wet car seat and we drive home.
I throw him in the tub and give Grady something to eat. Grady smears jam and banana in his hair, the food equivalent of cement. I throw him in the tub. Within two minutes Grady poops in the tub where both boys are sitting, full of their bath toys. It is disgusting. It is revolting. I want to punch a wall. DISGUSTING!
I am shocked. I utter some sounds of disgust and whip the boys out of the tub, speedily fish out their toys and empty the tub. Grady is freaking out at this point. I run downstairs and start to wash the tub. We lost Grady's soother at the farmer's market earlier that day and so he just continues to scream, naked but thankfully not peeing anywhere else (probably all in the tub upstairs). Porter tells me Grady is crying because I hurt his feelings. Well, I'm sorry Grady. You get the idea. This was my night, alone with Taz and Mania.
Here's where the story changes. This morning, Porter wakes up and comes into my room telling me he has something to show me. He has made his bed without me even asking and it looks fantastic! Grady is really cuddly and all smiles. He lays his head down on my shoulder and happily eats. Porter and Grady merrily laugh and joke around all through breakfast. The only time they stopped was when I tried to videotape it. We got to Church, visit friends, Porter watches veggie tales, I study for an exam, Grady takes a nap. Lane wakes up and makes a wicked batch of Macaroni and Cheese. Grady goes to bed like an angel after giving me lots and lots of kisses. Porter walks around in his underwear.
'Porter, where are you clothes? Why are you in your underwear?!'
'Mom, I'm getting in my pajamas.'
Wow. What a great child I have to call my own. He gets in his jammies, washes his hands and draws an Easter card for Grandma. I wash his face, brush his teeth, read stories and we cuddle. He loves to fall asleep in my bed and most often I am happy to oblige. He tells me he wants to sing a song to me. He then tells me he needs to stand up on my bed and sing the song so he can see himself in the mirror. Sure, sure, go ahead sweetie.
It goes a little something like this:
I looove my family.
Yes, I doo-oo.
I love Daddy and Grady and youuuu too.
I have to hiccup.
I love my mommy from here to the moon,
from here to the moon,
from here to the moon.
---'Porter I love your song! It's the prettiest song I've ever heard!'
--'Mom, I'm not finished yet.'
--'Oh, sorry Porter.'
From here to the moon,
from here to the moon and back again.
This song is called I love Mommy.

Perfect? I think so. Anyone who disputes is garbage to me. It's amazing the ups and downs of being a Mom. Sometimes it is so overwhelming and hard, and I seem to focus on self pitying and wallowing in my frustration and then it turns around and the little people you love so much show you what it means to them to be loved by you.

Can we go to the Mountains?

2010-02-27T21:21:00.001-08:00

I love warm weather or should I say warm(er) weather? I had so much more energy and was more motivated to do fun stuff with the boys. I wanted them to see the whole world (minus the house and every detail of it) and of course by Grady's nap time.
Porter wanted to hang out with some miniature buddies his size. There were no friends available. I looked high and low and then he started to cry from disappointment. Earlier that day, while driving around, I told him to look at the mountains and see how beautiful they were. Then he said, 'Lets go to the mountains mom'. Well, when the tears pulled at momma's ol' heart strings, I said, 'Porter, hey! We can go the mountains!' He was cheered.
We drove for over half an hour talking about the big hills and noticing how the mountains were getting bigger and closer. oooh. We pulled over at Allen Bill Pond. I put Grady in the snugli and Porter and I took a hike into nature's heart (aka always within view of our van). I actually got a little freaked out because there was a truck there but nobody around and I didn't have a cell phone. For a short while I thought what if someone or something attacks and no one knows we're out here. My crazy mind thought of that young folk singer who was killed by coyotes! Thankfully, we made it out safe and sound while having a rockin'awesome time being outside without Grady having snotsicles form. What a blessing. Good riddance you annoying snow and bring on the good times with my two little dudes.

