Arizona Heat

I am not sure why I always choose to go to Arizona in the summertime, but holy hot vacation!  But, it's totally worth it to spend some time with my brothers and their families. 

We spent most of the time in the water, to try and beat the heat.  One splash pad after another, these kiddos ran and sun bathed and played together so cute!  My youngest brother just moved his family to the area so, we got to get together the with them and their daughter too, which was icing on the cake!

Our biggest adventure was when we decided to take the kids to Camp Verde to see the old Indian houses in the rocks.  Lesley had memories of walking around them when she was a kid, and knowing my history heart, we made the drive out there.  If only we knew what adventure we had signed up for.  The 2 hours drive turned into 4 hours as we got stuck on the highway waiting for a RV fire to be cleared from the road.  We unloaded the kids and had lunch right there on the road - an adventure the kids really loved.  Cameron screamed for the better part of the trip, which was awesome! (boo). Once we finally arrived, the kids ran and ran while we snacked on some more food before taking the walk down to the house.  Only later to learn that we couldn't actually walk into the houses; and it was a different place that Lesley was remembering.  Oh how we laughed.  A 4 hours drive for a 20 minute walk around a small loop.  But - I did LOVE the pictures we got, and the memory is priceless.

Always a great visit to see those Arizona cousins.  Cameron and Spencer are more frienemies right now, but it will get better!

Happy Father's Day

I miss him.  I love him. I wonder about his life now. But most of all, I am just so blessed and grateful that I get to be his daughter.  Forever.

Love you dad.
Kay

An Easter Celebration

We had a perfect-weather kind of Easter this year and enjoyed spending it in our new home with our little family.  Big bonus of our new place was that it offers a private fenced backyard which I LOVE. We decorated a few eggs with Cameron and then set them out for the bunny to hide - like every family does.

It was really fun this year because Cameron understood the hunt and find concept.  He loved getting the eggs and dropping them in the bucket.  I should have had more protection for the eggs as several suffered injuries in the process.  My baskets this year were another success.  I love that little tradition that my mother did for me.  Cameron got his sidewalk chalk that he won in his baby contest last year, and LOVED it.  So much so, I'll be needing to invest in more stat.

We did have a delightful dinner with the family at the Morrell's place where I was in charge of rolls.  I threw in a few cupcakes strictly for my creative needs. I had pinned so many cute ideas I had to make something. And they turned out darling, which I loved!

Happiest 5 Years

I know, it's been a long time.  And I continue to start my posts with an acknowledgement of my lack of posting.  I'll regret the scarcity when it comes time to put together my family yearbook, that is for sure.  Alas, I can't bring back the past, so on we go.

Five years ago, all my dreams came true when I snagged this man and he made me his wife.  I really couldn't have dreamed up a better life, a better marriage, or a better companion for me.  I am so lucky and so in love.  Happy 5th anniversary to us.  Is it such a surprise that we decided on Disneyland as our Five Year celebration spot?  It shouldn't be, being that this is where it all started for us.  Our first date was a walk in the "park" and we haven't looked back since.  We didn't even question bringing Cameron along with us, being that we waited so long to have him join our family and feel blessed every day that he is with us! Love this little family of mine and all that we share together!

We spent three days in Disneyland, and even spoiled ourselves by staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  That was super swanky for me being that I had never been a guest at the hotel.  And it was our anniversary so the additional expense ($$$) was worth it.  There isn't a whole lot to say about our trip, other than it was wonderful, so here is a pictorial journal of the happiness we feel here.

The buddy LOVES Disneyland (he didn't really have a chance to not given the amount of exposure that he gets from his parents) and his reaction to the rides and characters was heart warming.

We were surprised to learn that Cameron was tall enough for Tow-Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Autopia, AND the Go Gadget Coster.  Our little boy is growing up.

I think my Mother-In-Law said it best when she said "your little boy was born to smile".  He is such a happy smiley boy - I really couldn't have asked for more!

