15 mini posts in 1 gigantic post

4 weeks, just like that!  It has passed so fast.  There's so much I could pontificate about this crazy ride of a life we're on, but who has time for that when you're busy living said life?  So you get the bare bones update, but you don't really care because you only check in for the photos.  I know how it goes.

$2 Tuesday

$2 Dollar Tuesday at Thankgiving Point Farm is always a good thing!  Priya's first pony ride.

Park City Practice Run 

We went to Park City for Aaron's longest training run before his marathon.  This way he could run 20 miles at a high elevation running down hill and I could do our back to school shopping at the outlet malls.  Perfect plan, except the kids woke up at 5 a.m. after I fought all night to keep Porter quiet so Aaron could get enough sleep, it was terrible!  But it was also a blessing because our second car started overheating on Aaron's way to his start point so because the kids were up we were able to rescue him!  He also had an amazing run!

We got out and about in the pretty area up there.  Porter loves being outside and with fall we don't mind being out in the cool, crisp weather one bit. 

Stomping on every weed.


The ones I love!

The kids sporting some of their new church clothes!  My kids are so stinkin' cute!

Aaron's a good Dad

I was at physcial therapy one morning and Aaron sent me these pictures.  He's such a good Dad, the kids are always happy to be with him. 

The Beauty of Nature

I literally get up at the crack of dawn for PT, but this kind of amazing sight makes it all worth it.  I have such gratitude for the beauty that is everywhere if I just open my eyes to it!

I took this in our neighborhood.  We live in such a beautiful place and Fall is my favorite season in Utah.  It's perfect really!  

I really don't think there's anything so inspiring to witness like a sunrise.  They always fill me with hope. 

Sickness and Labor Day 

all rolled into one... holidays and illness don't blend well. 

 Porter started getting sick Sunday so we went to sacrament meeting and came home after that meeting to keep from spreading the ick to be safe. 

Priya was so excited to be home from church.  We're a few weeks away from Nursery and church is torture at this point for her.  When Daddy got home he took the kids out to play in what he calls the "Crazy Coupe". It's one of our kids favorite activities, but it also resulted in Priya's first car accident.  She went down hard and fast in the cozy coupe in our driveway and she was terrified.  Luckily, she was just fine with the exception of the raspberry on her forehead. 

That night Porter ended up in bed with us not doing very well and not happy about it.  

Finding an Instacare Clinic open on the holiday was stressful and the wait was so long.  I was so grateful they were open and didn't mind the wait because it was worth it.  Porter had a sinus infection and because we were able to start him on antibiotics right away he was still able to start school that week. 

Passing time in the waiting room.  He got himself all set up at this table and then signed food to me.  It was adorable and I was happy to oblige. 

Whatever Porter got he passed to Priya who then passed it to me and one of us was sick for the two weeks that would follow.  It was a long duration bug. 

All Time Favorite Sick Day Photo right there!  They were watching Toy Story. 

Back at the doctor's office. 

When I got sick Aaron had to really take over a lot of things for me and he did an amazing job.  I had to talk him off the edge several times because he was petrified he'd get sick as well and at this point we were into the week right before his Marathon.  He was foreseeing a repeat of the Strep Marathon nightmare from last year.  Luckily, he's one healthy guy and he never got sick!  

I had a few days where I was down and out so Aaron decided to pick up food for us.  I didn't want what we had decided on for the kids so I just asked for soup.  I was hoping for Zupas tomato basil and was slightly disappointed when he came home with Kneaders Chicken Noodle.  Until he hugged me and explained, "I know tomato basil is your favorite but you've been having acid reflux from this sickness and that soup would make it worse.  So I thought this would make you feel the best."  AHHH!!!  Melt my heart, what a thoughtful guy!  Every bite was delicious and I was so impressed that he knew me better than I did!  Yay, for amazing Husbands! 

There comes a point where you just have to move on with life well or not.  That's what this photo is I was trying to motivate myself to keep going despite feeling nasty. 

When I lay awake at night wondering why I can't sleep I can alway find the good in it if one of my children wakes up.  I'm better able to take care of them at 1a.m. if I've never fallen asleep.  That's what happened this night and blanket cuddles with my boy were so sweet! 

