Mrs. Kammeyer

Lauren and I have a funny thing where we address each other by our full, married names. Not all the time, but when starting a phone call, or first saying hello. It is such a funny thing, and I'm not sure where it started or why it stuck, but it did. And I love it. Mostly because we were both so wanting to be wives, and now that we are we just love to be refer to each other as Mrs. It's delightful; so there you go.

I got to spend a day with lovely Lauren while she was attending her sister's wedding festivities in Salt Lake a few weeks back. I stayed with her little girl while she went to the sealing, and then we hung out while we waited for the luncheon to start. The kids were darlings; Cameron really loves other children so he was in heaven while I pushed the 2 in the double stroller. We even had a few strangers stop to take pictures with them. Especially the Asian visitors - they thought the 2 were such a sight. Miss Pleasant Grove took a gander with her attendants, and we had several gawkers who I am sure thought they were twins. It was fun for me to just stroll the temple grounds with them letting people think whatever they wanted.

The grounds were beautiful, as usual. It made me want to return to visit again; which I most defiantly will. We sat in the South Visitor Center while waiting for the luncheon and I was impressed with all the cool things they had there. I have never been in there before so I really liked the little setup they have of the history of the building of the temple; and the model of the temple with the rooms shown inside. Neat stuff. 

It was a beautiful day and even better to spend it with my dearest friend. The kids were troopers, making it through the entire day without a nap. It was hilarious that Lauren's daughter fell asleep before she got to her car in the parking lot. Would not be jolted awake in the transfer or anything! Hilarious!

I just admire this woman to the moon and back. She is a very treasured friend to me, and I couldn't be more lucky to get to call her my best girlfriend. Looking forward to our next get together; I can only hope that Cameron and Lauren's kids are good buddies so that our get togethers can result in more fun for everyone. 

Guys Nights

I really am not the one who should be writing this post, but I wanted to be sure to give a shout out to those who make up Mark's childhood memories. One of his friends was in town before their move to Texas, so a little reunion was put together to celebrate the buddy-ness of their lives. Not everyone of the ol' gang was able to attend, but these 5  had some good laughs as they shared memories around the fire pit and bean bag tossing game. Betty and Bill came out for a moment to say hello as well, and they smiled as they saw the boys all grown up with their families, still hanging out in their backyard like they did when they were young.

Mark, Marshall, Theron, Makey, and Josh G., Mark tells lots of stories and has lots of good memories with these guys. So it is great fun that they can get together again for the short time that Josh is in town.

{Just Life}

I've got plenty of things to blog about, but right now I want to take a nap before Cameron's nap is over. So - in an effort to hit 2 birds in 1 nap - here is a short post about a a bit of what we've been up to lately.

Cameron loves the piano. He just likes to sit up there and pound those keys. He'll take my hands and place them on the keys so that I can play with him. It is really cute. Sometimes I wish that I didn't have to worry about him falling right off the bench so that I could get the kitchen cleaned while he sat there an played. 

I've been getting myself in the kitchen more. Part of my summer calendar - which I should post it's cuteness soon - i've included "kitchen days" where I can try a fun Pinterest idea that sounds good to me. As a welcome weekend breakfast, we had lemon poppyseed pancakes with the Orange creamsicle tasting beverage. It was really good (although the beverage was a little too sweet). And I felt so fancy cooking with poppyseeds.

We are trying to put our pass of all passes to use, so we went golfing the other night just to get out of the house. Cameron was the cutest caddy ever. Loved it.

And 2 more darling crafts that I have to share because I am so proud of them. For my Young Women's lesson on the blessings of the priesthood, I learned a little bit of origami and whipped up these darling shirt and ties. Half the shirts had the printed "blessings" thing and then half were blank so the girls could write their testimonies or a letter to a priesthood holder in their lives. They were too cute.

And this idea came to me all on my own! No Pinterest involved. Which is HUGE to me. I was walking around this scrapbook store in the mall where I like to spend my time when I'm just walking to get out of the house. We had just got the print of our family picture taken in April and I was looking for a way to display it other than a frame. And this came together! Some cute paper and embellishments pasted onto the board - I couldn't be more proud of its cuteness. But I need the perfect display location still. Pat on the back to me.