Porter with Grandma in Mind

2010-01-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

Grandma Gooding:

"Porter I love you."
Porter:
"I love me too".
What a guy. :) This is a very good thing. It's a good thing to love who you are. I think children can be crazy, but they understand the world sometimes so much better than we do OR it takes us years into adulthood to realize the same thing we knew as children. I'll remind Porter if he ever forgets. You never realize honesty is hilarious until you talk with a four year old.
2)

I'm brushing Porter's teeth. It feels as though it's torture for both him and me. In my mind, I feel like I am having instant skin degradation and aging from the stress and chemical reaction of my negative thoughts killing my healthy...something, that produces youthful skin. Seriously though, I look in the mirror after and I could swear I look older. While he's screaming during the toothbrushing tonight he says, "GRANDMA IS GOING TO BE SO ANGRY TO YOU!!!" He's probably right. In retrospect, I should've told him, 'Bring it'.
3)

Grandma reads Porter the story, 'I will always love you'. It's about a little boy who always finds mischief. For example, 'Dad, if I get one of your shirts and make a jam sandwich and get jam all over your shirt, will you still love me?' Response: 'I won't like that you got jam all over my shirt but I will always love you. I will teach you to respect other people's belongings and then teach you how to wash the shirt but I will always love you.'
After reading the book, he says to Grandma Gooding, 'Will you always love me Grandma?'
Grandma: 'I will always love you', as she wells up with tears. What a baby my mom can be. ;) It was adorable though.

Disclaimer: I wish I had a better recent picture of the two. I don't know if my mom would love this photo, her hair and make up are not done. Still beautiful to moi.

Positive Attitude

2009-12-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

I have been inspired to write a blog post by my dear, dear husband.He has such a gift for a positive attitude. Let me illustrate: I weighed myself in the hopes of seeing progress for the baby weight loss, not too bad. Lane gets on there and the weigh scale reads: 193 lbs. He gets off, moans and says, 'I'm so fat!' No more than 3 seconds later he gets a bright smile on his face and exclaims, '200 pounds of solid love! Can you handle it?!' He kind of sounded like a loud loco that you witness on television from a football game but I could not stop laughing.My response to his inquiry is, 'I'll try.'

I would like to do something for you Mom...

2009-10-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

I was cuddling with Porter as a routine part of bedtime. This pretty much consists of me laying beside him while he talks, plays pretends, goofs around, whichever option he chooses and then I usually laugh or on occasion leave, after having my nose rammed with his head.

Tonight, he was just talking to me, sharing his thoughts. He said, "Mom. (pause) I want to do something for you. Like a castle." So I said, "What do you want to do with this castle? Do you want to build me a castle?"

His reply, "Yep."

That's muh boy! He's so sweet and thoughtful by nature. In 20 years, I'll send a notice to my neighbors to move aside for the big leagues and make room for my new castle that my strapping son is building for me!

Ape Appreciation Yo

2009-10-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

I just watched 'Gorillas in the Mist', which is a film based off of the journals of Dian Fossey, a researcher and conservationist of Mountain Gorillas. Watching the movie reminded me of the need and the interest I have in conservation. I think the first step is becoming more educated on it.

I took a Primatology class at the U of C in 2007. The first half of the semester was mediocre to lame-o and then the tides took a turn, my friends. Brian Keating, head of the Conservation department at the Calgary Zoo taught the second half of the semester. He is truly a great teacher. He makes students not just learn but love what they learn and want to practice and act upon what they learn. I learned that problems for endangered species isn't just because of poaching or pollution, the majority of the problem is land conservation. They can try to preserve as many of any given species as possible but what good does it do if they have no where to live, to reproduce, to eat their natural foods?

I never thought I was a monkey or ape person, as in I never thought about them in any given moment; however, everything changes when you learn about it. My favorite great ape is the mountain gorilla, followed by the orangutan. Two things I would like to experience in my life time are going to the Borneo orangutan preserve and to Rwanda to witness a gorilla family for a day (or more). :)

Learning about these animals has given me a new and unrealized appreciation for Heavenly Father's creations. They really are remarkable. I am in 'awesome wonder' with these animal. To think I previously couldn't even stand a domestic cat coming near me! Actually, I still can't stand cats coming near me (they seem a bit tricky) and while I'm at it, I'll add squirrels to the mix. They seems a bit edgey.

Joking and admittances aside, everyone at point or another is impressed by some diverse and exotic animal. I think the second part of that is also seeing things with a fuller perspective, that is seeing Heavenly Father's hand in everything. By doing this, we learn and appreciate them as one of His creations. In fact, when we acknowledge His hand in all parts of our life, it always gives greater understanding.

The Calgary Zoo has tonnes of opportunities and information on conservation. They're part of an accredited zoo program that makes it possible for them to breed with animals from other zoos instead of taking them from the wild. They are also committed to donating money and research for conservation around the world to protect endangered species in their natural habitat.