We Canned Peaches:

3- 1/2 bushels

Up all night

messiest thing I've ever done in my kitchen

I did it all by myself 

it was a great success! 

Aaron stayed up with me and helped so he would better appreciate a home canned jar of peaches.   

Weeding:

A photo story illustrating Porter's favorite chore. 

First Day of Preschool:

Porter was a handsome STUD!  Priya got a Jamba juice for our now regular one-on-one time!  She eats up her mommy time and is a completely different kid when she has me all to herself. 

Putting Porter on the school bus was so weird, but he loves that big yellow ride!  He has the most amazing bus helper and driver ever!  And for now he's the only kid on their route so he gets a private ride. Can you find my wee little guy in this photo?  I followed the bus and spied on him. 

My spying has lead to some awareness of some troubles with Porter's private school placement.  I'm going to keep spying, but it looks like we may have to make some changes.  Too early to tell, but it hasn't been easy.  He's doing great with his public school class and I am so impressed with the curriculum being taught and how it is taught! 

Sydney waits for Porter to come home from school. 

Buddy Walk 2012

We've become much more laid back about the buddy walk the past few years for better or worse...I don't know.  

We started the day off special with a trip to the Dunford Donut Bakery Headquarters 

I thought the walk was really great this year and we enjoyed our morning/afternoon with family. 

FHE: The Church Art Museum with Friends 

This was a last minute decision.  A friend and I were hoping to see the Art for the international art competition before it leaves following conference.  (aren't you so excited for General Conference?!)  Aaron watched all 5 kids in the children's museum while Kandis and I walked through the art exhibit.  Kandis' husband had to work late at the last minute, so we were so grateful Aaron let us get a little kid-free spiritual nourishment in. 

The Children's Museum was so awesome!  It's better than the local Children's museum and there are missionaries there who play with your children... sign me up for that mission when it's time!  It rocked the socks off our kids, they had a ton of fun! 

Large soft blocks for building a temple. 

or napping

Part of the museum was focused on mexican culture and you could put on authentic-ish dress up and dance to some music and scenes that showed you the moves. 

Priya LOVED her skirt and dancing. 

My friend Kandis, her son Will and Priya. 

Yes, this is Priya's first dance with a BOY and it was adorable!  I hope she keeps dancing with good boys like Will. 

Porter working on a harvest in garden. 

The back of this truck was filled with animal puppets.  Porter spent most of his time playing in there. 

It was so dang fun and even better with Friends!

Bested by My One Year Old: 

I don't let Priya have maple syrup because she's the messiest eater.  But Porter gets to pour his own and her not getting any just doesn't work for her.  So I've been pretending to have her pour syrup with the lid closed.  Well this morning I was helping P for like 15 seconds, I turned around and she had opened the bottle and poured half our syrup onto her plate.  She was using her hands to smoother her french toast in it.  I wasn't upset at all.  The only thought I had was, "Well played Priya.  Well Played."  

Aaron Ran The Top of Utah Marathon:

I'll leave all the details and running photos to Aaron.  We stayed with Aunt Kaleena and Uncle Couper and the kids were so excited to see them.  Porter and Priya gave them a taste of the future when their baby is born around New Year's.  Porter ended up sleeping in their bed when my kids got into a yelling fight about who woke whom up first.  Aaron slept at a friend's place so he could actually sleep.  

They love their Aunts and Uncles! 

We made Dad a poster and of course Porter insisted there be a horse. :)

Dirty Dash:

Yes we did!  More on that to come. 

FHE At Snowbird:

I'm not about the let the most amazing time of year to pass me by without some fresh mountain air.  Little Cottonwood Canyon is changing colors, the earth is damp, the air is fresh and we all were better centered after a few hours away.  There is a very easy trail that leads to a large playground at the ski resort.  The kids were in Heaven. 

Again, I am wowed by the beauty that Heavenly Father has blessed us with here on earth.  Standing in it, breathing in and out, just being alive feels my heart with JOY! 

Random TidBits: 

She picked out her outfit and I {heart} baby skinny jeans. 

