Home Sweet Home

Remember why back when I mentioned that we moved and I'd post some pictures of my house?  Well, wait no longer my friends, 'cuz it is finally here!  I took this pictures shortly after we got settled, and promptly let them sit on the computer until now.  The good news is, I've updated the decor in my kitchen.  The bad news, it doesn't look like this anymore. But you get the gist of it all.

I really love the layout of this house.  I especially love the backyard.  I love that it is fenced and that it has lots of lush greenery, and it's just awesome.  I love the open feel, and the big kitchen. I love that the owners let me paint the wall in the family room.  That part is probably my favorite even today.  I love how much more spacious it feels than the townhouse we left.  But what I love most about my home is who I share it with. *wink, wink* Yup - I just used that in a sentence.

My Buddy

As all babes do, this lad is growing up.  He is so much fun to have around, I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with him.  We celebrated his 2nd birthday at the beginning of the month, and although it was a very small affair, he sure hasn't missed the fun benchmarks that at 2 year old displays.

- In a big boy bed! And loves it so much.  He is an abnormally perfect child in that he never climbed out of his crib, and now he doesn't get out of his bed until Mom or Dad come to get him.  He will pop out for a moment to get more books, but then jump right back in.  It's funny to go in before we go to bed and see him riddled with books all around, fast asleep.  Darling.

- Picky eater!  I am lucky if I get anything healthy down his throat. I even tried to trick him with the gummy vitamins. Nope; he is not interested. Next step, juicing.  I'm going to win this battle if its the last thing I do!

- Prefers a shower over a bath.  Really? How is he getting so grown up.  He likes to stand in the water, especially with it pouring right on his head.

- Talks up a storm; and learns new words every day. Right now, we are trying to un-teach "Holy Crap" and "mine". It's a bit tricky.

- Loves the Disney Jr. app. Especially Big Block Sing Songs.  And will often be excited about Little Einsteins.  Loves the Pirates song, Small World, Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, and "mommy's song" from Toy Story.

- Calls everyone "friends". He rarely knows anyones name but always will yell over to them, "hey friends..." Loves his Nursery "friends" (teachers), and the neighbor "friends", (mostly their backyard play set).

- Enjoys errands. Will often ask if we are going to "Costco?" "Target?" "Grocery Store", or "WalMart?" Goes to show where we spend most of our errand time.

- Is a fan of reading books, scripture time, school time & his school mat, cars, outside, park, bike rides, splash pad, nursery, coloring, puzzles, his brown shoes, and pirate shirt.

Couldn't be more in love with this little boy.  So grateful the Lord blessed me to be a momma!

The Say ChEARS Foundation

Hello all who visit here.  I know the traffic I get on my blog is minimal, but I'm pretty excited about this chapter of my life.  So - being that you are here, I suspect you are somewhat interested in me, and therefore, I'd like to extend an invitation.

I am proud to announce that today, 7.25.14, my husband and I are launching our Non-Profit Organization called The Say ChEARS Foundation.  The foundation is a group of people who have been inspired by the vision of Walt Disney, and wish to share that dream and vision with deserving families everywhere.  There are so many souls who are selfless, giving, inspiring human beings who deserve a little something that they can not give to themselves. We, as a foundation, would like to find these people and gift them with an all expenses paid, Disney vacation.

Please watch our Introductory video to catch a glimpse of our vision:

We rely on the support of every community to help us make these dreams a reality.  Please support our cause by going to our Go Fund Me Now website and donating. {see below}  We will take whatever you are willing to give; $1.00 or $1,000!

I couldn't be more excited about the future of this Foundation and all the hope, joy, and inspiration that we are going to bring to hundreds of families' lives.  Be apart of our cause and help us start to spread the ChEAR.

{ Click HERE to Spread the ChEAR }

Sincerely,
The Founders

Mark & Kaylinn Morrell
Kevin Clayson
John Marshall

Nauvoo Review

With the launching of the Foundation tomorrow (that's crazy exciting) my Nauvoo post has been delayed.  But, wait no more my friends, here is our photo blog of our fantastic trip to Nauvoo. 

