Some Serious Catch-up

Yes, I realize that I'm a slacker. But it really did take all of my energy just to take care of my kids while being exhausted and sick for all of September and into October (and let's be honest, I didn't do a great job of that). Thankfully, I'm in the second trimester and life is much better!!

Here's a recap of our lives so far this fall. There are some funny moments, which I hope make up for my non-existent blogging.

First, I have to share this funny little story. We like to use toilet paper rolls to make telescopes, kaleidoscopes, or rainsticks. One day, Palmer and Portia were fighting over the last toilet paper roll. I asked Palmer to go find another one, knowing that there were at least three in his room somewhere. He left the room and I honestly didn't think about it. Then I hear this from down the hall, "Mom, I can't get it off. The roll is stuck." I go into my bathroom and behold, he'd found the toilet paper roll, just like I'd asked. I couldn't really be mad at him for doing exactly what I asked. I learned from this that I need to be a little more specific when I ask Palmer to do something for me. In September, Palmer played in Provo's "Start Smart" soccer. It was a perfect little introduction to soccer and it was only four weeks long. We thought we'd try this and if he loves it, we'll enroll him in the league for spring soccer. Needless to say, he loved it (serious understatement). Here's his team picture, they were the Houston Dynamo.

Stretching before practice

Palmer and some Dynamo friends. They were all so friendly and energetic, to say the least. I love that about preschoolers--that they have no qualms about being friends with anyone around them and that they're always so open and honest.

This probably goes without saying, but Palmer's favorite parts of soccer were running and scoring goals. I think he's going to take after his daddy and be a striker. Hey, whatever gets the energy out is fine by me.

practicing stopping the ball with his foot, instead of his hands.

Portia was in heaven playing on the playground next to soccer field with a bunch of little buddies. She paused long enough to think about something very serious and then was gone.

Palmer's first day of preschool. He was SOOOOOOO excited, he didn't really want to pause to take a picture. Since we're in school and have no income, we decided to take advantage of the government and put Palmer in the Headstart preschool. I wasn't too stressed about him being going to a government-sponsored preschool, because honestly, the kid already knows how to read and doesn't really need any academic push. It's mostly for the social and he talks non-stop about his teachers and his school friends. I honestly think his favorite thing about school is that he finally gets to "wear a backpack and go to school like Daddy!" Whatever gets him excited about school is fine by me.

At the end of September, my FIL, Charles, graduated from Provo College with a certificate in Pharmaceutical Technology. We're so proud of him, especially since he graduated with high honors.

October came way too fast (and apparently left too fast, too). With some of our friends from the MBA Spouses' group (aka, MBASA), we went to the pumpkin patch. Palmer was in school, so Portia was flying solo, but she loved being with all her friends. You can't tell because she's such a ham, but she didn't really want to pause long enough to take this picture. Her friends were going to play and she didn't want to be left out. Typical Portia.

Portia with one of her best buddies, Emma Allred.

Climbing with Emma and Brielle Mackrory.

Cheesing it up with the ducks. They had a small petting zoo as part of this pumpkin patch. Portia did not want to touch the goats or sheep but loved the bunnies, turkeys, and ducks.

I loved this cute moment, where she finally caught up to her friends, Jenna and Cooper Barnum.

A week later, we went to one of the local fire stations and took a tour of their firehouse and played with the trucks. Portia did not love the firemen all dressed up in their gear and I think one of them was too close to her in this picture. I'm not sure exactly what Palmer's doing but, hey we documented the moment, right?

On the walk home from the fire station, we stopped to play in the leaves outside our condos. One of the things I love about Utah (there really aren't that many so I have to share those things that I love about living in Provo) is the gorgeous weather changes. This fall was no exception. We've had gorgeous weather and gorgeous scenery (it's 68 right now and it's November!).

More leaf fun!