Happy friday and the weekend to come. :)

Scott Boonon my Buddies

A concluding post about Mark's birthweek. After Vegas, we drove down to Anaheim to meet up with some friends at our favorite spot. It should have come as no surprise to those who know us that Disneyland was on the agenda. But before we hit the park, we spend a day at the beach for some solid sun and surf energy. One of the major reasons I want to move back to Southern California is the lovely beach. Just perfect in every way. We picked up our friends and drove to where we knew best, Huntington Pier. We stopped for Subway's to add to our packed lunch and then set up camp right on the surf's edge.

 The Sullivan's loved it. I don't think the girls stopped digging in the sand for a minute the whole time we were there. Dimaris and I sat and talked while the boys hit up the waves for some boogie boarding. Thankfully, my father taught me well, and I was a useful teacher in reminding Mark and teaching Ruston how to catch a good wave and ride it in. I was pretty good, I can't lie. Cameron took it all in like any baby would. He ate the sand, and stood in the water unsure of what to expect. But I filled my camera with pictures to document his life, and well, at least we have the memory.

Sadly, Dimaris and I had to suffer the consequences of no sunscreen on the legs post beach day. I have never been sunburned like this on my legs before. I thought my legs didn't ever burn. And I was going for a good S. California tan to take back to Utah with me. Sadly, I scorched my legs instead and had to hobble around Disneyland the next 3 days. Shame on me for trying to beat the sun.

Disneyland was wonderful as always. Mark's Birthday was welcomed with a visit from Goofy right off the bat, so that was fun for a photo shoot; always my style. We tried to ride a lot of the ones we missed last visit, intermixed with some of our favorites. We did the Animation Studio, and Casey Junior, and Pirate Island. The new Fantasy Fair was open so we checked that out; with good reviews. Enjoyed the new Mickey and the Magical Map show; more good reviews. Rode the carousel for Cameron, it seems to be one of his favorites. Enjoyed Pirates numerous times. Ran into my new Step-Cousin Tara which was random and wonderful. And caught the Iron Man exhibit where the Iron Man suits are on display. Very cool.

 Seriously with the smiles. The above family shot kills me. Cameron is totally aware of the Camera.

We sure love our Disney AP friends and that we get to enjoy the park together with them. So, you're wondering about the title of this post? Well, on the first day together, Ruston and family said hello to us with a hardy "what's going on with my buddies?" spoken really quickly. To get to the point - it evolved into scott boonon ... fill in the blank. (Scott Boonon my pizza? Scott Boonon my Pirates) I can't explain where the inflections go, but it's hilarious. And it was everywhere. And it is still very funny. And very Mark and Ruston and Miguel.

I must admit, I welcome the break from Disney during our blackout summer days. The heat and the crowds ruins the experience for me a little bit. But I wouldn't be surprised if we get a call come September. Not surprised in the least.

Happy Birthday to my Disney Lovin' Hubs.

Not quite One

he just started to crawl. but we're in the very beginning stages still. it's like he knows how but doesn't like to. he can stand on his own for several minutes. i guess we'll have a very short crawling stage. pulls himself up in his crib. most mornings he'll just sit and entertain himself until we come get him. that part is nice. foods i know he'll eat without a fuss: yogurt, graham crackers, plain applesauce, & ice cream. everything else can be a bit of a battle. his most predominate word is "boppy" or "buppy". it's cute when a puppy is running by and he says "buppy" and the stranger thinks my kid is smart. or he's with mark and says "boppy". again, strangers think it's cute. still no mom. rough gig i tell you. is not afraid of dogs; did not get that from me. large dogs will run up to him while he is sitting on the driveway and lick his face or sniff his hair and he just laughs and reaches out for hugs. i am 6 times the size of the dog and i am afraid, not sure where he got his guts. loves the park and laughs when we go on the swings. points to everything. recognizes grandma diane and laughs out loud, pointing to her picture. eight teeth and four more coming in. lamby is his favorite stuffed animal. he sleeps with it every night and gives it the cutest squeeze when we hand it to him.