I wrote on my "50 before 50 To Do" list back in 2007 that I wanted to go to Nauvoo.  I have always wanted to go there.  It has great historic significance to my faith. {Explore THIS WEBSITE to learn of the connection between The Church of Jesus Christ and Nauvoo} AND it just is a lot of history all in one place.  So - that makes me happy.  

First off, the drive to Nauvoo from Iowa.  Holy beautiful my friend.  And I'm pretty sure we passed a few abandoned houses that I was DYING to stop and walk through.  I'll never forgive myself for not. And the livestock that the semi's were carrying.  I defiantly felt like a sense of gratitude for the farmers and wide open spaces in America.

Upon arriving to the historic city, we jumped right into seeing the sites.  I only had about 24 hours total so we made a point to have a very productive experience. We saw the Joseph Smith Homestead & Grave site, Red Brick Store, & Blacksmith first.  I was lovin' the prairie diamonds that they gave away.  I remember Tabitha had one when we were kids but not once did I know that it was here where it came from.  Very cool.

 We went to see how bricks were made, saw an incredible thunder storm, and went to the visitor center to book some tickets for the next day's wagon ride and such.  I was inspired by those who were serving missions there as docents and performers.  Mostly because I could see myself doing that someday.  I just love history too much to not be immersed in it completely.

 The next morning, we made the short drive over to Carthage, where the prophet was martyred.  Such a neat experience there.  Not at all what I was thinking it was going to be; not worse by any means, just different.  And awesome.  There is certainly a special spirit about this place and all those who come to reverence this great man.

 Later that day we met up with Tessa and her family on this beautiful hill with the Rebuilt Nauvoo temple behind us.  Totally awesome.  And we wore our Reunion shirts which I thought were really cute and clever.  They all say "made with the Wright stuff".  hehe.

 A few more touristy trips around the town wrapped up our day.  I spent most of the second day touring the houses and walking the trail of hope down to the Mississippi.  Which made me think of the Broadway play "Big River".  Another great love.

I was in love with Nauvoo. Just in love with it.  So much so that I hope I can go and visit it again sometime.  We did it so quick, that we sadly missed a whole bunch.  Only at the tail end of our trip did I learn about Jonathan Coulson Wright who had a home that is still standing in Nauvoo, and was my Great, Great grandfather.  He was good friend with the prophet and his brother Hyrum.  Was baptized by Hyrum, and travelled across he plains with the Saints to settle in Brigham City and play a very significant role in politics there.  I need to look more into that.

Promo Video

Have you gone over { HERE} and seen this video yet?  Have you signed up for our Notification list?  This is something that will most assuredly affect millions of lives. And I could not be more excited about it! Support us in creating something epic.

SOMETHING EPIC

Dear World:

There is something I haven't been telling you.  Mostly because, I wasn't in a place to be able to speak much about it.  I've been working with some close friends for the last 6 months making our dreams into a reality, and now - coming on 7.25.14 - our dream will be presented to the world.  And by doing so, we will be allowed to make others dreams become realities.  It's going to be epic and I can not wait another moment for it to finally be here.

Slide over to this website for our first teaser to what it all is.  Do me a HUGE favor and sign up for our notification list.  We know this is going to be a great force for creating hope, joy, and inspiration to hundreds of families over the next years.

Don't miss the start of this epic experience. Click the hyperlink below and be a part of it all.

Get Ready to Spread the ChEAR!

We are Family

I seriously am in love with my family.  I am so blessed to have such a great relationship with all of them.  And I am beyond grateful for the chance we had to all get together for a whole week.  Oh the joy of reunions.  I was gifted with the responsibility of planning the whole shin dig, and I must say, it was epic and amazing.  Hala!

I've got to put this post into 2 parts.  Part 2 will be our trip to Nauvoo, which is an experience all by itself.  But for now, here is a little photo sampling of our time together.

This year, our reunion was held in the great state of Iowa! I won't lie, I had no idea what to expect in going to this mid-western state; and was surprised with how much I fell in love with its georgous rolling hills, large lots and farm houses, and green, green everywhere.  It made me laugh - my nephew (from Arizona) commented upon stepping out from the airport doors "it looks like a golf course!"  Yes, yes it did. And it was beautiful.

