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.

Las Vegas Convention Weekend

We've just returned from a trip to Las Vegas to attend the annual conference for Strongbrook and boy was it wonderful.  We feel beyond blessed that our path crossed with this company as they have really become the vehicle that is bringing our financial dreams into reality.  It's just awesome to be a part of.  The conference was 2 days long, full of classes and seminars and motivation about how to take control of your life and to not become a drifter of society.  I believe so much in the philosophy and the vision of this company, I feel like I need to stand up and say "can I get an Amen!" Bliss.

On the last day of the convention, they had the awards ceremony where those who have followed the system and had met some personal goals were recognized on stage.  Our family was invited having made it to the 3rd of 7 tiers.  It's just nice to be validated in what you are doing and to see the results manifest them right before your eyes.  Again - such a great motivating weekend filled with all things good.

Here I will insert an open invitation to all those who are curious about how we have started our own Financial Freedom and the path that Strongbrook has provided for us. I strongly encourage you to click on the link and request a FREE game plan {upper right corner of webpage}.  The experts at the company will go over your personal situation and map out how you can start on a path to freedom.  Especially being self employed, we found this vital to our retirement plans.  It's free.  It requires no obligation to anything.  It's just a phone call filled with answers and information.  Do it - you WILL NOT regret it.

{STRONGBROOK LINK HERE}

Truth be told, Mark went to most of the conference. I was on baby watch for most of the time. Lucky for me, I was graced with the company of one who I deem extraordinary. She did a marvelous job driving me here and there to see some of the free things of Vegas.  Parks, fish, boats, taxidermy's, and her wee ones.  There was plenty to do and plenty of warm sun to enjoy.  I loved our room that we got to stay in at the WorldMark on Las Vegas Boulevard.  The view was so serene and quiet, I just loved the relaxing time I had there (during nap time). 

I'll have to hit up the Sister Wives homes next time for sure.  That is, if we can do enough digging around to find them; those sneaky ladies trying to have some privacy.

2013 Yearbook

I love our family yearbooks.  I am so grateful for my stint as a Yearbook Advisor those many years back that instilled a love of creating and printing them.  I spent a few all-nighters to get this book finished and printed in time to share it with my mother when she comes to visit in a few weeks; and am so glad I did, because I just love it.  And - bonus - it has become Cameron's favorite book to look through. 

Here is a small sample of our book this year; Creating Eternity 2013

The cover.

A {very} few of my favorite pages. The book topped out at 150 pages this year; 50 more than last.  What a challenge it will be to get all my life into the 400 page limit as my family grows from year to year! 

I also make a point to put my blog/journal thoughts into as many as the pages as I want.  A few of these layouts have blank spaces for the journal part, which I did not include in the post. Now I've got to get started on Cameron's personal book, and my mother's wedding book she asked me to do months ago.

Personal Progress Value Project

As if I don't have enough hobbies on my plate, I've recently added completing my Young Women Personal Progress requirements.  I earned my Personal Progress medallion as a youth, but to increase my faith and help me progress spiritually this year, I thought this would be a great avenue for structured study. And I love it.  (click right about here for more information on the Young Women Personal Progress program)

Currently, I am working on the value of Faith - my 10 hour value project.  I have chosen to make visual aids for the Missionary discussion #2 - Plan of Salvation.  I have the names of several missionaries that will be receiving one, as well as the whole group of missionaries serving in the Namibia, Africa Mission with Elder and Sister Skidmore. In total, there are 25 kits that I am putting together.  AND - I even had a few of them translated into different languages; Korean, Spanish, and Swedish. I was really impressed with my drawing of the pieces, didn't know I could do that.  I then colored them up and laminated them to be used over and over again.  I loved them so much I made one for myself, and will be mailing one to each of my sisters.  They make great FHE lesson aids, and, well, I just loved them.

Cute right? I sure liked them. And now there will be some missionaries somewhere with the option to use a little visual aid if they want to.  Maybe.  Let me know if you want the B/W file for your own printing and usage. Sharing is caring!

Holiday Season.

Christmas sort of came and went for me this year.  I'm not sure if it was because we celebrated it so close to Thanksgiving, or if it was because of the way we celebrated it, but none the less, I feel like it just happened without much of a fuss.  We decorated our tree shortly after Thanksgiving. Being that it was so late in the month, we sort of just threw it together one night so we could begin feeling the Christmas spirit.  And I must say, I do love my tree.  Love Love Love it.  It is so majestic, and clean, and pretty, and glows just so wonderfully.  I don't put a lot of decorations on it because I don't want to muddle the lights that are so charming to me.  Cameron loved helping put on the ornaments.  And, he was awesome at not touching them all season! No opened packages or broken ornaments. Nice.

 Christmas eve was spent at the Morrell's where tradition stands that German Food is served.  My FIL served his mission in Austria, so they love to enjoy the food from his mission.  After dinner, we all headed home to prep for Santa's visit and Christmas morning.  Santa had dropped off several boxes that needed assembly, so Mark did that before heading for bed.  And just like last year, Cameron slept in 90 minutes longer than he ever does the other 364 days of the year.  Mark was so anxious, he went in and just woke him up to get on with the festivities.

We opened our delightful gifts and then headed over, again, to the Morrell's for family gift exchanges and breakfast. It all passed by so very quickly, that, again, I sometimes feel like it didn't happen at all.  Now that it's all cleaned up and we're back into our daily routine, I am sad to see my tree go and wish that the season could have stayed a little longer.  Alas, I am sure when next december get's here, I'll be saying "I can't believe it's already here".

