Obsession

I am sure not all people can say that have a TV family obsession.  In fact, I am sure that this is probably reaching an unhealthy level.  But - I'm coming out with it and embracing it in it's fullness.  I am obsessed with the Duggar family. (as seen on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting).  There are so many things about this family that I just love! Firstly, just as people in general, I think they are fantastic. I'd love to be their friends.  Secondly, their values are tremendously inspiring. Although they are not members of my faith, they follow similar values which I admire. Thirdly, they have 19 kids.  AND here is the bombshell; I want 20 kids.  As many as the Lord would bless me with, I'd joyfully take them. So that is cool to me.  I desperately want to sit in a room with Michelle and just listen to her talk.  So yes, I'm obsessed.

Fast forward to yesterday.  My sister is visiting Northwest Arkansas.  I know, not a place people usually go, but she is there. AND - because she loves me more than words can express, she stalked the street where the Duggar's house is and drove past for a photo op.  excuse me? Yes.  She made a little drive just for me to sit here and take a picture.  Isn't she fantastic.  She even said that a Duggar came into view and was driving the golf cart!  Be still my obsessed heart!

So - a quadruple thanks to my lovely sista and her feeding of my obsession.  Mark my words internet world; some day I will have my pretty little face in a photo just like this.  Don't mind me Duggar's, I'm just holding a stake out until my cup fillith over.  :)

For the first time in forever

Yes, I just used a "Frozen" line to title my post.  Let the record show I am not as obsessed with this film as the majority of Americans.  That being said, it does fit perfectly with how I feel this day went.

I had a great day.  Simply awesome.  Why you ask?  Well, because - for the first time in forever, I capitalized on the fact that I don't have an employer, I had a car to my disposal, and I could do whatever I wanted.  For my whole life, I always had to make plans on weekends; and even now am constantly aware of my husbands work schedule and when we can and can not play.  Well, with him being out of town, I decided on a  whim to drive up to the Golden Spike Historic Site.  I have wanted to go since moving here, and for the first time in forever, I actually realized that I could just go!

So, on a random Friday, I loaded up the boy and a few snacks and headed north. And, as a totally unexpected bonus, Uncle Tom decided to join us!

 This was a totally lack-luster historic site.  So many stories about this little 45 minute stop that I could fill a whole page.  A few favorite highlights included:
** the tour group just before us was full of Historical Society Senior citizens.  They were super helpful! Never in my life have so many strangers approached me to tell me about what I needed to do.  The platforms behind the trains was the most frequent tip.  Tom and I couldn't help but smile.
** The platforms. Not sure why everyone acted like thy were the best thing ever.  They are there to help you look into the locomotive.  Um - pretty sure I've been inside several trains at other historic places. So-looking into the cabin wasn't that exciting.
** Trains vs. locomotive.  I was corrected a few times by the gentleman reenacting some historic part.  I was telling Cameron, "isn't this a cool train?" and the man, looking around in wonder, exclaimed - "where is a train? There aren't any trains here. This is a locomotive".  Oh - my bad.
** NOTHING was historic.  The entire site, from railway ties to "trains" to the golden spike was all reproduced "look alikes"  The whole place was a farce.
** The plaques spoke of "a booming train depot with several ruffians who preyed on the train passengers." There were restaurants, hotels, saloons, and communities all up in these hills.  My thought - where are the remnants of this "booming town".  There wasn't so much as a foundation or a stone to show of any type of town.  How is that there are deserted ghost towns all over America and yet there isn't one single anything here to show there was life.  It all seemed very strange.
** You're not suppose to climb or even touch the locomotives.  Being that we arrived just after the demonstration ended, we were left alone with the locomotives right at the end of our visit.  Not even a ranger to supervise us.  Hence the illegal but DARLING photo of Cameron on the train.  ehem-locomotive.