Las Vegas

The original plan was to just go to Vegas, which in and of itself could be a spectacular trip for our vacation needs. I had arranged with our BFF's to stay a few nights at their abode. They are always too kind to open their door to us and make us feel so welcome. The drive was mostly uneventful, with the exception of the last 15 minutes when Cameron got car sick and had a few barfs in the car. That was a first for us, but we managed it well if I do my own judging.

After a quick clean up and visit, we were on our way to see Le Reve. Caught dinner at a little sandwich shop and then fought the traffic to the Wynn hotel. The drivers in Las Vegas, I tell you! It was a little white knuckle there at the end when we couldn't find the parking quick enough and had to run to the theater. But no worries, we made our seats with 4 minutes to spare. whew.

The show was delightful, although I wouldn't recommend it if it's your first Cirque ever. I chose this one specifically because of the water feature, and that was indeed an amazing feature. But the acrobats were lacking. Obviously because there was water. So - there you go.

On Saturday we were delighted to spend some time with our friends. They took us to the Red Rocks where we saw ... red rocks. And some old handprints. The weather was perfect and even though I was wearing flip flops, we climbed all over those rocks! It was picturesque. 

We never feel like our stays are long enough, and so appreciate their willingness to let us come. Thanks to them for an amazing weekend. (and an amazing suggestion in the sandwich shop which we have wished for a few times since).

..to be continued...again... 

Viva Le Reve

Birthdays are great. A fun way to celebrate life, and all the good things that the blessing of a healthy body has to offer. And, so, when it was time for Mark's annual celebration of life, what better way than to Vive Le Reve - Live the Dream. :) I know, I'm clever. 

Mark has mentioned wanting to go to a Cirque du Soleil show many times, so I went the surprise route, and arranged a little weekend trip to Las Vegas to see the show. And I never once had to lie to Mark about it. He knew we were going somewhere, and that I had a sitter for one night. He just didn't have a clue that it was this, and who the babysitters were. I hate to boast, but it was a pretty solid home run. 

While he was away at work, I filled up some leftover balloons with Helium and decorated the room with them. I had seen it done on Pinterest for a different thing, so I reinvented it and made it birthday themed. Then I got little pieces of colored paper and wrote different things that had been done during the last 365 days. Trips, memories, milestones; just whatever I could come up with. I put the tickets in a little box and wrapped it up like the gift. So when he got home, BAM happy birthday surprise for my hubs. And he loved it. 

So yes, we celebrated. And for the record, we don't always have week long birthday celebrations. This year, it just happened that way. A few days before we were on our way to Vegas, we had an invitation we couldn't refuse to Disneyland for the week following. I mean come on - we were already more than halfway there, we couldn't just say no. So - we tacked on a Southern California trip along with the Vegas adventure for one happily wrapped up Birthday package for Mark.

...to be continued...

Another Side

I am now a part of a "blended" family. If I take the time to sit and think about it, it is a little weird. The part about having step-siblings, and more than just us Wrights - it's weird. But, in times when I am not "thinking" about it and I'm just living life - it is the coolest thing ever. Meet the other side of my family; the Cheney side. I've only spent but a few hours with these folks, but they are just delightful. The girls are exactly the kind of people that I like to be friends with, and the boys just blended perfectly with our bunch of guys.They have a more dominate female showing in the grandkids department, but the males still beat out the girls at 5 - 3. (The Wright's are at 5 - 2). I don't suspect that our lives will cross paths too often. In fact, I think it will be quite rare for most of us, but if there ever is an event planned where we all get to be together again, I will be ecstatic.

Farm Country

I've been hanging out with an old friend from my growing up days. It is awesome because I just never thought that our paths would cross again, especially since she has 4 young kids and I've only got the 1 little guy. But it has been beyond wonderful for me to have a familiar face to get together with on occasion. She said it best, the kind of friend that you don't feel you have to clean your house up for. It's awesome.

A few weekends back, we met up at Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country and took a stroll around the little animals. Cameron LOVED it. I got him on the little pony walk, which he wasn't too sure what was going on but it made a cute photo. He loved looking at the little chickens and Di's girls just loved showing him all the other animals. It was so cute to watch. There was a horse too that came right up to his gate, and Cameron pet his nose! It was so cute. We rode the carriage ride and Diana told me all about the Fall festival that they do there. I am so excited for THAT for sure.