One week later we were celebrating with the Morrell's again. I have never really celebrated New Year's like I feel it should be celebrated.  I always have great plans for a party, filled with decorations and games and a fun photo booth.  But alas, by the time the holiday's hit me, I never get around to it. Luckily, this time around we were invited to go to the Morrell's and have a get together New Year celebration with family.  That was awesome.

My BIL Tom, as I have mentioned before, is a genius at all things games and had several stored up for us to play as a family.  One in particular was hilarious to watch, as it involved a club and beating the other players *nicely* on the head when they got the directions correct or not.  It looked hard to play, but I enjoyed watching! Malissa made up a pot of chili and some cornbread, and I provided the drinks and cups.  At 10:00, we were raising our glasses and starting off the new year kissing our loves.  Minutes later, we were all packing up our kids and heading home.  It's midnight somewhere. :)  And then, I was gifted with the new day, the new year, and my new, FANTASTIC, planner. I'm loving it!

Starting Fresh

Mark: Starting off the new year with new goals of fitness - both physically and spiritually.  He's starting a more full time position at Strongbrook as a Project Manager / Operations Manager. (Click right about here if your interested in what the company does) Going back to a 8-5 job is going change the routines of the family a bit; being that we've been self employed for the last 4 years. But we're excited to be on a path to retirement in the next 5-7 years. A few years of work will make that a reality. He still hold his Real Estate license for Utah and Salt Lake Counties and will continue to work in that field as well. He is training for a race - say what? Yes, his brother has talked him into joining him on a Utah County half marathon in the spring. Has a new primary class that actually has more than 1 student. That'll make his weekly lesson preparations more worthwhile; knowing that there will be kids there to teach. He teaches the 5 year olds and says that it's fun but a lot of work.  He's interested in starting a cleaner diet ( I need to do my research to help support that ) and is determined to return to his physic of yore. Still enjoys a weekly basketball game with his guys; is very much into the show Chuck; and has picked up reading again. He's a busy guy with lots of time for family too.  It's awesome.

Kaylinn: Has just left her 2 part time positions to better preform at her full time Mom gig.  She has quickly learned that Cameron's attention span is a lot shorter than she had guessed.  She is ready to read books with him for 20 minutes; he is done after 2 pages. Weird, considering he'll sit with the iPad on his lap for an hour or more if she let him.  Has lists of hobbies that could take up to 40 hours a week if she let them.  Has recently learned card making with her Silhouette. Very primitive but fun. Has started a patchwork quilt with her mother in law; a weekly date over there has become something she looks forward to. Scrapbooking the family Yearbook - which isn't new but very fun.  She just completed 2013 and is anxiously awaiting it's arrival in the mailbox. Working on the family emergency food storage with the Sister In Law; a rough project but one that she is trying to accomplish.  Successfully started a family "command center" with the annual goals and theme; a few chore charts, and a calendar. It's not finished but it's a good start. Dreams of moving into a bigger, more permanent home where she can put photos on the walls and decorate it to her liking. Still works with the Young Women at church and enjoys serving there.

Cameron: 18 months old now. Officially started Nursery last sunday and took it like a Champion. Didn't even whimper until the return of his parents. Drew the picture, sang the songs, traced his hand; his parents hearts beamed with pride at their only child's delight. Favorite movie is currently Monster's Inc. (Mom and Dad support this being that we haven't gotten sick of it yet. We're going on 20+ viewings this year alone). Will often request "baka ba-key" (Mike Wazowski); and will then sit and watch almost the whole thing without moving. Can toddler-sing the Pirates of the Carribean song. Yo Ho Yo Ho...do do do do... Yo Ho Yo Ho.  (I realize that I've taught my kid that a Pirate's life, with Pillaging and Plundering and Drinking up, is the way to go rather than I am a Child of God. Hopefully this doesn't affect him in the end.) Likes the iPad. Especially the Disneyland App. Again, will play it for hours if I let him. Likes to read books, occasionally. Enjoys his blocks, occasionally, and LOVES the outside, almost always. Will grab his shoes and sit on the stairs to try and put them on himself; constantly asking "outside? outside? jacket? outside?"

We are happy, healthy, and ready for another delightful year together.

P.S. Mark walks in and see's the photo and says - wow, scary picture. What are you blogging about? Sadly, I thought the pencil sketch was cute. Different, and cute. My vote wins, but I may be in the minority.

Year Eight

January 2014 marks my Eighth Year blogging.  I had a long hard think about whether or not I was going to keep up with my blogging this year.  I have quite a love hate relationship with it. I love how it looks. Vein I know, but I do. I like reading my blog posts on occasion; I think I'm funny sometimes and I like to read back and see the photos and such. And, I love how it adds to my Yearbooks every year. Little snippets of life make my books more of a memory keeper and I love that. But - it takes time and that sort of stresses me out. Each week I have "blog something" written down. I've got a list of blog titles/posts that need to go up, and sometimes I just don't get to it. Or the complete opposite happens and I have nothing worthwhile to post, and THAT stresses me out because I start seeing only 2 posts a month...or less.  Of course I have the usual "who even reads this" syndrome, but I am totally okay doing it just for me anyway. Ya'll internet peeps are just bystanders to my life anyway. And there is also a little part of me that feels like "at least I do this well". Many have fallen off the Blogger train, and at least I can say that have stayed strong.

Which leads me to sitting here and making this post.  I'm in it for another year - strictly for my Yearbook's benefit. I haven't crossed the Going Private bridge yet - guess I haven't heard enough scary stories which has made me feel the need to. Haven't totally convinced myself that I am the only one who cares to read about my life. Believe that this is a small avenue to reach out to some few distant relatives and friends. And, I put the web address on my Christmas card, so to discontinue would make me a liar to the 65 people who got cards this year.

Sally Forth, Tally Ho.

Stay Tuned for our life in 2014.