Other good places to look are:

http://www.gorillafund.org/

http://www.janegoodall.org/

http://www.orangutan.org/

These three webites were all created because of three women known as Leakey's angels. Louis Leakey, a renowned anthropologist, hired three women: Dian Fossey to study Gorillas, Jane Goodall to study Chimpanzees and Birute Galdikas to study Orangutans. Their work is what has saved these species to the present day.

Learning at Home

2009-09-21T21:36:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I feel inadequate when it comes to projects and learning styles for young children. It is just not in my mindset, possibly because I'm a 'me' person and I've had to learn to be more conscious of others as I go along; however, motherhood makes it easier because I really do want to serve those I love the most. By the way, I love my kids and the big man (Lane) the most, although don't think I couldn't do nice, lovely things for you too.

Another thing, is I love intellectual learning and until I had completely adorable children (I could've just said children but my children happen to be adorable. It's practically like a title. It could even be one word), I could only possibly fathom how to think and have a conversation with an adult. Learning and teaching styles were all adult based. Kids, me no clue. It had never crossed my mind to develop any skills in the childhood development realm. In fact, spending more than 15 minutes with kids while they were not sleeping was okay, past that it was torture (this was before my own of course).

Pretty much, I was clueless/CLUELESS as to what to do with kids. Once Porter was born and I would see what other mom's were doing, I'd think, 'seriously? Seriously?! Am I deficit because how did they just come up with that?' I think I am beginning to accumalate more knowledge in that area and can come up with things much easier than before. I also have Primary to thank for that. After I got married and was going back into a family ward, the calling I feared the most was Primary/children. Like I said, I just had no idea what to do with them. In retrospect, I realize now that the fear was a lack of knowledge.

Through a lot of time, frustration, mistakes, and in the end, fun, I gained a lot of knowledge on kid age appropriate activities by serving in three different Primary presidencies beginning when Porter was two weeks old. It was hard in the beginning but it turned into a huge blessing because it helped prepare me as a mother. I can whip together a sharing time in no time now. I am like the masked sharing time bandit. ;) Truly though, I do feel blest.

Second thing, is I had no idea the benefits of the blogging world until this last year. Who needs internet search engines to find good ideas on everything imginable, when you have blogs? I'll tell you: you don't need them. Blogs can be the encyclopedia to life. Okay just kidding! But I love getting ideas from them. I need to come up with efficiency tactics though, sometimes I practically get dizzy linking from one to the other, over and over until I have no clue how I got there or how I'll find it again!

Well, there's probably a third, fourth, and a hundredth reason why I am finally getting the kid creativity concept but it's coming, at a nice tortoise pace BUT they say he did win the race so maybe I'll be a wicked awesome grandma one day. ;) Bottom line, I've had a lot of other great young mom rolemodels to copy living in the southeast. Another blessing of location.

Here's some fun things that Porter and I have done recently.

Apple stamps:

Paint: We put paint in a bag and he was able to swirl it and make different designs with his finger without getting dirty. Porter hates having anything on his hands. Another thing he really liked on another glorious painting day was doing textures. We scrunched up paper, rolled his cars through the paint, used sponges, the works.

Learning the Alphabet. So far we've hit up the big running letters 'A' and 'B'. The first picture he had to find all the Big A's, then little a's, Big B, little b. He has success. Bravo ma boy. The last picture I wrote a row of letters and then did a box underneath the ones I did. Then it was his turn. By his turn, I mean mommy assisted turn. As well, it was also open mic time too. Sing your way to success is going to be the title of my next and first book. It's how I'm going to make it to the big leagues and compete for front cover space from Jon and Kate.

Edible Paint: So, clearly my creativity seems to be limited to paint. This is edible paint, namely milk and food coloring. He's painting his bread and then we toasted it, cut out a shape and ate the delicious morsel.

Baby (aka Elephant)

2009-07-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

Who would've known two years ago that a dollar investment was worth more than Kodak's priceless pictures. For Porter's 2nd birthday, my pal Silvana and her niece came and brought Porter this Elephant. For a while, this elephant's name was Elephant.

I thought Porter adjusted pretty seamlessly to life with a new baby; however, I have witnessed ways it has affected him. From now on, when you see my firstborn, he's Muma PoPo. Just kidding, don't call him that.

This elephant not only is by Porter's side, he has now become a well nurtured child by a loving parent. By the way, don't call him 'Elephant'. Porter has re-named him 'Baby'. In fact, I called him Elephant and Porter was quite curt and clear, 'Not elephant, it Baby!' Pardon me. ;)

Here are some toucing pictures capturing Baby's growth and love in our meek and modest Trim household.