We loved our trip and can't wait to go back.  We are seriously happier here than any other place in the world.  I am so grateful to be married to a man who shares the fascination and love of the magic that Walt Disney has created.  I am so lucky that he brings all the romance and fantasy and happily ever afters to our home and family.  These have been the happiest 5 years (and 1 month) of my life.  Love you Mark.

Tell Me the Stories

Another new venture for my little ol' self!  And I am pretty excited about it.  For the last little while, I have been making teaching aids to help in our lessons around Scripture stories.  Cameron loves to have something to hold while we learn, and these little aids have been a great help to me.  Recently, I've had a few friends encourage me to sell these as PDF files for other moms to use in their homes; thus the beginning of "Tell me the Stories".

Go and check out my Etsy shop and like my Facebook page.  Share me with your playgroups and neighbors and friends.  I might just have something that will help you in your endeavor to teach your children the stories of Jesus.

{See my Esty Shop Here}

{Like my Facebook Page Here}

Deuteronomy 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sit test in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou list down, and when thou risest up.


President Boyd K Packer - Feb 2000 Ensign
"It is consummately important to teach the gospel and life's lessons to children and youth.  The Lord places the first responsibility upon parents and warns them:

"Inasmuch as parent have children in Zion, ... that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by th elaying on of hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents." (Doctrine & Covenants 68:25)

Like a Sista'

I am beeeee-hind in my blogging. I know this.  I have no excuse other than when I have the time, I don't have the creative juices or the energy to post. But - I have a moment now and am willing myself to get this down.  Mostly, because I miss my blog being updated. Tragic.

Several weeks ago, I enjoyed the joyous Lauren-Kaylinn weekend.  We have been able to get together a few times each year since our college days and I just love it.  She has a way to just rejuvenate my soul. We eat junk and watch rubbish and talk about life till dawn.  She teaches me so much about being a good mom and wife, and is a great example of being in the "Happy Wife Club". So this weekend was one that I was more than looking forward to.

Lauren's youngest boy is only a few weeks old, so I was really excited to just hold that little bundle of baby and celebrate in his arrival to their family.  As a bonus - Cameron was old enough to interact with the other 2 kids and actually build some relationships there. Speaking of Cameron, he was a champion on the airplane - there and back.  There - we had the whole row to ourselves, and back - we just watched a lot of the iPad. Bless that device when traveling with toddlers.

Seaside was the best getaway I've had in a while.  Lauren booked a room right on the ocean where we enjoyed some sand, surf, and an occasional sun. I must mention the vending machine run being a bit of a bust; don't you worry, we sought out the working machine 3 floors away.  This is the kind of friendship we have!  We spent some time in town and ate some delicious coastal fish; I couldn't have asked for anything better.

What I love most about my friendship with Lauren is our ability to just sit and talk and enjoy each others company without having to be entertained.  We laugh at the same oddities in others, we bond over trashy television programs, and we eat like our waste lines can handle a few more pounds.  As Anne of Green Gables puts it - she is my kindred spirit.  And I can't wait to see her again.

Uh- Laundry's done. Gotta run.  I have goals for 4 posts this week, so...we'll see.

Big River

As a part of my Birthday surprise, (long time ago - I know, but it's worth a post) Mark had set up a tickets and a babysitter to the stage production of Big River.  To most, this wouldn't be much of an excitement, but to me, Big River hold great sentimental value.  

You see, many many moons ago, my father went to a white elephant Christmas party. His parting gift was a copy of the Big River soundtrack and only moments after he popped that baby in, he was hooked. Our whole family listened to its tracks hundreds of times.  We even did a ward lip-sync number to one of the songs, a fond memory that brings a smile to my face every time.  

My dad went to the actual stage production several years later during a week that I was at a church youth camp, Especially for Youth. I was so sad that they all went without me! Another several years later, my dad got sick.  Really sick.  And on days when things weren't so good, mom would put in Big River and it would bring a smile to his weak, thin face.  Clear up to the day he died, he loved this music.