YWs movie night at our house and the girls were fascinated by my old fashioned way of making popcorn.  They ate a ton of it and left more of it on the floor than my kids ever have. 

Priya loves baby Whitley!

Bee's Game

Dancing in the Kitchen--what else is it good for?

Porter got to pick this month's movie for neighborhood movie night... of course he picked George. :-)

She's a Diva 

Again with the baby love, this time for Paityn. 

We have to wake them up some mornings for school and they are grumpy so they get to watch an episode to snap them out of it. 

First pigtails: I've been putting this off because I knew it wouldn't be fun.  I'm not going to lie, they are so cute with her natural curl, but the tears killed me.  Her hair is so beautiful on it's own that I'm not sure I'm going to bother messing with her.  She has these perfect ringlets,  I don't have to add any product to her hair or anything they're always there.  I'm not sure I could ever get her hair straight. 

I got to take these amazing Young Women to do baptisms for the dead and then on a dessert dash. 

Lastly, my favorite picture from this month.  I've been trying to get the kids outdoors as much as possible before we're snowed in.  This is one of our favorite places and I just love how young and perfect they look in this picture.  It is an every day moment that means a lot to me.  So grateful for our lives and the blessings we enjoy!  Particularly-- these little children of ours! 

P.S.  4 Babies Were Born into our lives this month: 

 Bree, Logan, Maisy and Baby Girl H

(she's the newest) 

two of these tiny loves landed themselves spots in the NICU.  It has been so hard to see families and babies we love dearly struggle.  However, we've also seen the Lord bless and work in their lives in miraculous ways.  Wishing all you newborn babes and families well!  We're praying for you all. 

The Beat Of Our Summer

This is a collection of photos from our summer.  Some of them are months old others just hours old.  These photos remind me of this quote my Aunt Val shared the other day.

I have a tendency to focus on things that hurt (because they hurt!) but I'm trying to teach myself to use that energy towards things that feel good.  Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly and that is where I choose to focus.  These pictures capture some of the things that feel good! 

Our friends have property in Star Valley, Wy.  We've been lucky enough to go visit this area with them.  We went with a large group of friends and while there wasn't much sleeping it was still really fun.  Look at how beautiful it is there! 

FHE activity.  At the beginning of the summer Priya was terrified of sprinklers.  I would run through them with her in my arms and she hated me a little for it.  We kept practicing and now she loves them. 

It's not summer without snow cones! 

I made eggless cookie dough for dessert on a Friday night and she was obsessed right away!  Since this batch I've found a healthier recipe that the kids like just as much and it's good for them.  Love that! 

We bought this tunnel during Target's July toy clearance; the kids like it and it's great for Porter's occupational therapy! 

Porter and I may share a love of white cheddar cheese puffs from Gerber... yes, Gerber! 

Porter has started climbing into Priya's crib with her whenever he gets the chance.  Priya still hasn't decided if she likes this or not.  Porter thinks he's pretty awesome for it!

I know this was in a previous post, but it's such a simple thing that I'm re-posting it.  Made my heart sing!  Happy kids, happy momma! 

So not Priya's happiest moment but I couldn't resist messing with her a little during an emotional instability brought on by tiredness.  I sent this to Aaron and captioned it, "Angry Troll." 

Our makeshift sandbox.  This is Porter's current favorite pastime.  This is also really good for his muscle development for fine motor.  I keep finding small piles of sand around the house that were hidden in the kids clothes, oh well.

I really love my garden!  Aaron is also super cute about our garden.  He asks me most nights, "Is this from the garden?"  He gets really excited whenever I answer, "yes".  Watering the garden has become one of the kids' most favorite chores along with pulling weeds.  Just a glimpse at our future helpers.

 The garden is four times more luscious now.

When I picked our first tomatoes the kids were very interested in them.  I set them on our patio table and by the time I turned around the kids were splitting them up.  They were a hit with the littles.

Play, Play, Play.  That has been my hope for the summer.  Here Porter is helping me get some jello ready for a sensory play activity that our friend Addison joined us for.  

 more sprinklers

Messiest Eater of All Time, but oh. so. cute!

I FINALLY finished this little project and Priya thinks it's wonderful. 