Behold baby being swaddled. Baby is not happy so Pappy Porter comes to snuggle him to sleep.

Grady was laying on Porter's bed and Porter lifted up Grady's arm and shoved baby under there. Grady looking a little dumbfounded. Poor guy is helpless although I'm sure he doesn't mind having baby there. Baby and baby! Awwww...

Lastly, Elephant waiting for a warm meal while quietly playing with a toy.

My Sunday Bloopers

2009-06-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well, this past Sunday is what the Spaniards call, "LOCO!" My cousin was in town and was going to meet me at Church at 11:00 am. Lane was working that morning so I was cruising around and multi-tasking like a chimp. I just cannot seem to conquer it. I see a gnat and say, 'A gnat!' It's not that bad; I hope. Exaggeration folks! Well, I got out the door at 11:00 am instead of being at the Church at 11 am. I'm cruising down the road I like to call the 'I-tardy'.

Then I remember I have a movie due back at Blockbuster at noon. Curse them for their new 2 day policy. They take the 48 hours seriously! Now I have an errand I have to do or be penalized. The only thing to help this situation is speed like demon. I'm cruising to Mckenzie Towne when a cop steps onto the road and waves me to pull over. I should've floored it and faced the consequences later. Kidding! It wasn't Lane and this guy looked big and tough. As I rolled down my window and waited I started to sweat and began thinking of my pathetic plea I was going to give. I've been practising my speech for years now and all of a sudden it seemed really retarded. 'Officer, I should've known better! My husband is a police officer.'

I look at him guilty and then realize...it's Lane's partner! He said he was all excited because before he knew it was me he thought he was going to get a good one (if that explains how fast I was going). Then I hear Lane's laughing. He was in the second unmarked car beside his partner's police car. I was a joke to liven their day when they realize it's 'Trim's wife'.

I got off with a warning and continue on after being pulled over by the coppers. I pull up to Blockbuster and practically leap off my seat. Unfortunately, I am still a chub-chub from the baby and was wearing a jean skirt that was too tight. I had no feeling left in my butt so how was I to gauge where it swings?! I hit the door lock. I realized it before it was too late but this van is still new to me and as I was in a haste and couldn't find the unlock button fast enough, I just left the door open. As I took a few steps to the other side of the vehicle to get the movie out, my door closed! Locked out of the van with the two kids inside! Oh no! I ask Porter to open the door but he's strapped in, never opened a van door and laughing hysterically. No help at all. I can't remember Lane's number in his car. I go into Blockbuster and start using their phone and call the same three friends a few times each. I finally start leaving messgaes that go a little something like this, 'This is Stacey. I am stranded at Blockbuster and locked out of my car. I know you probably think you have a late movie because it's Blockbuster but you don't...I think. Please pick up your phone!'

Nobody picks up. I finally call the police station and get someone who will give me Lane's number. Then I call Lane and he leaves his post to come unlock the van for me.

As he unlocks the van from his car I can see him giving me a thumbs up for encouragement but the embarassment is shining through. Now his partner who just pulled me over hears I just locked myself out of the car. But I swear I am a genius!

I made it to Church at the ripe time of 11:45. My cousin thought she was in the wrong ward. Thankfully, she stuck it out and waited. In the end, we crowned the day with a warm bowl of Mac n'cheese and then the world became right again. The end.

Trains on the mind

2009-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

Bright and early at 10:00 am I'm hearing some thudding coming from Porter's room. What I didn't know was behind closed doors was actually a construction site.

He had moved his curtain and hooked it on his bed for a little lighting and put on his Percy the Train hat to set the mood.

He then started propping up his books to make a tunnel for his pal Thomas. When I opened the door he was starting Thomas' engine and letting him travel through the long tunnel to be rewarded at the end by the light of day.

I only got a quick witness of it because then he stood up like he might be in trouble and even started to take it down. Poor fella. Little did he know this was a camera moment to document his creative genius! In fact. while I started to take pictures of it all, he started to take it down to give me the hint that he was tired of taking pictures!

Bushman

2009-06-07T21:56:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I went to Time Out for Women. Whilst Grady and I were away in Edmonton, Porter and Lane were working on their manliness. Porter says to Lane, 'Dad, can I pee in grass?' Lane says, 'Sure.' I mean why not, right? So in our backyard, Porter whips down his pants to his ankles and aims for the middle of the grass. No folks, the yellow grass on the lawn is not from a dog but from my son. J.K. Then while we were on our family walk, the same one where Porter scraped his elbow, Porter said, 'I have to go pee!'
I panic, we are so far from home, how are we going to make in time for him to go the bathroom? Lane says, 'Come with me', and away they go into the bush. When Porter came out he said, 'Mom, I feel better!' This is a pro.

