Lovely Lauren

It was such a pleasure to have my dear friend Lauren and her little one come to visit me last month. I get very few visitors these days, so I was overjoyed that she would take some time and come to visit me at my home.

Although our agenda wasn't much to boast about, I sure loved just catching up with her life and laughing about days gone by. We did go to the shopping center which was suppose to be bustling in Christmas decor and magic; it was not, and enjoyed some chocolate and clearance racks. A good combo if you ask me. We watched a movie every night; which seems to be a theme in our get-togethers, and ate delicious food from BJ's Brewery and Cinnamon rolls from yours truly.

I just love this woman. It was only fitting that while cleaning out my office drawers, I stumbled upon the "welcome to the ward" gift she had given me upon my arrival in Provo. Ten Years Ago. Thanks for the "girls weekend" visit Mrs. Kammeyer. Looking forward to our next one!

Emergency Preparedness

I have a love of office supplies. Like, seriously LOVE them. On my first day of teaching at Springville Jr High, I was showed the printing room and the glorious office supply closets. Free office supplies? Stop It! I have never seen anything like it before or since. I literally stood there for a minute straight. And I would walk away with a tub of stuff each time I was allowed into this holy closet. (California schools do not have any such closets; sadly). I find going to the local Depot for Offices an enjoyable past time activity. Calendars, Pens, Post It notes; they have an education corner, did you know this? Paper shredders, calculators, desks, file folders, desktop organizers, highlighters, notepads. I can't. Breathe...hold on. 

Some would say that I have a somewhat overstocked amount of office supplies in my house/garage. Hoarding might be a word that some would use. I would like to correct this mode of thinking - I actually just want to be sure to have some on hand; you know, in case of an emergency. Now, Mark would probably argue that a shortage of office supplies would not really be defined as an "emergency"; but its better to be safe than sorry right? You never know when the pen you have runs out of ink. And they all write a little differently. And it's good to have a choice in color when it comes to highlighters and pen ink. You know, to do lists are so much more fun in multiple colors.

So, for my New Year's gift to myself, new colored pens and coordinating post it notes; for my new calendar. I couldn't use the ones I already have because, well, these ones are the right colors. And I'm really into the RSVP brand for my pens of choice. And the Post Its have lines on them so I can write my goals better. I am so excited about it, I want it to be the First so I can just start using it already.

So if you are in need of some office supplies - I might have something. I'd be happy to let you BORROW a pen. Or give you ONE Post it Note. One. :) You're Welcome.

iUpgrade

I finally did it. I've accepted progression and updated my old clunker to the iPhone. Mark related me to the kind of people who upgrade only because they stop making the low budget technology they are use to. Like rotary phones - I'm sure I'd be just fine with one, except thy don't make them anymore. Sad - I know. But it is what it is. Now, I didn't go all out and get the iPhone 5; which I am sure was a small injustice to some, but I just couldn't get the best of the best when it wasn't necessary. Lets be honest - I've had mobile web (which I never use) and SMS text messaging from the stone age. Anything too fancy would have overwhelmed me.

I must admit though - I got the white phone and it is something sexy! I can't wait for my phone cover to be delivered. Nothing like putting a sexy phone in a Disney cover. Double Hott.

And I will say - I've become more of a Pinterest Addict (didn't know that was possible) since coming onboard. I'm excited about instagram - until they decided to sell my photos. And LOVE that I can budget on my phone. That is awesome. Now if only I could scrapbook a page on it, then Id be set.

Christmas Greetings

 An online version of our Christmas Cards. Although, I must say, I wasn't as proud of the card as I was the envelopes this year. I had one bunch that were awesome. Then a bunch of plain envelopes that were less awesome. Then I ran out of cards. So - here is the least awesome delivery method.

Merry Christmas! As is customary this time of year, I thought I’d summarize our life in this generic little blurb for your reading enjoyment. It’s been another banner year for the Morrell Bunch; with enough ups to keep us positive and enough downs to keep us working hard. Although our year looks a little like a mountain; flat and plain in the start and finish, with an all time high in the middle; we’re pretty pleased with how it’s all turning out.