Pretty roses from my prince charming!

Playing his Tupperware guitar. 

Here is my documentation that the kids actually do like the healthy cookie dough recipe.  He couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough! 

I took this just because she is so LOVELY!  This little dress she has on is currently my most favorite outfit on her.  The colors are just perfect.  So are her cheeks, smiles, eyes, and curls.  Love her! 

We needed a few birth certificates so I planned a trip to the State's Vital Records Office.  It's a state office and as such I expected agony in the process.  I was delighted to be surprised by very well behaved children and the most efficient clerk ever.  Once I got the paperwork done she had the records ready for me in less than 5 minutes.  It was a pleasant shocker! 

Newborn loves and family planning tangent:  I captioned the photo below on instagram: "We've got extra kids today.  This little bug is making me think about turning our duo into a trio."  To which Aaron quickly replied, "Yeah, I think I'll veto the trio thing for awhile.  She's definitely a cutie though!"  This is Paityn!  I got to cuddle Paityn for 4 whole hours the other day.  She's an angel!  She and her brother Braxton spent the morning with us.  The kids played so well together and Porter showed me that he's better with babies these days.  It was so cute to see; he just loved Paityn.  Priya also really loved having a "BABY!" in the house; until Daddy held Paityn then Priya was completely jealous.  She handles her jealously well though, she just gives nasty looks.  I often think about our family and when we may have another baby.  I always think about it after having a house full of extra kids for the day.  It's fun having lots of littles around!  I've gotten back into a phase of my life where things seem very manageable.  I don't know what it is about peacefulness that makes me consider shaking things up, but it always does.  We for sure know that our family is not complete, however, we're not ready to be out-numbered yet.  We know that our family's timing has been exactly as our Heavenly Father intended it to be to this point and we trust that it will in the future as well.  As for right now (despite Paityn's ability to bring a vicious case of baby hunger out in me) we know it's not time yet.  I kind of like that answer as well.  I love where we're at right now in our lives. 

Grandma Nec discovered Porter's go-to, never-fails meal.  Spaghettios!  He's a bit more picky these days.  Having something he'll eat every time hands-down puts my mommy worry to rest.

Again with the messy eater.  She wasn't happy about being banished to the tub, until I turned the water on.  

We're getting ready for preschool!  (Be still my heart)  We did end up changing Porter's private preschool placement to a school that's much closer to home.  We just felt much better about it.  This morning a school bus parked right outside our front door.  They were doing a practice run for next week when Porter starts Public Preschool...I was kind of wiggin' out inside... The bus drivers were so incredibly nice, which calmed my fears.  Porter is so tiny that they'll have a car seat for him on the bus. HeHeHe.  I do worry about this transition, but I'm also really excited for Porter; he's so ready to get back to regular social interaction. 

A milestone:  We were playing in our winter gear basket one morning when Porter wanted to be spun and unspun in one of my scarfs.  I got lazy and just tucked it up tight.  He looked down at his dress up outfit and said, "I'm a girl."  then ran away.  This is the first time Porter has made any reference to gender, it's a big deal! 

I got a migraine the other day and Aaron came to my rescue. I've got a good man!

Told ya that they play together more these days.  I really just soak it up when they play together.  It's such a blessing to have children that play well together.  If you have kids that don't have problems coexisting BE GRATEFUL!  It makes such a difference in my day! 

 Another project finished!  Built-in bench for our Breakfast nook!  We ALL love this new addition to the house!  Thanks Aaron, Randy and Me!

I took the pic below on Monday.  This is my last week before Porter goes back to school.  I made a goal to make sure it counted and to take the time to appreciate my beautiful boy.   On one of my niece's first days of preschool her mother wrote that there's no turning back once they start school.  It is so true, the next 20 years he'll be gone a lot and that just breaks my heart a little.  I'm so grateful for the amazing years I've had with this boy home by my side.  I can't wait to be here for him every day when he gets off the bus.  It's a new phase of life and I'm trying hard to be brave about it.  The one thing I can control in this situation is making sure Porter knows Aaron and I are always there for him, we'll love him no matter what, forever!  We are Porter's sure place and I'm excited to keep being that for my boy.