The con: Twice on our way to Church, Porter has whipped his pants down to his ankles and tinkled on the front lawn. Somewhere the line must be drawn. Peeing on the side of a highway while on a roadtrip: a good thing. Peeing on the front lawn when a toilet is 15 feet away: bad. Here is a picture of him on one such occasion on the way to Church.

I have a problem, I say no and tell him not to do that, but I guess I am too gifted at having an omniscient viewpoint. If I was just a fly on a wall, I would just laugh my guts out.

Mancation

2009-05-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a family blog. I showed Lane my progress on my attempt to keep a blog and he said so sadly, so pitifully, 'There's no pictures up of my mancation.' What's a mancation you ask? It's a vacation for boys. Stinky, adorable boys. He and usually his brothers go quading in either Idaho or Utah. They get giddy at the thought of the next one. Lane started doing up a grocery list and menu six months before they went! That's excitement. That's why I could never say no. Who knows what suckered me in, maybe it's the freckles, cleft chin, who knows? Actually, I know but it's a pretty long explanation so we'll leave it at the jest on his freckles.

Lane, Brham, Kale, my cousin Sean, Kale's old mission companion Hess & his Pop all enjoyed some time in a trailer in Little Sahara, Utah.

One of the most impressive things they did was make a hot tub in the box of Brhams's truck. I thought it was hiarious. This is what happens when you get some Scout alumni together.

Stories to laugh at

2009-05-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Porter gave his first talk today in primary. It was about how baptism and confirmation bless our family. I was whipsering the words to him and therefore, he whispered the words to everyone else. Lane said the only thing he could hear was, 'Baptism. Confimation. Blessings. Jesus' in audible whispers. Quite cute, quite right. He seemed to like it up there. He started laughing at one of the kids and couldn't stop. It took a while to re-focus on the talk. He liked the podium. Clearly a better view of what was going on. The primary was there to entertain him. ;)

A few weeks ago, I asked Porter what he learned in primary. He said, 'Jesus died on cross.' I was really impressed that he took that away from primary BUT I wanted to emphasize that the most important thing is that Jesus lives. So I got him to repeat, "Jesus died BUT.....(drum roll) HE LIVES!' Big emphasis on 'BUT' dramatic plause and then enthusiastic, 'HE LIVES'. Many a days passed and he told me out of a random conversation that included trains, chocolate, milk in a sippie cup, and Jesus died. Then he looked at me and said, 'But he lives!' He got it and I hope that means more and more to him as time goes on.

Yesterday morning, Porter informs me that he must poo. I had my friend Wendy staying at my house and she said, 'What's that Porter?' Porter replied, "I need go poo. Want to come?" I mean who wouldn't? It's a nice, casual, social engagement. It was hilarious. He was just so openly extending an invitation for her to come hang out with him while he took in Lane's words, a 'duke'.
It's funny. Speaking of Porter pooing...I have to ask him while he's in the bathroom if he's done because if I dont' check in, he'll just get off the toilet and walk around with fecal matter attached to his bottom. There's no waiting around for the wipe. I have to be on top of my game when he announces the poo is here. So as I periodically call and say, "Porter are you done?" If he's not he'll say with a strained and grunting voice, 'Almost (strain, grunt) there.'

Roll-over Champ

2009-05-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

On April 13th, Grady was having the recommended amount of tummy time, when before my very eyes he pusehd himself up, teetered and rolled over on his back! Brilliant child! It was very exciting. For a moment I considered it a fluke but now he won't stop. In fact, I was attempting to take pictures of his victory but he would rollover before I could take the picture! So in order to get the pictures I had to hold him with one hand to keep him on his tummy, while I stretched back and tried to position the camera. I then strategically released my hand and was hoping to catch the roll-y moment. I did this several times in order to get the pictures I wanted.

After our photo shoot, I think he thought I didn't want him to roll over probably from me holding him back from rolling so I could take a pictue. If only that could be explained to a 3 month old! He temporarily quit rolling over. He would remain on his tummy and stare at me. The next couple of days I had to re-teach him that rolling over was good. So I would put him on his tummy and give him a little push to tip him over, then enthusiastically cheer. I had to revert the false lesson. Thankfully, he now rolls over whenever he pleases with the promise that no one will stop him again. Go Grady!