When the local community theater had this production on their schedule, Mark knew it was a no brainer, slam dunk, best-spouse-of-the-year gift.  And he was right.  I cried, literally cried, when he said we had tickets to go.  I sat in the seat and sang every song. (I really tried to whisper or mouth the words so as to not disturb the others around me) and I loved every moment.  AND, the seat next to me was empty for the entire production.  Yes, I totally envisioned my dad occupying that seat.  Such a fantastic moment to just relish in the memory of my dad.  Oh how I miss him sometimes.

March Madness

This month was nuts.  Absolute chaos here in our spot of the world.  I'm not even really sure how long it will take me to recount all the gloriousness of it all for the blog to enjoy.  So - It'll be several events in one long post. Because that is just how crazy our month was.

In no particular order. (Thank goodness for modern smartphone technology that made photography possible in my life)

(1) Disney on Ice:
  I have always had a secret want to go and see Disney on Ice.  I remember many an opportunity while living in Southern California, and single, that I passed up because I just knew it wasn't kosher to go to this sort of thing.  Having a young boy doesn't make it kosher, BUT when  your friend has an age appropriate daughter - I was totally in.  Mark procured us some tickets in a box seat (see "new job" below) and we got some goodies to enjoy the magic.  I must say, I wasn't slightly displeased.  Most parts were good, but other parts were REALLY bad.  Like the story of Merida and Brave - I feel like they missed the entire movie.  None the less, we had a marvels trip on the train, and a delightful show with a delightful friend.  Win - Win - Win.

(2) Grandma's Funeral:
  Four days before our scheduled moving day, Grandma Wright passed away.  Which made her funeral land the day before the moving truck showed up at our house.  Holy crazy week of my life! I quickly spent Tuesday and Wednesday packing up everything possible and then hit the road at 4am on Thursday Morning. Driving the roads of Montana was like a joyous dream to me.  I just loved those open roads of my Dad's country.  We just happened to take a pit stop in an old forgotten mining town where there was an abandoned Prison (now historic monument) and some cool 1909 Sears Building Kits. Radical. Mom cross-stitched the whole way, Cameron enjoyed the iPad, and I just loved on the scenery.  Going by the old house where many of our child hood memories steam was just icing on the cake.

We got into town by about 3:00 or so, and swung over to see all the Wright family that had come into town.  Oh how I love these familiar faces of my Father's family.  Love love LOVE!

The Funeral was held on Friday afternoon.  A beautiful service with such delightful memories of my grandmother.  And funny stories; man that lady was a hoot to have around. After some good food and photos, it was back on the road for the 3 of us so we could make it back in time for the moving truck. (I can see how it was confusing for many of my Facebook followers to see photos of me in the Montana countryside with talk of moving trucks on it's heels.  No, we didn't move to Montana; heaven help us if we ever did)

(3) New Job and a Move
  This change came as a somewhat unexpected surprise.  Several months back, Mark had seen the Jazz advertise for a position that interested him.  Out of sheer curiosity, he decided to apply. Weeks passed and we heard nothing, until randomly, he got a call with an invitation for an interview.  Wham Bam - Mark was hired to help "fix" can we say, the struggling VIP Service Management team. He is working for the Larry H. Miller Sports Group which includes the NBA Jazz Team, the Minor League Bees Baseball team, and the events at the EnergySolutions Arena. Specifically, the VIP guests that reserve the Suite level box seats. He is still a licensed real estate agent on the side, as well as our Real Estate ventures with Strongbrook.  So - he is a busy man. This Jazz gig is relatively short term, so - we plan to enjoy it while it lasts.

  Such a drastic change in our lifestyle had Mark commuting from our Orem home up to Salt Lake City on a daily basis.  Almost a 3 hour round trip commute.  So - for quality of life, we decided to hack the commute and move north.  After a one day house hunt, we found a delightful little spot to rent that is just a short drive to the office allowing Mark to leave later, come home for lunch, and return at the end of the day in just a few minutes.  Glorious!