So, enough about the landscape. Our time together was marvelous.  Once we finally arrived - a feat in and of itself (thanks to Frontier for bending over backwards to get us there despite all odds) - first activity was the Cedar Rapids Independence day parade. So very fun and so very hot.  We found a fancy little spot with nobody else around us and watched tractor after tractor pass by.  And oh the candy we acquired. Its amazing when you're the only ones for 100 yards how much candy those parade walkers throw at you.  We were set for the week.  We then meandered over to the little street vendors and enjoyed some fresh squeezed lemonade and donated to the Quaker Oats fundraiser in exchange for huge bags of Quaker Oats products.  Turns out, the factory is right there! Cool.

-- insert Nauvoo time here, in an upcoming post --

My other 2 favorite things we did were the Root Beer Tasting Party, and the Outdoor movie night.  Both were epic.

I had ordered the root beers online because I didn't want to be tasting the usual A&W or Shasta brands found at the local grocery store.  The website offered a "sample pack" from across the nation, which I thought was cool.  There were 12 bottles and only 1 was a familiar name. (Dad's Root Beer). We tested on flavor, fizz, aftertaste, and color. It was epic.

 I also loved the outdoor movie event.  Could not have gone better, and something I will want to repeat a few times in my summers to come.  We laid out blankets and set up roasting pots on the rocks, and popped a bowl of popcorn to share.  A huge plate of chocolate and mallows for our s'mores bar topped off this perfect evening.  Joe had acquired a projector and we set up a sheet on the house to watch our flick.  I couldn't have asked for a better evening.  By the end of the film, all the kids were fast asleep under the blankets - but it's memories that I will never forget.  Super duper fun.

Again, Nauvoo was marvelous and I'll follow with a post about that shortly.  Because it really was fantastic.  So much fun with the family. Can't wait to do it again soon.

P.S.  There are Very VERY few pictures of me. I was the designated photographer for the week.  So - there you go.

My Happy Place

t

This is currently my happy place.  I love it SO MUCH.

There is a splash pad that is just about a mile from my house and it is fantastic.  I load up a bag with my blanket, snacks, water, and the umbrella and load Cameron onto the bike.  I am sure I look beyond foolish as I haul all these things over to the park on a little bike, but it works! Sitting under my umbrella with my water and watching Cameron play in the sun really brings me so much happiness.  And I just love going there!

Instagram'd Summer

I love all seasons for their unique reasons.  Summer emotes a feeling of family, energy, sunshine, memories, and fun.  With the oh-so-wonderful Instragram, I've been able to track our summer with clips here and there.  #morrellsummer2014.

Here are a few things that we've been up to so far: (R to L)

(1) There was a huge rain storm right at the start of summer that flooded our backyard.  The area we live in is primarily clay for soil, so the water had nowhere to go!  It was a fairly warm day, considering, so I sent Cameron out to play in the puddles like a real boy.  And he just loved it.  Made for a darling scrapbook page as well.  Bonus.

(2) Last summer, we had dad home a ton.  This summer, he is gone a whole lot more, so when the weekends are here, we are making a special point to spend time together out.  That has been really great in the memory making department, and it makes it feel like summer.

(3) Mark got bikes for his birthday and we have been going on bike rides constantly ever since.  I opted for the attached seat rather than the drag behind cart and sometimes wonder if that was the best choice.  Eh - too late now.  Cameron really loves it for the first 30 minutes.  But anything longer than that and he is pretty much done.

(4) Cameron is really into sunglasses right now.  Yet not enough for me to buy them for him because, although darling, he doesn't keep them on his face.

(5) With some new dieting goals, popcorn is really the only treat that I get. And, sometimes, when I'm craving, Kettle Corn really does the trick.  It's delicious.

(6) Cameron and I find ourselves at the neighborhood park at least 3 times a week.  I am always surprised when I get a few towers up without the destructor coming through.  So this one I was REALLY excited about.  It sat there until we had to go. Guess Cameron thought it was pretty neat too.

(7) Cousins and Uncle Tom.  I love the relationship that Tom tires to build with these boys.  And I love the cousins thing going on too.  Cameron is growing up in a really great place.

(8) "Holy Bugs"  Our back yard is filled with these Rolly Polly bugs. I know they are called something different in every state, but for me, they are rolly bugs.  And Cameron really likes them.  As soon as he sees one he will run right over, crouch down near it and say, "hi holy bug...hi".  It's to die for cute.