Amazing Quilt!

2009-05-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

You must go check out this blog! There's a quilt giveaway and it is gorgeous. Liz is a truly talented quilter and her designs are amazing.
Go to:
Pigtails and SnailsSource: www.pigtailsandsnails.blogspot.

Soccer Mom

2009-04-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Our car went to car heaven, although I prefer to think it went to car hell where it deserved to go. As a result, we just bought a Honda Odyssey mini van. Lane thought he was too cool for a mini van but when you have a family and SUV's are for the elite, a mini van is the next step in life. Lane has since looked at the brighter side of things and has re-named the Odyssey the 'Silver Bullet'. That's positive thinking.

This past Saturday, April 25, was Porter's first soccer game. He is in the NSD league on the Cougar team. Get this, his jersey is navy blue and he's a cougar...a little BYU action anyone? Go Cougars! Riding in the mini van for the first time as a family, we headed to the soccer game. Wahoo, soccer mom, soccer dad, soccer star, and darling baby arriving in the Silver Bullet. We had some good friends of ours who have their daughter in the same league mock us all day long for our cliche. What's there to dispute? It was a great day though despite the cold weather. We were so proud of Porter seeing him play soccer. I love this time and this age. They're starting to be able to develop so many talents and experience and enjoy so much more.

He got two goals with the help of Pappy. Lane and Porter are going to practice soccer in the backyard just to reconfirm the idea of kicking the ball in the right direction. The tricky thing is you tell them to share all the time and then in soccer you're telling them to take away the ball from the other kid. Tricky, tricky.

Tons of fun though! I couldn't believe how much fun I had watching him play soccer for the first time! It's official, I am a proud soccer mom who drives a mini van....and who is supercool.

Sewing champ!

2009-04-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

You know, for the past year I have been endeavoring to learn how to sew. In my mind it was something much too difficult, strenuous and detailed for me to consider. My last memories of sewing was the unfinished Laurel project and my mom and I having a loud (a.k.a yelling) conversation. I'll admit, although not always, this was my fault. I had no patience for details and mistakes, take a look at my handwriting for proof.

Well, all of that is in the past for as I hit the year 25 of my existence, I'm a new gal. I like being able to personalize things to my taste and I enjoy sewing. It's rewarding to see something I did being used and looking cute! My friend, Stephanie got me started and convinced me it was possible. I'm a believer. I started slow with a pair of slippers that I never completely finished for almost 9 months. I think because I took so long, the satisfaction was more of a relief instead of a giddy, clap your hands, kind of a moment. Observe. Well, there will be a picture up soon. Adorable! My first present for Grady began before he was born and finished 3 months after his arrival. My personal favorite is the button touch. Precious!

Next, I did two projects at one. I'll reveal I was feeling a little risque and confident. But guess what? I finished them! This would not be possible without Marna Martin, one of the great sewing teachers of our time. :) I did a purse for my niece for her birthday out of pink, jersey knit camoflague. Unfortunately, my plain bag that I put my heart and soul into and spent hours on (due to my lack of skill), was no match for princess Jasmine and feathered plastic shoes. It's okay, I understand that when you're 3, handiwork is no match for pink clad action figures.
I still need to get a picture of it. I forgot to get a picture of it before I gave it away!

The other project was a pair of turtle pajama pants for Porter. What a success! He loves turtles because a good friend of ours, Erin Walters, has two adorable turtles named Watson and Crick. We call his pants the Watson and Crick pants. I was over sewing with friends and our great teacher and finished them up at 10:30 pm. I got home at quarter to 11:00 and showed Lane my MASTERPIECE and then despite the late time, I had to show Porter! It couldn't wait! My joy had to be shared and well, they were his anyway. I ran into his room, woke him up out of bed and showed him his turtle pants. He was very happy in his incoherent state. I quickly changed him into his new, amazing pajama pants so he could bask in glorious sleep for the rest of the night in his new pants.
Note the strewn matching pajama bottoms on the floor in the background. Good riddance because they are no comparison to the best turtle pants in the whole...house!

Mom, Relax!

