Do You Hear the Poeple Sing?

I am never one to turn down a theatrical opportunity. So when Les Mes came to San Francisco, we were sure to brush up on our French history and head over. Ma was nice enough to babysit our youngster - and off to the BART station we went. I did feel a little guilty being that the boy was only just over 7 weeks old. But Le Mes doesn't happen everyday? At least that's the reasoning I told myself.

I do enjoy taking BART occasionally. I think if it were an everyday commute kind of thing I'd be annoyed, but since our station is the first on one the line, we always get a seat on our way into the City. Its interesting to sit and watch the cars fill up with people to standing room only. And then to try and analyze random people's personalities based on their shoes. Mark of course was so clever in his assumptions; had me laughing most of the trip.

We got there a little early and treated ourselves to some Starbucks deliciousness. And waters that were cheaper than in the theater. As we rushed over to take our seats, I wanted Mark to take a quick picture in front of the theater with the sign. Just was we got all positioned, we were bombarded by a deaf and dumb (as in non speaking. not stupid. I'm not that heartless) beggar who wanted money to go to the Burger King across the way. Mark tried to decline politely, but the beggar would not let up. So my photo op was more of a rushed moment, that turned out with me standing stiffly and smiling awkwardly as I watched that man badger my husband who was trying to respond in hand gestures and mimicking sign language. Funny memory.

The play was fabulous as was to be expected. Although I wasn't totally sure where it fit in 'French Revolution' history, it was a great story line to follow. And I was a little surprised at how scandalous it was as well. Especially that one scene during the "master of the house" number. Holy wow. It was like a train wreck that I couldn't keep my eyes off. Three words - scarred for life.

How I love a date night with my man. Delightful evening all around. Especially when we unexpectedly bumped into the Harrington's and got to ride BART home with them talking about the plays we've seen. - 'sigh'- I have a good life.We got home really late to find our babysitter sleeping on our couch with Cameron zonked in the swing. Mom said he didn't wake up to eat! Say what? So yes, this was also the first night we stopped having to feed Cameron at 10pm.

St. George Rendezvous

 We took the chance back in August to take a trip down to St. George to meet up with my Brother and his family. It was Cameron's first time on an airplane, and my first time traveling with an infant. To sum it up: Cameron is a champion. I can't imagine having to do it with a busy boy but the baby thing wasn't so bad. Plus, with only an hour flight, I managed to make the return trip alone without any emotional causalities. (my trip to Wisconsin was a different story. Tune in later)

We stayed in a delightful "Penthouse" which made us feel fancier than than the place actually was. But by our standard, it was lux. We took advantage of having a private hot tub on our deck more times than I care to mention. Basically, we lived in our suits.

When we weren't sitting in the hot tub eating who-knows-what crap (I lost track of how many trips I made to the kitchen to acquire treats) we did make it out to historic St. George and Zions National Park. Both delightful. Dave's youngest son is just a week younger than Cameron, so it was fun to have us all together, and that neither one slowed down the other.

I pretended to be artsy and took a few pictures that I am quite proud of. I just need a place to display my "I'm proud of this" moment. I feel a book coming on. Done and done.

The kids were great. Like I mentioned before, Mark had to come home early, so I ventured for the remaining week on my own. Cameron was a champion, even for the 2 hour car drive back to Vegas, the transfer from rental car to airport to air plane. And the pick up scene in Oakland at the end. I wish I could say he slept through the whole thing, but he didn't. But God did bless me with a chill guy who just went with the flow. (until I put him on a 4 hour plane ride to Wisconsin 2 weeks later. Nightmare)

I sure love my brother and sister-in-law. So much so I gave Cameron his name. Loved seeing my friend Lanelle and her baby Elsie too. Reminds me how much of a beast my baby is. Shame on me for not getting a picture of me and Lanelle but the babies posed quite nicely. Elsie is 2 months older than Cameron. Yes my friends, that is how we make 'em. Big and strong.

First Cut

I am so far behind I my blogging, it's a crime. I just can't seem to find the time in my day to sit down and make something clever up. I've got several fun things that I want to get up for journaling's sake, so lucky for you my reader, I'm going to try to get one up every day this week. (seriously, I might be a little over zealous in my goal making this week.)