  So, after driving all night home from the Funeral, we were ready to pack up and move to the new place on Saturday morning.  (pictures of the new place in a separate post when I get it all pretty-enough-for-pictures)

(4) I Love Quilting
  I have picked up this delightful hobby from my Mother-In-Law and am hooked. I finished my first quilt in just 6 weeks, and started on my second one shortly thereafter.  It is so fun to take all these different fabrics and them sew them together into fun shapes and patterns.  The brown colored star block in the center of the photo is the current quilt I am working on; the spring colors is my first quilt.  Very addicting, and very fun!

Ooo-Whee.  What a crazy few weeks.  I just got back from a trip to Portland to visit my dearest college buddy and will post on that in the near future, along with the new place which I am loving already. Happy March everyone -- we aren't slowing down just yet. More fun posts coming.

Introducing The Diz Daddy

This has been a project in the making for some time now, and we are excited to finally launch it onto the World Wide Web!  Mark has been a lover of all things Disney for his entire life.  He even went through a stint where he was convinced he would make a career working for the Happiest Company on Earth.  After 4 years with the Mouse, our lives moved us away from Disneyland, but that never stopped the masses asking Mark questions about how to experience Disney with the best possible outcome.  All kinds of tricks and tips and trivia are cooped up in this man's head, it was high time for him to let it out on the world.  Thus - The Diz Daddy.

We've created a website that will house his Disney going strategies, tips and tricks of the trade, and posts about anything Disney related.  It is his passion, and he was meant for it! And now, we're live and loving the quick response we've gotten.

So - head over to the website and subscribe to the newsletters that will come out monthly.  Read through the posts, and bookmark the site to get to it often.  Sometimes it's just fun to read through, even if you aren't planning a trip anytime soon! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, submit your photos and be a part of the growing Diz Daddy following.

{The Diz Daddy Website}

{The Diz Daddy Facebook Page}

I couldn't be more proud or excited for this new hobby of Mark's.  He really is going to be amazing at it, and I'm so lucky that I get to stand next to him and be a part of it.  Love that man of mine!

Little Dude

I am so in love with watching this little boy grow up.  He is becoming more and more independent, curious, active, and fun with each passing day.

** Has recently discovered pockets; especially in his coats.  He loves putting his hands in his pockets when we are out walking around.

** LOVES the park.  Will often ask to go to the park several times a day.  And I oblige this request, several times a day. (hey, you do what you can when the hours pass slowly) He has mastered the slides of all sizes, and will go up the stairs and down the slide and around and around again and again. For hours.  It is delightful to watch.

** Is a magnet to all things junk food. I blame myself on this one. I can't resist an ice cream cone, and neither can my son.  He can detect the treat from rooms away, and come running in for a bite.

** It's been a slow transition into nursery but I am happy to report that he will stay in and enjoy the class by himself for the better part of the 2 hour block.  I go in with him for the first 15 minutes or so, and then hug him goodbye, several screams and tears follow but the nursery leaders assure me that he calms down after a minute or two and is fine the rest of the class.

** Addicted to the Screen.  I am working hard at decreasing the screen time in our home, but it is a challenge.  He is so good at zoning out to the tube! (not a good thing, I'll admit). His favorites are Monsters University - it gets me through the morning with a shower and a cleaned kitchen. And an episode of Super Why before Lunch and one before Dinner.  Again, allows me a minute to get something done.  I try to fill the rest of the hours with learning fun, but the screen always seems to itch it's way in. UG.

** Can count to 10. I give all the credit to his father on this one.  I am one proud mamma I will say.  I have no idea when the age benchmark is for counting, but I'm pretty glad that we've made it there. His attention span for books could use some improvement, we're working on that. But he loves puzzles, coloring, bubbles, and the park. ;)

We are a little biased, yes, but we will agree with those who compliment on the handsome nature of our boy.  He is darling, and he really is always really happy.  Lots will comment that he is always smiling and laughing when they see him, and I am really happy to say that he really is a delightfully happy boy.  I am a lucky mamma to have him around.