We went to the Zoo this morning and it was perfect!  Cool and small crowds, just the way I like it.  I really love spending time with my children and making memories with them is fantastic.  My kids are getting old enough that I find myself wondering, "Will they remember this moment?  Will they remember my smile, laughs and hugs?  What do they feel in their hearts right now?  Do they feel loved?  What will they remember about this moment?"  Then I try to absorb every element so I can remember the moment with them.

 When my kids are active and engaged they really aren't any trouble at all so I just step back and facilitate the activity.  At the fountain I had to just laugh (silently and only in my head) about the parents who were encouraging their children to play in the fountain only to loudly exclaim, "Stop it, you're getting wet!"  "Don't put your hands in your mouth that's disgusting!"  It just makes me laugh.  We all have to do what works for us.  I'm sure these same parents are laughing at me because my kids were soaked by the time I told them it was time to leave.

 This was the kids' favorite today, the Polar Bear!  Mine too, actually.  It's such an amazing enclosure that they have at the zoo and this Bear is the biggest showoff animal I've ever seen.  He loves swimming up right in front of the kids and they love him for it.  I've been hoping the last few visits to get the kids a front row seat to this and I was lucky enough to have good timing today.  They refused to leave their spot, so we were there a good 30 minutes or more.  I enjoyed the bear, but more so I loved my kids little hands pressed up against the glass, Porter's giggles and cheers, the occasional eye lock between the kids with an expression that just screamed, "Holy cow, did you see that?" and then they'd smile at each other.  I also giggled a little at the little pushes they both were hoping would fly under the mom radar and I let them since it was more about letting each other know they were together than aggression.  I am overwhelmed by what a blessing these little people are in my life!  So grateful! 

                      ]

Potty Success!!!

I've mentioned before that Potty Training has been a serious matter of prayer for me.  As I considered what I needed to do I scheduled a whole week for potty training.  The plan was to potty train Porter and Priya at the same time. 

Priya really, really, really wants to potty train!  She tells you as soon as she goes, she sits on the potty, she even brings me fresh diapers when she's wet and wants a change, "Put it on!" she says to me.  So with Aaron and my Mother encouraging to just train them together I gave it a shot. 

The first 4 hours of my potty week were enough to make me want to throw in the towel.  Let's just say I was damp.  I had done a lot of research in preparation for this week and had a game plan.  My well laid plan was not working.  Well my prayers kicked in and I was given the inspiration I needed to help Porter learn how to use the Potty.  He can not yet clearly communicate his need to use the potty so I take him every hour and adjust that time as needed based on our day.  I also take him to the large toilet every time.   He responded right away.  He was motivated because he sees us use the big toilet all of the time.  He was given opportunity and he did great with it.  We used tons of praise and positive reinforcement in the form of M&Ms.  The rest of my first potty day was pretty amazing.  Then the next day got even better.  Day 3 I needed to run errands (he broke a pair of glasses and they needed to be pick up, it was unplanned) and knew that I would have to leave the house which stressed me out greatly.  I slipped a pull-up on him and he went the entire day without an accident for the first time even with 5 hours away from home and having to use unknown toilets.  Porter is not 100% potty trained, but he is SO close!  It hasn't even been a week yet.  I so don't want to night train, but he's already showing interested in doing that as well. *unpleasant face*  He had a virus one day and was dehydrated, yet because he wasn't feeling well he had accidents that day.  Using the potty also gets harder when he's tired.  Like I said, 90% of the time he's got it and I'm thrilled with that!

As for Priya I put a diaper back on her after the first day.  She may want to be potty trained, but she doesn't have the muscle control to be successful.  If I could combine Priya's potty communication skills, with Porter's control We'd have a 100% potty trained kid! :)

I think we were all ready this time.  I was ready, Porter was ready, it just worked. 

Just in time for Preschool, YAY!

I refer to this as the Potty Treat Heist!  Dark Chocolate M&Ms are the only way to go!