Cameron has had a few run-ins with some puppies as of late as well. And I'm getting the jist that he like animals. I would have had a melt down if a dog came close to me and licked my face - or a horse tried to eat my hand. (Let's be honest, I still do. Me and animals are not really friends). But Cameron eats it right up. So there you have it. Done and done.

13.1 Miles

 Moving here to Utah has brought a whole new freshness to my running life. I can't really say that I am a "runner" by any definition, but I do like to run on occasion. One of my dear friends here has really set the pace as far as involvement in local races. After I ran Long Beach's Half, I thought I had sworn off the long runs forever. But alas, I lied. Shortly after moving here, Katie had me registered for the Provo City Half Marathon.

The only races I have ever been involved in were in California, where you just show up at the starting line and wait for the gun to go off. So you can imagine my surprise when I was told I needed to board a bus 3 hours before the race started! The bus experience wasn't all that terrible, but the chill in the air up at the starting line was frigid! Waiting for "go" was just awful. After huddling around for what seemed like forever, and making 2 stops at the Hunny Buckets, we finally lined up and were off down the canyon.

I started off at quite the pace. I followed the 2:10 pacer for about 8 miles, which I thought was quite the feat. The last 5 were much slower, but I was surprised to see that my final time was only 5 seconds slower than my last race. Consistency, that's how I role.

Nothing says triumph like a medal and a finish line. My sweet husband came out to support me with the lad. Knowing he was at the end of the race really helped keep me going. He has always been my cheerleader, and I so appreciate him for it. And - as a big bonus - I didn't feel like I was going to throw up when the race was all over! "No cookie toss" is always a victory.

I can't say I'm addicted, like a lot of the girls I run with feel. But they have got me roped into a Ragnar Race next month. I didn't even know ragnar existed in my California life. And now I'm on a team. Wish me luck.

Dear Ol' Dad

My dad was very much a typical small town high school boy. He had a few good stories, about he and his buddies, doing wild things that just make me laugh to think about. I remember a story he told about one of his high school teachers who had a paddle. A paddle that my dad was somewhat familiar with. At the end of the year, dad and his buddies made a new paddle for this teacher, with bottle caps and nails and shards of glass sticking right out of it. He said the teacher laughed and laughed, and then hung it in his classroom for years to follow.  Another story that sits in my memory is one when Dad was in High school. His buddy decided that he was going to ride his motorcycle through the main hallway of the school; a strait hallway that ran from one end of the building to the other. Dad's job was to open the first door at a particular time while another boy opened the exit. So - at his appointed time, he asked to use the restroom, walked to the entry door, opened it right up as the bike went barreling through the school. He then shut the door and returned to class. I don't recall the end of the story, perhaps dad never told it. But it sure makes me laugh to think of him doing it. Funny guy.

It's been 4 years today for those who are counting. I feel like it's been forever since I've had a good sit down chat with my dear ol' dad. He could always get the room rolling in laughter. I still wonder a lot about his life now. And somedays I just miss him. Today especially. I know there is a lot of time left before we can be together again, but it is the 'again' that makes the time more bearable. Love you dad.

An evening with the Mother of the Year

I had quite the amazing opportunity this week! I attended a small Relief Society meeting where the invited guests were the 2013 and 2011 National Mothers of the Year as well as the 2013 Utah Young Mother of the Year. Crazy right? The 2013 National Mother of the Year is a woman in my ward. At first I poked fun at the title, thinking "how do you choose the mother of the year?" It seemed so far fetched. But I went to the meeting anyway, with pen and paper in tow, knowing I could use any counsel I could get. It was incredible. I love those meetings where you leave feeling motivated, encouraged, and just inspired to be better. It was great. So I wanted to share a few of my notes for my memory's sake. And if you're in need of a little pick-me-up; help yourself.

(Top: Judy Cook - 2013 National Mother of the Year

Bottom: Sally Olsen - 2011 National Mother of the Year)

Thoughts on Motherhood: (we talked about a lot of things, I've just tried to summarize a few)

10 Lessons to Motherhood:

(1) Loose yourself. This was a great little bit. She explained about how she did loose a bit of herself in giving everything to her kids, but the woman she found she liked a lot better.