Birth-Week 2014

Twas another fantastic week celebrating all things I enjoy most.  With Mark being gone most of the week, I was left to fend for myself for all of my entertainment.  So - Cameron and I filled our days with a few things that I like.  My shameless "I'm 31 now" photo; still loving the brown hair.

Monday, we went up to Salt Lake and walked around The Gateway, and then took the train home just to enjoy the scenery. Tuesday, we went and walked around BYU, got some ice cream, and some office supplies from the bookstore. Lovely.   Wednesday, I spent an entire day sewing my second quilt with my mother-in-law. Very delightful. Thursday was a walk around the mall for some window shopping and another drive to SLC to go to dinner with a very dear friend at The Cheesecake Factory.   Mom had gifted me a few items this year that I opened slightly early on. She knows me too well and I am so grateful for her thoughtfulness in planning what to get me.  Time to loose these 30 lbs from the last 5 years! Like, for real this time.

 Friday was my actual birthday, and it was the most low key.  I was without a car that day so Cameron and I walked the 2.25 miles to Walmart to seek out my perfect Birthday Cake ingredients.  Sadly, there was no Rainbow Chip icing, so the whole trip was a waste! After a short rest, I was pleasantly surprised when the entire Morrell clan made a trip down to eat at Goodwood. Saturday turned out to be the biggest surprise yet, planned by my marvelous husband and his partner in crime, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had called a few days prior to ask me to go to dinner with her in Salt Lake as her birthday gift to me.  I was thrilled, and so got the sitter and anticipated the fun trip.  She came to get me, and on our way up, she just casually said that we were going to grab a small bite to hold us over until the event crowds died down, then enjoy a real dinner later that night.  Some simple shopping and just hanging out would make the evening perfect.  Upon our arrival, we saw that the wait time for the restaurant of choice was too long, so we headed down the street to a second option.  Passing a nail salon, I casually said how much I loved acrylic nails, and BAM-Elizabeth had me in the chair getting them done before I could contest the idea.  Afterward, we walked rather quickly down the block to this awesome waffle hut for some dessert/dinner food which I didn't realize at the time, but she was eating pretty fast and rushing us along.  AS soon as we finished up that meal, she asks "what time is it now?"  "20 till 8" I reply.  "Then we have to book it 5 blocks to the Arena because we have tickets to see Brian Regan!

WHAT!!!! I was so surprised.  It wasn't on my radar AT ALL.  Usually, when Mark plans a surprise for me, it is at least somewhat on my radar.  But this was totally, not at all what I had mentally planned for the evening. So - along with the rest of the state of Utah, I headed into watch a really fantastic comedian share his hilarious talent as my birthday surprise.

Mark, you really outdid yourself this year.  I couldn't have been a luckier woman to have landed you as my man. And to Elizabeth who is my delightful new friend, and a real winner in my book! May she ever know how much I appreciate her friendship.

Coupled with all the Facebook shout outs, text messages, phone calls, and cards in the mail, it was a very Happy Birthday to me. Love my life.

Visits from Mother

We were thrilled to have Mom and Joe come and visit us a few weeks back.  With parents who travel as much as these two, it is defiantly a treat to have their paths take them to us.  And we LOVED having them.

We did so much in just a few days, it just didn't seem like there was enough time for everything.  We spent most of our time in Midway, just relaxing and playing a new card game called Hand Foot.  The weather was fantastic so we enjoyed the local sights and breathtaking scenery.

We also were gifted with some seats to the Jazz game. I don't think Joe could have been more thrilled with the unexpected phone call that came in with the offer.  Being quite the Basketball fan, he didn't care that the team wasn't very great overall - it was the arena of sportsmanship that was fantastic.  Being Cameron's first live game, we feel he did pretty well.  He hasn't been much for loud cheering and clapping, but within a few moments he was content just sitting on our laps eating popcorn.