  The start of our year was pretty monotone, with Mark still working pool routes, and Kaylinn still substitute teaching at the local High School. Day in and day out, there wasn’t really anything too noteworthy.  Just your usual chores, bills, health goals gone sour, and a few birthday celebrations to spice it up. Mark did complete his first flight hours for his birthday in May. No, he is not training to be a pilot, but he did get to fly a small plane over the San Francisco bay with a friend. That was pretty grand. And Kaylinn enjoyed a little trip to Portland to catch up with a good friend there. Good memories shared.

  Once the school year ended, Kaylinn took a little downtime waiting for the arrival of our first baby. We then hit an all time high in the middle of the year with the birth of Cameron David on July 6^th. A smooth pregnancy and delivery, Cameron was born at 9 lbs, 12 oz; just as calm as a summer’s day. Parenting took us by surprise as we adjusted our schedules and lives to fit another little person. We find that Cameron is a really mellow baby and just goes with the flow until his parents catch on. Thanks kid.

  August continued to bring new adventures with Mark getting his Real Estate License and selling off half the pool routes as we make a switch from “Pool Guy” to Realtor. This new career fits a little more with Mark’s people personality and go-get-‘em spirit. Something that backyards and pool chemistry lacked. Kaylinn also started working again. This time from home for the Environmental firm she has been associated with the last two years. She works part time hours so it has turned out to be a great blessing. This month also included a visit from some very dear Vegas friends, who happened to be our first house guests. So we felt double lucky to share the gems of Antioch with visitors. And they’ll tell you how fun it was, so you’ll all want to experience it.

  As the year has rounded out with these last few months, things on the home front died down a bit. We enjoyed an annual trip to Utah where we visit with friends and family, and Kaylinn walks memory lane, BYU style…again. We were able to take a whole week there, mostly so we could fit in all the eateries that Utah offers. Sadly, we’re still wearing that on our hips, but the trip was delightful. Thanksgiving was a little different this year, with the whole family getting a flu bug. The entire company of 7 (less Mark) were out for 48 hours over the holiday meal. Mark celebrated his thanks over chicken soup and 7up. Happy holidays to us. Don’t fret, we plan to make up the missed out calorie intake during the entire month of December.

  We welcome this season with traditions we hold dear. Music in the background and a fire in the fireplace, coupled with Mother Nature’s fabulous wintery storm these last several days, have made us feel a little more like Christmas. We are so grateful for all our many blessings; especially that of having Cameron join our family this year. We are humbly aware of our Savior Jesus Christ and his eternal example and sacrifice for all mankind. We testify of His divinity and love as we celebrate this Christmas season. May His Spirit be in your home as your year comes to an end is our Christmas wish to you.

Christmas Breakfast

 When we first moved into our ward, I thought it was so different that they had a Christmas Breakfast, rather than the traditional dinner party that I was use to. But now that we've done it for a few years now, I just LOVE it and wouldn't have it any other way. I am big fan of breakfast foods anyway, so it is an obviously wonderful change.

We were sure to deck the lad out in the traditional Target purchased Christmas garb. I just loved his Santa hat that we added to spice it up. He was seriously darling. The ward primary put on the nativity, which I was a part of with my "mad" piano skills. Lucky for me, the ward has grown accustomed to my less-than-amazing talent, and don't seem to notice that a quarter of the notes are wrong. I have accepted the fact that I play worse than most but better than some; and appreciate that the ward lets me play. AND I was amazed at the remarkable backdrop that was put up for both Santa Clause and the Nativity scene. Really great work ladies.

Mom came to support, and mostly because I make her come to everything with us to admire Cameron, and for free baby holding while I stuff my face. Paul joined our table so I was sure to get a picture of him with Mark (above). And we had to have the traditional Cameron with Santa picture! He went straight for the beard, which wasn't a surprise. Santa is an expert and quickly took the lad's hand in his to avoid any accidental...hair pulling.

Another Christmas activity down. Christmas Day is almost here!

Close Enough

 Sometimes Pinterest doesn't work out real great for me. Like the darling pictures floating around of babies playing in the lights. So cute!

 So I had to give it a go. And...lets just say it didn't go well. Not to mention the numerous times we had to stop the baby from chewing on the lights as a whole! (I'm going to say that isn't safe!) It just wasn't what I had envisioned for my little boys Christmas page in his scrapbook.