So here we go. Monday's blog. Why I choose to go with this event first, I have no idea. Its fast, and it's been an experience ever since.

Cameron's hair grows like the weeds in summer. Out. Of. Control. He was born with a really long patch on the crown of his head that really, just had to go. See Exhibit A

So after several visits from friends and family, we decided that enough people had witnessed his excessive hair growth, and we embarked on probably the youngest child's hair cut in history. Yes, my 6 week old baby needed a hair cut.

He made for a cute client, and didn't even struggle much. It was a chopped buzz but at least it evened out the mess so we have something to work with later. Since this awesome first cut, we've had to cut his hair pretty consistently every 3 weeks. Nice.

Too Soon?

The teacher in me says it can't come soon enough.

When we acquired Granny & Gramp's vintage school desk, I couldn't quite contain my excitement. Nor my daydreams of mommy school and learning to write! Oh Cameron, I love your little self, but we're going to have so much fun when you're a bit bigger!

Listing away

I am a fan of lists. I list just about everything one can possibly list. So when I stumbled across this blogger's "30 Days of Lists", a part of me was excited that most people never feel. Its weird. So, as a member of the Listing Society, I decided to modify and adapt her lists to my blog. Mostly because I need to blog and I love to list. Two Birds-one stone. Bam!

1: I'm a lister because
- Check marks make me happy
- Give me a reason to use different colored pens frequently
- Give me a reason to by cute listing papers
- Keeps me organized.

2: {a few of} This Month's Goals
- Write in journals
- Finish Scrapbook thru July
- Make it to the gym/exercise 21 times
- Take time to be holy

3: When I need timeout I'll
- Waste time on the Internet: Blogs, Pinterest, and Education Idea sites
- Budget
- Read
- Take a bath

4: Midnight Snacks
- Ice Cream. Holy addiction batman
- Snickerdoodles. Sometimes I'll make a batch on a whim

5: Today you could find me
- Laying on the couch with the baby on my chest
- Visiting Teaching
- Sitting at the computer working
- Watching Modern Family
- Getting peed on by the son.
- Laughing with the new sister missionaries

6: I'm at my best when
- I'm the one responsible. Leadership roles make me excel. Coordinating large groups of people at an event; man I am one productive woman then.
- Its morning. Early mornings I am crazy motivated, productive, organized, and happy.
- I work out. It makes a difference in my day when I start out healthy

7: Fictional Places I'd like to live
- As a fabulously rich lady. Not a movie star or anything cuz I don't want to deal with the paparazzi judging me for my second scoop of ice cream.
- In a palace, like Versailles
- In Disneyland

8: I know I'm getting older when
- I watch programs with college choirs. They look so young!
- I host the missionaries in my home.
- I count how many years I've been teaching

9: Things I'd like to learn
- Piano; better
- Can food. Make Jams
- Garden
- How to do my food storage

10: Recipe for a perfect weekend
- Worldmark Resort
- Beach
- Root Beer
- Movies & Ice Cream
- Hot Tub
- Pudding Dessert
- National Historic Sites
- Hubby
- Richardses

11: Words to live by:
- "Luck favors the prepared" ~Edna Mode
- "Life, lived properly, is romantic" ~Ryan Sutter
- "If I'm going to get cheep stuff, I want quality cheep stuff." (Walmart) ~Lauren Kammeyer
- "That's the last thing we need, a voice of reason!"
- "I could do hot in my sleep. I could do Hot in scrubs. I am a Hot Hot person" ~Christina Yang
- "Just take her and kiss her. Kiss the crap out of her." ~She's the Man
- "I love you" ~Mark Morrell

12: I am inspired by:
- Michelle Duggar. Guilty Pleasure. I just love this family. I watch them every morning, even though the episodes are reruns.
- Piano music. Its one of my most played Pandora stations

13: My morning routine:
- Gym
- Shower
- Send Mark off to work
- Cameron nap (hopefully)
- Breakfast and start work

14: If I could do it over again
- My wedding day. It was amazing 100 times over. I'd love to relive it again and again. And I want to wear that dress again and again.
- The day I graduated from BYU. It is the last time I really remember my dad being healthy. I'd just love to be with him again.
- My entire first year of teaching. Holy wow, that definitely needs to be done over. And not because it was amazing but because I sucked as a teacher and need to do it right.