2009-02-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

Geesh! Who knew a girl could be so wrong? I'm surrounded by boys in a 3 to 1 ratio. We're driving along as a family heading towards some unimportant destination when Lane and I start discussing finances. Just because I raise my voice, does not mean I'm yelling...it just means I'm passionate. I was always so confused when people said I was yelling, it made me get all defensive because I felt they were totally embellishing! I think though, I've had enough people tell me that that it has worked sort of like a comment box. I've tallied them up and there's been enough feedback that clearly I was missing something. Apparently, I talk 'extra' loud when I get excited about something but the heart of the matter is, I'm not really aware that my voice has gotten louder. It's not out of anger but out of my own persuasion! So as I was saying, Lane and I were discussing finances and I was reasoning my way through it when my three year old pointedly says, 'Mom! Relax!'

That was a first ever! Lane and I were shocked without words for a moment before Lane burst out laughing. Lane didn't have to say it out loud, all over his face was the expression, 'awesome.' I'm surrounded by laid back boys and I stand all alone here. Clearly, I need to tone it down for the boys or I'm not going to fit in this crowd. My first thought after I had a chuckle...though not as hardy a laugh as Lane's, was, 'I need to have a girl.' Mommy needs back-up! ahahah

I am the one and only over-exciteable mommy.

I get calm reminders and perspective now from my nearly old, adoring redhead and my ready to raise his folks, three year old.

So funny!

Announcing...

2009-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how going from a family of three which feels so complete, goes to four and feels that much more whole and complete. This may sound cheesy but it's the truth of the matter: who would've thought that when you felt your heart was so FULL for your own little family, that it just grows that much more with another addition. No scientific measurement required or equation to prove it, so people will just have to take my word for it that love for others grows exponentially and there's no end point. I'll call it the 3.14.... version of endless.

Not only that but I cannot believe how good looking my kids are. Why should I play it down? They are quality cute! Mary Poppins thought she was practically perfect in every way, well she has nothing on my kids.

A little bit more on our new addition. He was born on January 4th, 2009 at 8lb 6oz. His name is Grady Daniel Kae Trim. Grady because it's a cool name. Daniel, after my uncle who I've always looked up to. And Kae, an ode to brothers.

A few days ago, I was just looking into Grady's face and I can't quite describe what I saw. He is so special to me and being so tiny in my arms, I just see how pure he is. At this point in his life, everything he learns will be taught by me and Lane. We are trying to do more to teach Porter and soon Grady, the things that will help them gain a testimony of the gospel.

MOTHERHOOD....NO PRESSURE. ;)

I Will Always Love YOOOOUUUUU!

2008-12-13T22:59:00.001-08:00

What can I say, the little guy has music in the soul. Errands with a three year old often makes me want to bang my head up against a wall. I was printing off pictures for Christmas cards. Let me re-phrase, I had to print off the same picture 40 times for Christmas cards. Seeing as how it was only one picture I had to choose, it's a relatively quick process...if your darling child does not run off to be prey of kidnappers! I couldn't even select the picture before he would run off again! Being nine months pregnant and lacking more patience than normal, my 'public face' was disintegrating and my composure less than the merriment the Christmas season desereves.
Thankfully, he ran off to the same place over and over again. The Porter Trim destination of interest was the electronics department in London Drugs. Finally, the electronics manager came to me and told me not to worry because he and his co-workers were watching Porter. He said, 'He's hilarious! He's really good at karaoke. He's just belting it out so we like watching him.'
Time for me to abandon the picture post and watch my performer. There he was, in front of the big screen holding on to the microphone singing his heart out to Whitney's classic, 'I'll always love you.' I came in during one of the long 'oooooo-ahhhhhh'. When Porter saw me, he said excitedly, 'Come on Mummy!' and handed me the other microphone. I couldn't turn down an opportunity like that so I sang along with Porter and Whitney (don't worry I let them out sing me).
Sometimes my schedule isn't the one that matters but just taking time to enjoy my son's curiousities and fun. In the end, it was so much fun...even though at the close of the soulful tune Porter pooped in his underwear which made the mood quickly turn BUT it was still the most precious thing to watch him continually migrate to the mic to go sing his heart out. I can't believe I was printing off pictures and didn't have my camera to capture him in action! Next step is choreography...but I don't know if Lane's input in the parenting would agree with Step 2, but I mean come on, it worked for Zac Efron! Porter has a lot going for him. ;)

Frosty the Snowman

2008-11-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

Porter loves to serenade me, the wall, whatever, with two of his favorite Christmas songs: Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman. We have a Frosty the Snowman picture book that we sing along to and now he is quite fluent with the lyrics. At this point, singing Christmas carols are the most complete sentences he says. He is thrilled with the splendor of snow (I am not a big snow fan but because he is, snow seems a little more fun all over again...ahh, blissful children...mostly blissful children). Porter loves to walk in the snow whether or not his feet get cold and soaked. Lane and Porter went out and built the best snowman EVER! Porter loved how he could create something and make it look however he wanted. Frosty, for that is what every snowman is named, had enough arms to be an arachnid and he atennae ears. Only the face a 3 year old creator could love. :)
Once he was built, Porter was actually afraid of Frosty. Wouldn't give him a hug, wouldn't even give him a high fiver. He did; however, sing Frosty the Snowman to him and put particular emphasis on hollering 'STOP!' as the law enforcing officer does in the song. Like papa, like son. "He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop. He only stopped a moment when he heard him holler, 'STOP!'"