We laughed and laughed at the whole day.  It was a bit of a drive into the middle of nothingness to get there, so it was funny when it was so - blah.  But I LOVED it.  And I loved that I could just pick up and go without any obligations to attend to for someone else.  I love that part of my life.  And I have finally just grasped the reality and coolness of this.  I feel like many more day trips and road trips may be in my future!

B.T. dubs- Isn't my kid like crazy photogenic.  Seriously.  I need to get him connecting with a modeling agency.  Start monetizing this cuteness.

Foundation

Have your read { THIS POST } about our Foundation and the fun that we are starting?  Please take  a moment to check out our cause and if you can spare a few dollars, please donate to our cause.  We are really excited about launching our first event in a few weeks, and hope that we will have a great turn out of support and excitement for what we are devoting our lives to doing.

And if you can, please

{ Click Here to Spread the ChEAR } 

Independence Day 2014

 Happy 4th of July folks! My ALL-TIME favorite holiday.  I love being an American and celebrating our freedom's as a country.  It's the one day that we all come together - and I just love that.  This year, we were in Iowa for the 4th, so we got to celebrate it with my family!  Awesome.

The ladies of the bunch started the day off with a "bang" as we ran in the annual Cedar Rapids 5K.  Big props to my mother who made the jog for the entire 3.1 miles. We laughed when the announcer said that there were division awards and mom says "I might have a chance, how many 60 year old women are doing this?"  She's a healthy lady and I love that about her.  And - happy day for me, I made my goal..well, I was 42 seconds behind my goal.  If I hadn't walked that one stop light intersection! A great race with my lady friends.

We then enjoyed a fairly lazy afternoon before heading over to a local park for the BBQ and evening activities.  We have 4 July birthday's, all really close together, so we celebrated with cake and ice cream along with the typical BBQ day treats.  Lesley made this amazing Raspberry salad that was like Ice Cream, but healthy.  I told Cameron it was ice cream just to get him to eat it, and he gobbled it right up.  Soon, all the other mother's were using my lie to get their kids to eat it up. Seriously though, it tasted like ice cream. yummy.

After Dinner, we sent the kids and grandparents over to the park while the adults sat under the tree and chatted.  (except for the photographer, I was with the kids).  It is so wonderful to see your kids and your siblings kids play together with Grandma and Grandpa.  I love how active and healthy my mom and step-dad are, that they can take an active role in their grandkids lives. It is inspiring to me and makes me want to do the same.

After a rowdy time at the playground, it was time for a Cheney vs. Wright baseball game. Several of the Cheney kids were there as well to celebrate their Father's birthday, so it made for a perfect number of people to play a perfect American game.  And we had so much fun.  As the photographer, I laughed and laughed at what we all looked like while hitting the ball.  Tessa was THE BEST ugly hitter with me coming in at a close second. I guess us Wright girls were not meant to be batters. And of course, mom was there with all the kiddos just oozing her love and attention onto them.  And they loved it!

Finally, the sun started to set and we broke out the fireworks and sparklers.  Joe and the dad's went onto home plate to set off tons of fireworks, while we sat in the bleachers and ooh over their bright colors and popping sounds.  The kids were enchanted with the sparklers; Cory couldn't get them lit fast enough!

 And as the grande finale, we sent off Floating Lanterns into the dark night sky.  This was certainly an adventure that sounded better than it actually turned out to be.  It was quite the feat to get the wax wick started, and then get the balloon part filled with enough hot air to get it to go.  Once they went, it was so romantic and really beautiful in a way.  We got about 10 or 12 up with only about 8 causalities.  So, it was more successful than I thought.  Sadly, it was so late, that the little girls had fallen asleep and didn't catch the "Tangled" reference.

 A perfect 4th of July celebration for my memory book.  How I love my family and that I got to spend time with them.  So grateful for my Independence that I am able to worship my God freely, that I am able to dress and eat and live in the manner that I want.  And that all are allowed the same privilege in this great promised land.  God Bless America!

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

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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.