15: Dinner Party Invitees
- Walt Disney
- Julie Andrews
- Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and family

16: Title of my Autobiography
- Like I Said
- The Wright Stuff
- Those who don't do, teach.

"Blog something"

On my calendar today, I wrote "blog something". Because I don't have any ideas of something interesting that I could blog about. Well, that isn't technically true, but I can't muster up enough creativity to make a blog about my trips to St. George and Wisconsin blog worthy as of yet. So here I am, fulfilling my "to do" list duty, and blogging something.

-- I've received a new calling in my ward; Primary Pianist. Which wouldn't be all that bad if the 10 year old wasn't better than me. I was called just before the primary program, and the 10 year old was going to play for the Sunday shin-dig. Its embarrassing. I really can only just-get-by on the piano, and he is like concert pianist material. If I could be naturally amazing at 1 thing, it would be the piano. ... And volleyball. Ok 2 things. The piano and volleyball. Amen.

--  Yes you've heard correctly, I am working again. Because somewhere in my past life I must have done something good. I have landed a "work from home" gig for the Environmental company I have been doing vacation coverage for these last 2 years. And its going to be amazing. Part time. Work at home. Same pay as the school district. I like to use the "good, better, best" philosophy when explaining my employment luck since moving here. It was good that I got a job with the environmental firm back 2 years ago. The school district gig was better - no commute and more pay. This gig is the best. No commute. Same pay in half the time. Thank you Heavenly Father.

-- We did go to St. George a few weeks back now. Visited my brother and his family for a week there. Also caught up with my long-time college friend Lanelle and her little squirt. Hopefully I'll get more pictures on that later. I then went to Wisconsin to see Tessa's peeps and their new pad. The trip was an experience that will have to be blogged...later.

-- Cameron is coming up on 3 months. Chunky legs, spit bubbles, flapping arms, and smiles galore. Love his guts.

--  Mark has just secured his Real Estate licence. Yipee. He works for a brokerage out of Walnut Creek servicing the County here. Innocent plug for those who are in the area and need an agent.

And to spice up the visual aspect of this blog...a photo.

Undeniable

Yes, I know....a shock to the entire human race that I am actually posting on this blog. But, it is time that the world really understands how amazing the woman is that I married.  I think that most people believe that your love for someone will continue to grow as the years go by, I am here to testify that it does.  Can I get an Amen?  A short, but very deserving list of the things my wife does that continues to amaze me:

1) She is an incredible mom.  I know we are only 2 months into this thing, but I constantly catch her spending time playing with, and talking to, Cameron.  She truly does give him all of her attention. It is no wonder the lad smiles at her everytime he sees her.

2) She is an incredible wife.  I really need to pick up my game.  She works very hard each day to make sure that the house is clean, and dinner is cooked, and that she does herself up everyday.  Now, I want to make it clear that I have no expectations of her doing these things.  There was no FHE where the lines were drawn and responsibilities were dealt out.  She just does it and has been doing it since we have been married, and only took like a week break after Cameron was born.  She also allows me to indulge in my lil' pleasures of life such as BYU football, (where I may or may not have the tendency to express my jubilation and frustrations vocally.  I will neither confirm or deny such accusations) PSYCH (have you not seen that show....amazing), and other potentially annoying and obnoxious behavior (when I create worlds...every conversation will be in sing-song).

Three of my favorite things!

3) She is an incredible friend.  Now, I am risking my life by saying this....so I won't. But I will say that Kay doesn't feel worthy of such great friends...which I find mind boggling since I have never met someone who is constantly thinking of ways to express her appreciation to those she cares about.  Whether it is in the form of notes, packages, phone calls...or spontaneous visits to Vegas...(shout out...what?? Are you thinking what I am thinking? *Psych references for the ones responsible for my addiction*) she is always wanting to do things.  So....I would encourage one and all of her friends to let her know how worthy she is of your friendship.