 So it may not be perfect, but I'm taking what I can get. Lets be honest, a 5 month old does not a perfect subject make. :)

Channeling Clark Griswold

 The past 3 Christmas seasons Mark and I have spent together, our tree has most defiantly left something to be desired. Last year, (I should have photoed) we hit an all time low with our Christmas Branch. Literally. A Non-decorated branch. So-Mark put his foot down this year and decided to bring Christmas home from Costco. Bless that establishment. And so, I busted out all my Clark Griswold Christmas cheer and brought this shining tree to life! Well, it was already pre-lit, but lets not get into the technicalities.

 Of course we had the lad help out. For one ornament, and one photo op. He has been mesmerized by the lights, but not so much anything else. Sadly, he is a little young for Christmas cheer this year.

A little Morrell tradition is to watch Home Alone on the night we bust out the tree (or branch, depending on the year). Love that movie! I even ventured out and tried a new cinnamon roll recipe. Hot coco on the side made for a perfect evening flick.

Christmas is such a fun time of year, where we try to say we are watching what we eat, but really we mean we'll restart our diets in January with the rest of the world. I think Cameron's expression sums up our feelings about this month.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Give me 5

Height: Tall

Weight: Heavy

-- Loves his spit. It is everywhere. He especially loves blowing raspberries, added bonus? raspberries with food in his mouth. Makes dinner cleanup extra special.

-- Will not stay on his tummy for more than a minute. He'll probably never crawl, scoot, or move for that matter being that he is not a fan of the floor.

-- Sits up nicely. Mostly unassisted. Prefers to sit over laying on his back. Will try to sit himself up if when we put him on his back. Will stand all day if you let him.

-- Eats a myriad of foods. I'm anxious to get him on meats and dairy so I can just grind up whatever is on the table. I still make all his food for him. I have a huge cooking fest on Sunday nights where I make 20+ cups of food. I have a storage of 4oz Tupperware that I line up and fill to the brim with apples, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, peas, peaches, & mangoes. Throw in some purchased prunes (i don't go there), bananas, avocados, oatmeal/rice cereal and we're good for another week. He eats 2 meals per day, between 8 to 12 oz of some kind of mixed concoction.

-- Sleeps well. Good not great. Down at 7pm. Up between 4 and 5. Bottle. Down again until 6:30 or 7. We're feeling pretty good about our "sleeping in" until 6. Now if only I can get out of bed before him to be dressed and ready for the day.

--Big. Big. Big. Our ward friends keep saying he looks so much older than he is. Easily mistaken for a 9 month old kid.

-- Loves to look at pictures in books or on the TV. Especially entranced with pictures of himself. The screen saver on the computer can keep him still for a happy amount of time. Because I have 2 computers on my desk (work & home) he'll happily watch the screen saver while I work. Bonus.

Visits with Trent

First off, I apologize to myself. My annual goal to "double blog entries" will have to go down in the books as Fail. Well, I'll give myself a C for a valiant effort even though I tried to push it all in at the end of the year. But - I will say that I bolstered up my annual scrapbook to look mighty nifty with all the extra thoughts posted.

That being said - here's another blog marathon to the end of the year. 

My little brother Trent is awesome. Although our days somehow are busy enough to keep us from invading each others' lives constantly - we do manage to get together every so often. Last month Jennifer was brilliant at inviting us over multiple times!  Jennifer was a great support to me when I had to move Cameron to formula earlier than expected, and Trent had great insight into the financial side of that path. It was great for me, and I've really loved that they live so close so our relationships can grow stronger.

They are always up for a game, and Jennifer has a marvelous space heater that she lets me park myself in front of all night. They've got more toys than a toy store for Cameron to be entertained with. Shame on we boring parents who only have 3 things total! (Don't worry, Christmas is going to be good to him this year.) Its amazing. And, Cameron is a trooper of a sleeper anywhere we put him down. (I'm enjoying these days while they last as I hear it is limited) So we're able to stay late and eat junk food and play games and laugh at memories of tents and "tree" and life. As I mentioned before, my brother is awesome.

We so love having them close by and wish that we could get out to see each other more frequently. Before they up and move away as always seems to be the case. Love my family.