(2) Learn to Eat Humble Pie: Every mom knows you can never say never, because as soon as you do, whatever it is you said would never happen - does. They are still in diapers at 3 and they poop in the corner. You take them out of church and sit in the foyer while they scream. You are late to church, because of the kids.

(3) It is not a competition, it's a commitment: It's not about who bakes the best cupcakes, or who goes to the gym the most, or who has the best Mommy School. Save your energy for your family.

(4) I don't own my children: yes I had them, and I am raising them. But they are their own identities. I can't force them to become what I want. Allow them room to grow.

(5) It's about progress, not perfection. Continue to refine, hone, improve, and work on your skills as a mother.

(6) It's better to laugh than cry. (or scream). Motherhood has got to be the world's most aggravating and frustrating jobs at times. The relentless nature of the work can drive a person to tears. Laugh instead. 

(7) Today is not forever. She had a cute quip here. Remember-it came to pass, not it came to stay. 

(8) The best things in life really are free. So many good examples I could fill in here with my own little buddy.

(9) Families make messes. Just go with it. Sally talked about having a closet specifically to just throw things in so the house looked clean and she could think. 

(10) Every cliche about motherhood is true: The joy is in the journey. You’ll never do anything so hard and yet so gratifying. The greatest work any of us will ever do will be within the walls of our homes. They grow so fast. Enjoy every moment before the moment is gone. 

-- Discouragement is a tool of the devil. Choose not to be discouraged in your abilities or performance. Ask yourself as many times as you need to: "am I doing (or have I done) my best?

-- Let something else go so you can be your best self for the kids. Sometimes life can be too overwhelming. You need to be wiling to let something go so you can be more present.

-- Read the talk "To the Mothers in Zion" by President Ezra T. Benson.

-- When you love doing something; anything, if you love it - it is successful. If you love your job as a mom, really truly love it, then it makes the tasks so much better.

-- Service helps a lot. Teach your kids to have a servants heart. Soup Kitchens, Ward services, within the home. 

-- Follow through in everything you say.

-- Ezra Taft Benson gave the answer to how to give your child self esteem. He said (paraphrased) If we love god, keep his commandments, and fear His judgements more than man, we will have self esteem.

-- While your children are in your home, make them the highest priority.

-- Family Gospel Study is so important. Sally bore testimony multiple times of the importance of this for her family. She would have family study time on Sunday. Starting small, then as the children grew, spending more hours in gospel study. Separate from FHE, daily devotions, family scripture study! Fight to keep your meeting for church either early in the morning or late at night (or not on the Sabbath) to make sure the whole family is together on Sunday. This particular bit of advise really struck my heart. How to go about implementing it in my family is still a mystery, but I will be praying for some support and trying to give it my best effort.

-- Read President Hinckley's talk "To the Women of the Church"

-- The underlying theme to the entire evening was to use the Lord as you raise your children. The Church has a plethora of materials that will aid in this great role. Look up all the quotes that the Prophets and apostles have ever said about the nobility and role of women. It will strengthen your resolve to live to your great calling and responsibility in life.

Footnote: Judy is mom to 8 kids. Sally is mom to 12 kids. And the 3rd lady is mom to 8 ages 3-16.

Pinspiration

How ever did I survive without Pinterest? And why did I fight it for so many months? My pinning habit has been really good to me this last month - so much so that I felt a need to share my pinning pleasures.

First off, we have my Visiting Teaching gifty - by far my favorite yet. So cute in fact that I doubled it up for my YW lesson handout. It was just so cute. General Conference Preserves with all the cute printables that creative people make and post for free downloads. I got about 12 or so of them, printed them off in small versions, and then stuck them in the jars. For my YW lesson on listening to the living prophets, I also added several white strips of paper for the girls to add their own quotes during their conference studies. Cute right? Whipped up the scalloped tag with my Silhouette machine and bam! Loved!

Next up was another Visiting Teaching gifty. (It's really how I do a lot of my VT assignments, mostly because it give me more purpose to getting out there and doing it). This one I have done once before, inspired by my last VT lady. She loved soda so it fit her personality great. This time around, I just got fancy root beer with the tag for a swing by hello. It worked great in breaking the ice and I'm pretty proud for jumping in and starting the first month I got the assignment.