Midway also hosts the Ice Castles which have become quite popular around the area.  We enjoyed a short visit there.  I was surprised at how big they were, and how much they were melting above us.  We were quite wet by the time we left from all the dripping icicles above us.  But they were really quite fantastic to witness. 

 On our last day together, we were able to go and see the BYU Orchestra with my Uncle Mose and Aunt Gloria and a few distant cousins living in the area.  We enjoyed a delightful meal in the Skyroom at BYU and then a musical feast by the orchestra. The first number was quite surprising; a student composition that was hard to understand, but the rest of the pieces were just remarkable as expected.

It was a delightful few days with mom and I can not wait until we get to have her with us again.  Hopefully sooner rather than later!

An afternoon in the City

After being cooped up in our house for days on end, we decided to make a spontaneous trip up to Salt Lake to visit a few free museums that the church has there.  Going in the middle of the week, during the morning business hours made for awesome traffic, awesome parking, and no crowds.  We decided to go and see the Church History Museum; being the history buff that I am, and found it quite enjoyable.

I LOVED seeing all the pioneer memorabilia and the first edition of the Book of Mormon. Very cool. Whenever I read stories from the journals of those early saints I think, my journal must be incredibly dull and boring.  Those pioneers note so well the circumstances, their feelings, and the day to day life that they lead.  My journal---doesn't.  I suppose some improvement is needed there.

We spent probably the most time up on the second floor in the children's "Book of Mormon" area where Cameron could play with all sorts of things.  He especially liked the puppet chickens and the eggs underneath.  Such curiosity.

We had a short lunch at the new City Creek Center (super nice) where Cameron had his first ever Happy Meal.  And he ate only the fries.  What a wasted 5 bucks. What a happy day outing with my family, especially since they seem to happen less and less these days.

Cake Decorations

There are so many things that my Mother did in my youth, I could not begin to describe how wonderfully busy she was in taking care of her family.  She specialized, quite unknowing I might add, in creating traditions and memories that I now want to develop and share with my own family.  One of these traditions was birthdays.  She was so good at celebrating all holidays, but on birthday's specifically, she would decorate a cake of our choosing.  I remember the few weeks before, she would pull out her stack of Cake Decorating magazines and let us thumb through the pages to find the one that we wanted made.  Then she would somehow make it exactly as the picture showed.  Sometimes even making her own cake pans with tin foil and cardboard to get just the right shape.

Fast forward to present day.  I now have the desire to decorate cakes.  I just like to do it.  Pinterest has a gazillion cupcake ideas that I just can't wait to try.  And the decorative table-scape and such...I digress.  But the cakes is where I am starting now.  Mark gifted me with a large set of tips and piping bags for Christmas, so I really feel like I am off to the races! My first order of business, (besides my son's birthday cake) my Father-In-Law's birthday bash several weeks back.  Thanks to the great teacher-at-your-fingertips YouTube, I tried out an hombre something effect that turned out pretty cute.  Granted, the frosting didn't take the food coloring like I wanted, so it's a little amateurish, but I was really quite proud.

Father seemed really exited about it too.  Mark says he hasn't had a birthday cake for him in over 20 years.  So - kudos to me for trying to make him something special.  And he has thanked me for it a few times over; which has added to my confidence in making it and my pride in doing something nice for a man that I love.

February What?

Where has the time gone! I tell you, things have been moving at JET speed here in our neck of the woods.  There are SO MANY things that are hitting the pavement all at the same time; it is getting rough to keep up with them all, and get photos taken so that I can feel good about where my blog is.  Good news is, I do have some pictures and will post those up this month. (Including but not limited to: visit from Mom and Joe, quilting days, and Cameron updates)

There are several other things that are "in the mix" stage and aren't totally ready to be spread just yet. But they are coming and they are WILD. (including but not limited to: house hunting & moving, a Non-Profit Org., doctor visits, & Disney)

Stay tuned, knowing we are well and I haven't shirked my blog just yet.