In her true Nona style, my mother knitted these bright but very appropriately fall sweaters. Only my caramel children can look good in this color of yellow. I love these sweaters. This was also the Sunday of Palmer's first Primary program. He stole the show, complete with reading the other kids' lines, trying to sneak towards the podium, and getting super excited about singing the songs he knew really loudly and with lots o f enthusiasm. It was definitely one of those moments where I wish I'd had one of those small digital camcorders. I totally would have snuck it into church.

At the ward Halloween carnival. This year, Halloween was actually pretty fun because my kids got the concept of dressing up as clowns and playing games. Halloween really lasted a week around here, with all the activities and parties.

At MBASA's Halloween party. No clue what I'm saying, but apparently Portia thought it was funny.

Here's the actual Halloween event. My sister, Sierra, came trick-or-treating with us. It took the kids a few houses to get the idea. At first, Palmer would knock on the door about 20 times and when it opened, he'd start walking right into the house. Luckily, we knew everyone we visited. Our last stop was Osmond Ln., where our friends, the Andersons, live. It was crazy, non-stop action. Palmer and Portia thought it was fun to hand out candy and took over the job of manning the door and handing out candy to all the kids who came by. It was a steady stream for the 30 minutes we were there. The best part was that Palmer made comments about the kids' costumes, things like "Oh, you're a princess, how cute!" or "Oh, I like your costume!", even though most of the kids who came by were at least three or four years older than him. He's such an imitator. It makes me laugh.

So, there's our fall. I promise I'll be better about documenting the rest of this holiday season for all you blog-stalkers (Mom).

The kids

So, since everyone apparently already knows about our news...............
If you can't figure out what this picture means, just ask around.
ETA: April 20, 2010....aka, finals week.
It should be fun. :-)

Where Were You?

Eight years ago today was a day that most Americans will never forget. I, however, didn't really feel the impact of this day until later. On Sept. 11, 2001, I was in Livorno, Italy as a missionary. It was 6:00pm and we were on our way to the church to teach English classes when an investigator stopped us and said that New York City had been bombed and was gone. Typical Italian exaggeration, I thought nothing of it until we got to church and people were freaking out. It was a very surreal evening spent discussing anti-American sentiments and why people felt so strongly about the US. I'd had a few run-ins with Italians who hated Americans in the months leading up to the attacks, and each one of those encounters shook me. But on Sept. 11, I felt nothing because, as far as I knew it was an Italian exaggeration of a very minor incident. Then we got the call.

My mission president called our zone leader, who called us and told us that we were to find a TV the next day and watch for 15-30 minutes what was happening. That was a first, as I'd spent the last 16 months avoiding TV's. Our ZL also told us that once we'd seen what had happened, we were to return home and stay home all day. We were to cancel all appts. and not call anyone unless necessary. The main reason for this was a rumor saying that the terrorists were first going for important government and fiscal sites and would next be turning to important Christian religious sites. Exhibit A, Roma, less than an hour away. It turned out to be nothing and my mission went on quietly, with very little impact from the events of Sept. 11. The only exception was that we had to stop teaching any Muslim investigators and I had a young Muslim girl with a baptism date already set.

Flash forward to Dec. 5, when I went home. First, we hit blizzards at every stop and ended up changing our flights at every airport. But the best part was the "random" searches. They didn't feel so random when I was "chosen" at every stop on our trip home. I think it was because we had to change our flights at every airport, instead of sticking to our itinerary...which was a red flag for TSA. The other big change was that my family could no longer meet me outside my gate and I had to walk through an empty airport to see my family. That was a very long walk.

But the biggest change I saw was the USA I came home to. When I left, people were mocked for having US flags on their cars, homes, etc. It was not really considered cool to be overly patriotic when I left home. When I came home and saw US flags everywhere, and I mean everywhere, I was a little creeped out. People were more unified and most people felt a comradery with their neighbors that was not there when I left 18 months earlier. It was a nice change but a little hard to get used to. So, while I'm grateful for the changes I saw in my country following these attacks, it makes me sad that it took something like this heinous act to make our country turn to its roots and the God that allowed the freedoms we enjoy. Though this act of terrorism has never really impacted me the way it has most of my friends who skipped school that day to watch the events unfold, I will never forget where I was on Sept. 11, 2001.