(9) Love my buddy. I love being a mom.  I have wanted nothing more than a whole quiver full of kids to raise. Not joking! By the world standards, I'm crazy. But I want it.  #iwantadozen

(10) The neighbors here are epic. I seriously LOVE the Reads. They have a super cool play house in their backyard with all kinds of slides and swings and a house like thing. It's awesome. And she is the sweetest thing on the planet - always inviting us over to just relax with her while the kids play.  Cameron calls it the "next Park". As in next door...so fun.

(11) Cameron is quickly approaching the graduation from the crib phase.  So I am making him a fantastic bed comforter/quilt for his new twin bed. And I love it so much.  I'm hoping to have it done before fall.  New school year, new bedroom decor, new bed.

(12) With Mark working for the Larry H. Miller corp, in addition to the Jazz team, he is also responsible for the suites at the Bee's baseball games.  So, we've been to several.  Nothing says summer to me more than a warm night at the baseball park with ice cream, huge waters, and a hot dog. I love it.  Cameron loves it.  Happy summer days.

(13) "This is happening"  Sometimes, a cheat needs to happen. And I was surprised how delicious these cookie ice cream sandwiches (target brand) were. When asked how it was, I responded, "too small."

(14) Oddly, Cameron has been fascinated with watches lately.  Obviously, he can't tell time. I'm not that crazy of a teacher/mother. But he does like to wear them occasionally and I oblige. Can't hurt right?

(15) We've been traveling this summer a few times. My friends here think I travel "all the time" but it was just 2 back to back trips.  I don't do it that often. Although I do do it more than others. Okay, I like to travel. I digress.  Last month we travelled to Arizona and then a few weeks later, to Iowa/Nauvoo.  (a post to come shortly). Cameron is an AWESOME traveller. Like, seriously. Better than most adults. #iwantadozen

(16) Lovin' my little family. Love these summer days we're having. Love. Love. Love.

Sister's Summer Challenge

 I love goal setting.  I love self improvement and self reflection and self mastery.  AND - I love lists.  This makes goal setting my kind of thing!

However, usually when the summer hits, I feel hot, and grumpy, and lazy, and boring and all my "new me" ideas seem to get lost in the "how low can I set the A/C" thoughts.  Tragic.

Solution? The Sister's Summer Challenge.  My sister's and I started this last year with the goals to be more healthy, be more active, and be more involved as mom's.  And you know what? It worked. So, this year - we are back on the train and so far I am LOVING it.  We have a list of things that we can get points for completing daily, weekly, or monthly. (hence the more recent blogging)  Spiritual things like read your scriptures 15 minutes or write in your journal/blog/scrapbook a moment.  There are physical things like drink 100 oz or more of water, physical activity, and no junk food.  And there are mom things like read to the kids. It really is doing it's job at making me have purpose and focus during the weeks.

What's the reward at the end? Well, I am self motivated, so a reward doesn't really entice me much.  We have lofty goals of planning a Vegas reunion again if we all master 90% and loose 6% of weight.  We'll see if that works out though.

And so, to echo Elder M. Russell Ballard - I am throughly excited to master these goals and be able to look back at this summer and see a great difference in the results!

I love to see Temple Square

I have thought many times how really beautiful Salt Lake City is.  And Utah in general.  I have especially loved taking trips into the city to just be among the architecture and history of it all.  For our first Summer Calendar adventure, we made our way over to the Temple Square and enjoyed some photos and our sweet boy singing the primary hymn "I love to see the temple" in his toddler voice.  So precious.

It just so happened that my mother and Joe were passing through town on their way back to Iowa, so they joined in the fun.  This also presented the opportunity to get a few family shots in.  Cameron adores his Papa Joe and Grandma. And what a sweet blessing it is to have such great examples of faith and testimony in his grandparents.  I really appreciate that blessing in my life.  I take very seriously my responsibility to teach Cameron in the ways of the Lord, and love that I have the great example of my parents to refer to.

It was a great start to our summer days.  And yes, I did make another delightful summer calendar to keep us busier than ever. Cuz that's the kind of mom I am.

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.