4) She is an incredible daughter/sister.  She always remembers to call and send cards on birthdays, to call Mamma Wright and invite her to come over or to invite ourselves over for dinner (I can never refute delicious food...and she never refuses to offer it).  I look up to the way that she treasures her familial relationships and it inspires me to try and be better.

5) She is an incredible teacher.  I only got to see a glimpse of her teaching skills while she was still teaching high school, but it was the last day and all of the students where just being obnoxious so I didn't get the whole enchilada of amazingess.  That is, not until she was called to be a Gospel Doctrine teacher at church.  I honestly sat in awe as she found ways to open up the scriptures and get us all to participate.  She was able to lead those lessons in ways that always hit home in the end.  It was a tragic day for all involved when they released her.  But, I cannot wait to see the way she will go about teaching our kids.  She may or may not already have the first 4 summers of "Mommy Summer School" planned.  Like I said...AMAZING.

So, it is UNDENIABLE. my wife is incredible. That is just a handful of things and I would type more...but my fingers are cramped to the point where they are borderline unrecognizable.  I guess that is what you can expect when you type once a year...but I digress.  I love you Kaylinn Morrell...thank you so much for being the apple of my eye, the ice cream in my sundae, the Chili's queso to my chips, and my Juliette (I am obsessed with the show ok? get over it...and it really is a romantic reference if you have seen the show...so back off)  

I just had to add this because it is so dang cute!

All in a day's work

Dear self.
Today you did in fact do something.
Even though you don't feel like it.

4:00 am- get up to rock Cameron back to sleep.
4:30 am- massage hubby's neck to relieve migrane pain
5:00 am- go to gym! hooray
6:15 am- return home, massage hubby's neck again.
7:00 am- feed Cameron
7:30 am- Read & Bathe
8:30 am- Play with Cameron
9:00 am- Feed Cameron
10:00 am- Leave for Walnut Creek to fill out paperwork for new job
11:00 am- Pass Drug Test
11:30 am- Pick up randoms at JoAnne's fabrics.
12:00 pm- Stop by grocery store for a few dinner items
12:15 pm- Feed Cameron
1:00 pm- Go to Mom's to wait for her furniture delivery
2:00 pm- Feed Cameron again
3:15 pm- Delivery comes, pack up and go home
4:00 pm-Cameron still not napping.
5:00 pm- Prep dinner. Feed hubby.
6:00 pm- Bathe Cameron. Scriptures & bedtime.
7:00 pm- Clean up after all feedings, diaper changes, and nappings.
7:59 pm- Blog

I'm calling it a productive day.

2 Months

Looks like we're going to have a tall one!

14.9 Pounds

25.5 Inches

-- Eating 6 oz each feeding. I'll never be able to keep food in the house.

--Started really talking just within the last day or 2. 

--Does NOT like being on his belly, yet will fall asleep if laying on mom or dad chest

--Smiles when he sees Mom or Dad, usually with his mouth wide open.

--Not a fan of swimming, yet kicks and wiggles with smiles during bath time

--Slept through the night 3 nights in a row. Just a teaser though as he hasn't done it again since.

--Wearing 3-6 months clothes yet forced to wear size 1 diapers because I'm too cheap to move him up a size until this box is used up.

Some Big Trees

 In conjunction with the unpredictable stops in San Francisco, I really went above and beyond to try and make my friends feel like their visit was worth their effort and took them to the Calavaras Big Trees. (a family favorite and please excuse the run on sentence). Knowing that we couldn't go to Disneyland, we made some arrangements to bring Disneyland to us and borrowed our friends Astro Van for the 2 hour trip. If 3 minutes of the Indiana Jones ride makes you weak, try 2 hours in the back of the Astro! Wouldn't have it any other way.

Angles Camp proved as wonderful and relaxing as always. I love the closeness of it, yet the resort makes me feel like I'm states away from my real life. Again, neglecting my desires to photograph more frequently, I have no documentation of this portion of the trip.