 Then I got all Betty Crocker on myself and whipped up a few celebratory cupcakes. Although the cake was from a box, the buttercream frosting was home made. Pinterest said it was "the best cupcake frosting" and that they "were always getting requests to make it for everything". So I gave it a whirl. It got good reviews, although personally, I think it tasted like Crisco. Just me. I can't say that they look professional, but they were pretty dang cute, and the birthday ones were consumed instantly by the kiddos of that family. So - at least they passed that test. The graduation ones were for my BIL's, and they were complimentary, so I guess it was a win-win.

 I really love being creative and putting things together. I especially love showing off my cute creations. Don't worry, I always pay credit to Pinterest - I know I'm not cute and creative, but some ladies out there are and I LOVE that they share it openly with the world.

10 Months

If you're tired of the monthly baby updates, have no fear - I will not do this his entire life. Just the first year. So you've only got 2 update posts left. Also, my new step-cousin (?) Tara took this picture of our wee one while at the wedding get together last month and Hot Dog is she amazing. (holy run on sentence batman) I am sure that there is no relation between us but I'm throwing in the "step" term in hopes that it brings us closer together as friends. She is not only an amazing photographer, but she is hilarious, witty, and just fantastic!

-- This kid has 6 teeth coming in all at the same time! 4 on top and 2 on the bottom. I won't lie, it's been a bit of a nightmare in the sleeping area, the diaper regions, and the nose runs. Not to mention the cranky pants that comes out more often these days. BUT-dispite all that bad going on in his gums; he can be the heart melting happy baby when the timing is right.

-- Scoots horribly; but does scoot in that I'll put him on his bum here and he'll end up there eventually. He still has no interest in being on his knees. He does understands that he can get from his bum to his belly; but this usually results in a face plant to the floor and glass-breaking squeals after. Rolls really well; totally understands how to get his body around in that regard. 

-- Not really a picky eater, but he does have his likes and dislikes. I think that is so interesting how at such a young age he knows what foods he wants. I'll put a variety on his tray, and he'll pick out what he wants and leave the rest. 

-- Big and Tall. I realize all kids are different, but he is much heavier than other kids his age. (I think this is why he moves less) We're talking 10+ pounds heavier. He is tipping the scale at 30 lbs these days. Solid would be the word that comes to mind. He also has some height on him. I haven't measured him (but should have for this post) but he was taller than the 17 month boy in church yesterday. He wears 18 month clothes usually. Sometimes I can get away with a 12 month pair of pants, but only when I'm tired and don't care that he has high waters on. He put a hole in the toe of his 12month jammies a few weeks ago - so I get the impression that he is just tall.

-- Has a tiny thread of stranger danger. He'll flirt like a king, but doesn't want to be close to them or have them hold him. He knows his Mom and Dad (which warms my tender heart). I love when he reaches to be picked up or whatever. I know seasoned mom's will tell me how it'll get old, but I just love it.

-- Has a few cute things he does when he plays. He has a few colored cups that he always is putting things into. Especially balls. He'll put the ball in the cup and then try to swirl the cup around so the ball rolls around the edges of the cup. Super cute. He also likes to put things into and out of old kleenex boxes. Doesn't totally understand books just yet. LOVES his Lamby (lambie?) that was given to him during our last disney trip. He'll snuggle with that thing at night - about melts my heart on the spot. And now the movies in the movie cabinet. That's a pretty big hit until either Mark or I have enough of the banging of the doors or the mess of movies in his lap.

Mother's Day

Being a mom is everything that I expected it would be. It is easy yet hard; it is natural yet new. And it is just everything that I have ever wanted. Having to wait so long, and work so hard to get Cameron, I can't help but be thankful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be a mom; and to give me this darling little boy. Listening to others who have older children makes me curious about what Cameron's personality will be like as he grows older. I just couldn't have dreamed of it being any better than this. I am certainly lucky to have been blessed with a marvelous example in my own mother. All I am today I owe to her. Most of my daily routines are patterned after what I watched her do for years and years.

Thanks Mom, for the perfect example. I love you!