A Priya Bedtime Story

Tonight after Priya was fresh out of the tub I started to brush her hair.  I came across a bad snarle that was hard to get out.  I was fighting to keep her in my lap and explain that mommy needed to comb her hair.  She got frustrated with me, spun around, put her hand on my cheek and said, "nice, nice momma!". I laughed so hard, agreed to be nice and tried again.  Apparently, I wasn't "nice" enough because she ripped the brush out of my hands, took my face in her hands, started to brush my hair and said, "Nice, nice". She made it perfectly clear.  I laughed so hard I had to hide my face from her.

This is exactly how I discipline our children.  A warning/request then a demonstration of what I'd like them to do instead of the unpleasant behavior.  Amazing what these littles pick up from us.

She's such a fun and sassy little lady!  I just adore her!

We spent the evening at Thankgiving Point Farmland tonight.  Priya got her first pony ride :). Aaron took pictures I'll try to get them up soon .

Worst Night Of Our Lives

We had another sleep study done once I got the approval from our ENT.  Porter kind of tricked us and set us up for complete disappointment.  Last time getting connected was the worst part.  With the IPad handy Porter was awesome and didn't even complain much while he got hooked up.  When he was ready to go he put up  a bit of a fight, but drifted off to sleep pretty easily.

30 minutes later he woke up and I have never seen him so irate in his entire little life span.  That's saying something because the kid has had to have some uncomfortable studies done.  4 hours later I asked the tech if we could PLEASE go home.  The tech convinced me to stay.  Porter feel asleep again and woke up again.  You get the picture... it was a long night.  I don't know if they got any useful information but we're betting he'll probably be on oxygen for another year.  We don't get official results for another week.  Oxygen isn't an inconvience to our life style at all, it's just hard on the budget.   We'll do what we need to to keep him healthy and well though.

We were so happy when the night was over.  Aaron didn't get any additional sleep because he wanted to get his work done before the evening.  I did my best to support him in that decision without showing how crazy I thought he was.  Porter and I were lucky enough to go home and sleep; since Priya's Aunt Dev watched her for us that day.  We crawled into bed for a few hours before we had 3 extra friends come spend the day with us.  This experience would have been unbearable without the help of Aaron's family.  Thanks you guys!  I'll keep you posted on this one.

2 a.m.

Completely exhausted

What a blessing that this is our "worst night" with Porter!  All thing considered we're blessed that he is so healthy. 

Working With The Youth

5 days after Park City I spent a Saturday with our Young Women at Youth Conference.  (My husband is so supportive and has done splendidly well in my frequent absence while I fulfil my calling, summers are the busiest and we've made it through this year's busy season with the youth.   I just had to mention his hard work before I continue with this little post.)  I got to have some neat experiences with my girls there and just want to document a few things about my role in this calling right now.  I probably feel this way because my good friend and our second counselor got "called up" to Stake YW presidency today at Stake conference, so sad.  I may have teared up when I had to sustain her.  Who knows how long I'll get to have this calling and I'd like to remember my role in the church during this time of my life.  So a brief list of highlight moments for me:

• Teaching out of the YW manuel, so uplifting. 
• Working with 3 truly remarkable women and now dear friends.  We've served together for a year and a half; were a stellar team. 
• The changing of ward boundaries and our group more then doubling. 
• Girls camp this year will always be a good memory for me.  I will always remember scripture study with our laurels it was like having the spirit of the temple in a tent.  The cookie dash was life changing as well.
• I have a good relationship with the girls and love to nurture them when I can, but I've kind of got a reputation as the leader who deals with discipline moments and tough messages.  I'm the tough love leader and I'm totally fine with that.  The girls love me still, it may take a day or two for them to come around but they do.  It also makes for some very enjoyable awkward moments and some good teaching moments as well.  
• Doing something scary and repelling off a 200 foot free fall.  Getting permission to go a second time and repelling fast enough to hear one of my girls loudly brag, "that's my leader!" 
• Getting to go to YW class during church is great. 
• Watching these girls change, grow and learn is really the best part of the whole experience.  It is such an important time in their lives and I'm glad I'm a part of it.  

I'm setting a goal on here so I'm accountable.  I want to earn my YW medallion again as a leader.  I've waisted a year and a half, time to get to work!  I'm excited.  Thanks for letting me share.