3rd Annual Date at Spruce Meadows Christmas Market

2008-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Not that we go on dates annually, but we make sure we go to the Spruce Meadows Christmas market every year. It's the perfect way to get excited about Christmas! Lane always wants to put up Christmas decorations the day is snows or when the last hints of warmth leave in September but I try to hold strong until December 1st. Well, Lane has been painting his pa-tooshie off so we can switch Porter's room and the new baby's room. Then we go to the market and he gives me googly eyes, and then I say, 'sure lets put up the decorations'. That's how it works around these parts.

The market has carolers, fire pits, roasted chestnuts (which are disgusting, how could they get so much merit as to have a carol written after them!?), ice sculptures, tonnes of pine, old carriages, and great homemade food. Sometimes I can't decide what I like better: the old glory of the traditional Victorian Christmas or the rustic beauty of the country Christmas with homemade, distressed decorations. I like them both. Both are Christmas imagery to me.

We bought a Santa Claus policeman decoration. We like to say we buy a decoration every year on a date as part of a tradition but seriously, we don't need anymore decorations! In fact, we have a surplus, a saturation of Christmas tackiness on our tree but when I saw the St.Nick policeman, I couldn't pass it up. We're proud of our blue brotha. To serve and protect. What a pal.

Baby Brudder

2008-11-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

On November 12th, Porter was rubbing my baby bulge and lovingly said, 'My baby brudder.'
This kind of came as a shock because he calls my tummy, 'The Baby', or 'Baby Grady', but we've never even referred to the baby as his baby brother. It was so tender and it's amazing what he picks up. Now when people ask if he knows there's a baby coming, I feel pretty confident he has a good idea. He knows it's his 'baby brudder'. So sweet! Then again, I have a sweet kid so not totally unexpected.

Oh boy...

2008-11-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

Well, there's no better person to show you the things you need to improve upon than your child. I'll admit, on occasion (rarely for sure), when dealing with a rude sales associate or dealing with a nutzo driver, I spit out the word, 'jerk'. Well, yesterday I was telling Lane that I needed to be somewhere at a certain time and so he needed to go upstairs and keep an eye on Porter. I got the 'in a minute'. I walked upstairs waiting for the 60 seconds to pass and sat with Porter. Porter than said, 'Daddy jerk.' Uh...'Porter, that's not nice! We don't say that about Daddy.' He just got a bigger grin on his face and decided it was best to say it again. 'Daddy jerk.' I then repeated, 'Porter, don't say that.' He continued to smile at me and said, 'Fetch.' This is a word we have taken out of our vocabulary once we realized it had become Porter's favorite word and we've since been trying to get him to stop saying that. He knows it's not a word he's supposed to be saying; hence, why he continued to repeat it. He once again chanted, 'Fetch', and then I just started to laugh. These may not be the best disciplinary actions but I couldn't help it!

The day to day

2008-11-10T00:59:00.000-08:00

Porter is in the middle of potty training. We give a lot of positive reinforcement with comments like, 'Excellent!' 'Good job!' 'I'm proud of you.' Well, now this is a potty ritual. Whenever he discovers the bathroom is occupied, he bursts through the door and tells either Lane or I, 'Excellent!' and then attempts to check out the progress. He always makes us feel so good about our accomplishments. :)

Slow Starter

2008-11-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Finally!
Well, I started this blog months ago with Stephanie Larsen as my coach but then I couldn't remember my password and that my log-in is my e-mail address and not my name. How much should I reveal that I really didn't know?
I'll keep going. I couldn't even remember my address to it! Miraculously, I found a post I made six months ago on Stephanie's blog and I clicked on my name and it took me to my barren blog. Now I am determined to learn the ways of the blog. I have no clue what I'm doing, which is sad. Apparently I don't fall into the generation of technology. I fell between the cracks. Here it goes. One day I will be a professional blogger, just you wait Enry Iggins.