The next morning we were off to the Big Trees. Although the North Grove Trail always catches me by surprise in its length-it is quite beautiful. Note to self, bring a stroller - or turn around after the walk through log. 1.5 Miles is NOT four quarters of a mile as we overheard another group saying. But the trees really were lovely as I remembered.

 

 I had plans to have a lovely picnic at the river, which turned into a picnic with the bees, which evolved into scarfing down your sandwich and running back to the van. Eh-can't win them all. But we were all pretty bushed from the extra long walk, the sun beating down on us, carrying the babies, chasing down/dragging the babies along, and looking for Dora, that heading back to the resort and kicking it by the pool sounded like a better option.

.

And like any good parent would, we dipped Cameron's toes into the water. Couldn't have him miss his chance at his first swim! I think he was confused between this and bath time, so it only lasted a few minutes before he wasn't enjoying it anymore. But it was a start!

We love a good reason to get away, and visiting with the 'chardses is one of the best reasons there is. Once again, thanks for the visit. Be seeing you again soon we hope.

**as a completely unrelated sidenote. I am lovin' the iPiccy.com website that makes the photo collages for me. Makes me not give up on blogger while I wait for it to upload a picture or two. Perhaps a few more blog posts will come out of this.**

"The City"

 When we made the decision to move away from Disneyland those few years ago, we understood that the draw for our friends visitations was going to be significantly less. So much so, that in these two years, we have had ... okay, lets not count how many friendly visits we have enjoyed. So "excited for your visit" would have been a drastic understatement when our best-ies confirmed our relationship and ventured to the Bay Area. So of course, I had to plan the only bait we have to dangle; and took them to see The City. Mark and I have refrained from going to Alcatraz on our own, knowing this is the only thing we've got to lure people to our area. So off to the city we went!

I tried to be precise in our planning to the city to ensure that a revisit could take place someday. After a beautiful "preview" vista at the Oakland Temple, we jaunted across the bridge to the Painted Ladies. "Whatever Happened to Predictability?" Our friends would have never predicted that Mark had researched the whereabouts of a classic sitcom-opening-credits-location. Presenting, Full House. Although I was driving, and Mark was stuck in the back of the van with 2 babies, Michelle and Brandon were quick and efficient at their picnic and photo session. One round trip around the park, and they had successfully seen the spot, taken the photo, and were waiting for the pick up. A few blocks down the road lie the actual Tanner home. And I won't mention this was the location of a "too-close-for-comfort" incident on the borrowed van. (Thanks to the 'chardses blog for documenting this moment for us)

 We made our way through the very steep hills of San Francisco, to ensure our guests experienced the whole of it, to get down Lombard Street. Then across the traffic to the busy Pier 39. I was all geared up for a pleasant stroll down to Pier 32 where the ferry to Alcatraz departs, but realized we had 10 minutes and 5 Piers to go. Wishing we had a stroller, Mark huffed our flour-sack of a son at a "more- than-a-pleasant-stroll" pace to make it to the ferry with no more than a minute to spare. Literally. At least we didn't have to waste our precious time waiting in line.

 The Tour was everything I remember - at least it would have been if I could have paid more attention. Our friends were nice enough to wait with us as we fed the lad; a delay that you wish went faster. We then lugged our children up the hill they don't tell you about before the tour starts. And then we had quite the melt down mid tour resulting in a blow out and a one very unhappy child. For our first public meltdown, I think we handled it well-despite the perfectly echoed screams bouncing off these prison walls, and the frightful San Francisco winds preventing me from taking him outside. Our fellow tourists had many thoughts (and glares) about this little family taking their infant to a prison...but alas, the show must go on!

 In between the cuddling and rocking, we did manage to take a few pictures and pick up a few bits and pieces of the tour. Mostly, we just enjoyed being with our friends. I aspire to be more like Michelle who was a rock star at caring for her very active 2 year old and still managing to get a plethora of fabulous photos.

Blessing Day

How quickly the weeks seem to pass now that I have a little boy that takes up so many of my hours. I often wonder if I’ve accomplished anything productive day in and day out! Of course, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. He is growing so quickly, I can barely fit him into the 0-3 month clothes. A full 3 month old outfit is necessary for this growing little man. It is so sad too because I have so many darling outfits for the smaller body!