It's BAAAACK!!!!!

I just have to say that the one thing I'm looking forward to about the fall TV season, other than "Glee", is the return of my favorite show ever, "So You Think You Can Dance". For the first time ever, it's on during the fall season. I can't wait to see what these amazing dancers and choreographers cook up. If anyone wants to watch, I'll be at home every Wednesday (and Thursday once those get going) watching it....unless, of course, I'm at an MBASA activity, then you can call me and we'll watch it together, sans commercials. DVR is a beautiful thing.

P.S. I'm so glad Jeanine won. Look at that picture! She's amazing.

Crescent Lake Panoramics

As you all know, I took a photography class this summer and learned how to do some pretty cool things with my digital SLR. As part of my class, I had to produce a panoramic picture and I finally found a place that warranted my time and effort in creating a masterpiece.

During the first 3 weeks of August, we spent time in Oregon visiting with my wife's family. The last 4 days of our trip were spent at the family cabin located on Crescent Lake in Oregon. The lake and the scenery is beautiful and I decided that I wanted to use this setting as my panoramic picture. Now, for your viewing pleasure, I would like to share with you my pictures. There are a total of 4, but 2 of them are black and whites of the color versions. Enjoy!

August

Yes, the month is almost over and school starts for Ronell on Monday. We spent the first three weeks of August in Oregon with my family. And we've spent the last two weeks getting back into the MBA world. Rather than try to give a travel log, I'll just show you the pics. Here you go. Enjoy.

First, we went to Salem and played with my sister, Lexie, and baby Brizzy. This is at the splash fountain. Oregon doesn't have pools. They have fountains. Works for me. By the way, I've seen about 50 little girls with this swimsuit this summer and Portia's the only one with a perma-wedgie. Hhmmm, ghetto booty much?

Palmer, enjoying the fountain.

Portia loved baby Brizzy, to say the least. Every time we were around her, she'd try to pick her up, put the binky in Brizzy's mouth, or sit and say, "It's okay, Bwizzy, boo boo." For more pictures of Portia and her cousin, you can look at my sister's blog. She's better at documenting the obsession.

Cousins!

She's such a ham.

I think he found an ant. Shocking, they have them in Oregon, too!

One of Portia's favorite thing to do at Papa and Nona's house was help Nona water the garden. She found a cut-off piece of a hose and spent most of the day pretending to water the plants....especially after she got in trouble for throwing rocks in the fountain.

Playing tennis. Portia's game is obviously not on today.

Palmer was pretty good.

Portia gave up on tennis and starting throwing the ball between her legs. Whatever works.

At the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Crosby, my cousin, and Sierra are holding up the kids here, which might explain the odd expressions.

Portia the cow (and Crosby)

Palmer the farmer

Palmer didn't want to move. He loved watching the machines cut, bag, and seal the cheese. He asked me if he could work here. Um....I don't know.

Sierra, obviously getting more joy from her texting than the hot factory workers.

Portia, Crosby, Palmer, Sierra and Tillamook Cheese.

At least they're all looking the same direction.

At Lake Oswego's fountain. Portia needed a moment.

Palmer and Hudson, my cousin. Yes most of my cousins on my mom's side are under the age of 12, which is what happens when my mom has kids at 20 and I'm closer in age to my uncles than she is. But my cousins adore my kids and my kids think all my little cousins are the best thing ever. It works out.

The splash fountain.

At the Portland Zoo. It was $2 Tuesday, so it was slammed. But the kids had a blast.

Riding the horses at the petting zoo

Palmer was the navigator. He loved looking at the map and comparing it to the signs we saw.

Sierra and Crosby

Portia took a 10 minute nap before the zoo. Needless to say, she wasn't the happiest person there.