We had his blessing day a few Sunday's back and were blessed with the attendance of many of Mark’s family as well as my 2 brothers, David and Trenton. I don’t know if I can adequately express the rush of emotion I felt. It came suddenly, all at once right before they blessed him. They announced we would be having a baby blessing and invited all those who were invited to participate in this blessing to come forward. It was right then, as Mark stood up with Cameron in his arms that I felt it. I watched Mark carry our sweet little Cameron, in the most darling suit, up to the front of the chapel with my brothers following. My eyes filled with tears and a rush of emotion overcame me as I looked on to see Mark surrounded by so many good, priesthood holders. Mark’s father is a good man, my brothers are good men, and my Mark is the best man. And there was little Cameron being cradled in the midst of them. The scene just overwhelmed me.  I couldn't help but think of the relationship my father and he must have had before he came to our family. And I know that he was there standing in that circle too.

I hope Cameron is influenced by these men. These men who hold the priesthood power – the power of God. We named him Cameron David; after my brother David. My older brother who is good, and kind, and honest, and thoughtful, and loving. One of my favorite passages of scriptures in the Book of Mormon is in Alma 48:11-18, especially verses 17 and 18. They describe Moroni and what kind of man he was. I believe my brother is a man like Moroni. I know I married a man like Moroni and I want my boy to be a man like this too. I’m glad he has such amazing examples around him.

After the blessing, Mom had us all over to her house for food and chatting. We socialized and ate like the best of them, and I must admit, I did a good job putting the food together to feed the crowd. When everyone left, Mark and I looked at each other and asked, “when was the last time Cameron’s diaper was changed?” We were so busy with family and the passing around of him, that both of us felt like we neglected to actually take care of him! Woops.

Smile Maker

Need a pick-me-up?

Take a gander at my son. You can't help but feel better.

A whole new me

It has been a month now since Cameron was born. And a good year since I've taken on the "healthy" lifestyle. I knew August was going to be the kickoff month back in Novemeber of last year (I like to put things off as much as possible) - and I'm only 7 days behind in starting out. Pat on the back to me. Well, don't give me too much credit as I purposfully chose this week to start as this weekend we have company coming and I'll have a reason to not work out. Or eat healthy. So...I'm easing into it.

However, upon starting my "new me" routine; I noticed a few distinct changes. I decided I'd start easy...with Jillian Michaels. Well, she is far from easy but with a napping baby, it was the best option I could think of that kept me here at home but made me feel like a good workout was taking place. I chose Level 1 of her 30 day shred. (lose 20lbs in 30 days? sign me up) Its only a 20 minute commitment, and its level 1 right? Easy Peasy...or so I thought. Lets just remind the audience it has been a YEAR since I've done anything more than walking around the neighborhood at 7-10 months pregnant. Lets just say it how it is...it was rough. AND I can't do jumping jacks, butt kicks, or jump rope without peeing a little on each jump. WHAT'S WITH THAT!

In conclusion, I've learned that this whole new me will create some fabulous results - which will most likely take way more than 30 days. Perhaps even taking me back to the "before we met" stage. I'm just putting it out in the universe so that we all know what I'm aiming for. As a unhappy side affect of childbirth, this whole new me will have to work out in Depends, with a much more supportive sports bra!

Three cheers for this whole new me!

Us today

Thank Heavens for the Olympics to help keep us all entertained.

Mike - chillin' on the floor. Love having family in town for Cameron's blessing day.

And as a completely unrelated sidenote: I loved this so much I'm sharing it on every social network I can find. Seriously, this just rings so true to our life today! I still smile seeing it.

Its August. I love summer months. Lots of sunbathing, swimming, and lemonade. And in the old days, school didn't start for another whole month. Just lazy, hazy, crazy days of sun filled summer. To celebrate said sun, I loved my little gift of sunflowers and sunshine-attaching a note with the "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" song to tie the whole theme together. I loved it so much I took a picture. Then delivered it to her door. Happy summer to us all.