We went to Rockaway Beach and I think it was the first time I've ever seen people swimming in the Oregon ocean. I thought it would be too cold for swimsuits but it was so warm my kids gravitated to the water.

Portia underestimated the waves.

The swimsuits came out and the kids spent most of the day playing in the sand.

Gorgeous sunset.

The next day was more typical Oregon coast weather. But the kids were ready for the sand anyway.

Nice, Portia.

Papa and Nona

Papa with the grandkids.

The last few days we spent at my grandparents' cabin at Crescent Lake (central Oregon). This was our view.

Palmer and Portia never wanted to leave the boat. They loved riding the tube but for some reason, I don't have any pictures of them on it. Portia kept asking to go faster. My uncle James taught Palmer to say, "hit it!" when he was ready. He said it every time he got in the boat.

Lexie on the Delta Double.

Ronell showing the kids how it's done.

The water at the cabin is straight snow melt. So, even in August, it's good for a quick dip but nothing too long. I have no idea what's up with my arm here but Palmer thought it was funny that we jumped off the dock.

Throwing rocks with Jaxon (8), Hudson (7), and Nash (6). Palmer was in heaven.

Hot Rod

This past weekend was not my favorite and has turned into my least favorite week of the summer. One redeeming thing happened this weekend--our good friends, Joel and Bonnie Andrews, were sealed to their adopted daughter, Katelyn, on Saturday. Other than that, the week has stunk for me. Saturday was my 30th birthday. No biggie. Not the best birthday ever but not bad. However, Palmer was sick and Portia didn't sleep well and was cranky. Plus, I was starting to get sick, too. By Saturday night, I had a full-blown fever of 103. Needless to say, Saturday wasn't fun either. Sunday, the kids were a little better but I was worse. My fever never stayed down for more than a few hours after taking Tylenol and I couldn't swallow because my throat hurt so bad. Monday, things still were not good, but the kids were pretty much recovered other than runny noses (which is my biggest pet peeve as a mom because they NEVER stop running). I finally decided to go to the doctor because I couldn't swallow and my fever never went down and I thought I might drown in sweat (sorry, TMI, I'm sure). So, I braved the doctor's office with my two kids in tow. It was an adventure. But, the best part--I have strep throat. That explains it. So I got my prescription of amoxicillin (I'm sure Elli can correct my spelling) and carefully drove home in my fever fog. The rest of that day was still bad and I had to change my clothes five times that night because my fever was trying to break and I was dripping in sweat every time I woke up (which was every hour or so). Yesterday (Tuesday) was better but still had body achiness, headache, and the throat still made swallowing very difficult. But no fever so I could function...barely. Today, so far, has been better but still a little achy and not fully satisfied with the throat functions. But I'm getting better every day. Thanks for all the birthday wishes, especially all you facebookers.

So, in my desperate attempt to be positive about the curves life throws me (and won't let me lose), here are the positives about this experience.

1. I can always rely on Ronell to help me through anything.
2. I lost 10 lbs. in four days--not eating anything but broth and water might do that, but I wouldn't recommend it long-term.
3. It's good to have family close. My MIL, Donna, came over and watched the kids on Monday afternoon, as well as folding the four loads of laundry that have sat on my couch since Saturday.
4. Sometimes it's good to take a little break and listen to your body. I should have done it earlier, instead of thinking I could do everything.

So, why did I title this post "Hot Rod"? Today, while my kids sleep, I'm watching this movie:

I'm in need of some laughs that don't involve my own life. The first time I saw this movie was with my sister, Sierra. At first I thought she was a dork for bringing over a lame movie to watch and then I saw the first scene. I thought I was going to pee my pants or stop breathing, I was laughing that hard. Most of the movie is stupid but there are a few scenes that always make me laugh. So if you haven't seen it, here's my random movie recommendation (think Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre type movie). Good times, especially after the seriously long weekend and the recovery from said weekend. If you want to borrow it, I just picked it up from Walmart for $2.00. Totally worth it.