tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10446938404097860332024-02-21T00:04:09.712-07:00Hey AnnieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-35434002205922122042012-05-01T16:26:00.000-06:002012-05-01T16:26:11.734-06:005 Years Ago Today (Warning: REALLY LONG POST)You can NOT prepare for the phone call I got 5 years ago this afternoon. It was a Tuesday. I was supposed to be tending my friends kids (they were relaxing in Hawaii and I was going to watch their kids for a day). And then I got 3 of the hardest phone calls of my life.<br />
<br />
CANCER - and not just cancer but leukemia. I thought that if Kenyon had leukemia it meant he only had months to live. I had no idea what the treatment options were or what could happen.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u2DpHhonRN-t7v5OdUadu9ucg2UV4ZKB9fIslgmX111pVfTiH-JhRnnmIBe5p9RBCGcJXQsUpmtMygu2zxfVtPLiAA6gxwuUDvHaw_g0yjWvXNsz2BhgW7mTSUNfG2dNS8O5l7laFejt/s320/day+one+052.JPG" />
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But here we are 5 years out and I think we are doing pretty good. Finally. But what a road.<br />
<br />
Just for posterity sake and since I didn't blog in the spring of 2007....I will tell a little more of the story. If you are bored - move on. I'll never know.<br />
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In the fall of 2006, Kenyon first started to notice that he was really tired. But he had just finished his MBA, he was in the bishopric in our ward and we had 3 little kids. Of course he was tired. By December he had a lump or knot in his side and he had a nagging cough. Not a terrible cough but it bugged. His brother (an internal medicine doc) suggested that it could be acid reflux and to take an over the counter med. It seemed to work a little bit to help the cough but the knot was getting bigger. On April 28th at a wedding for a <a href="http://thosehardings.com/">nephew </a>he asked his brother to look at his side. I was in a REALLY bad mood that day (not the fault of the bride and groom - the wedding was amazing) and anxious to get the kids home so as I was leaving and his brother pulled me aside and said "I really want to look at him in my office. You make sure he comes up to see me (in Logan)." I had a sense right then that this was serious but no idea it was cancer serious.<br />
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So 3 days later on a Tuesday morning he decided to go up and I decided not to go with him because I didn't want to believe it would be that big a deal. And I was tending kids. :)<br />
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A few hours later...his brother called me and said that I needed to meet him and Kenyon at St. Marks hospital. All that he would tell me is that there was something wrong with the blood work and he wanted the docs at St. Marks to check him out. A little later I got the WORST call from Kenyon and he said that ugly Leukemia word. They already knew that is what it was but we didn't know what kind or what stage.<br />
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Initially it looked like he would take an expensive oral medication for the rest of his life and that would keep the leukemia under control. Four years ago next week we learned that he was too advanced to continue taking that med and that he needed a <a href="http://kaporter.blogspot.com/2008/06/birthday-photos.html">bone marrow transplant.</a> (But by then I was already pregnant with Quinn and that was a little miracle itself). <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniRLZM7p3uLjVeuQ5zZK_lTY1ic1GAWzR9sJM9YtI0B1UcXf28gn_-i7OxOml4HRDspEy8P4ai6pSixCYBdOwuigKp6ZjU6ypuw9oGSBIIllVTzxmFEW6qihNk5Y1833bWrEPHRt9uVzX/s320/kenyon+021.JPG" /><br />
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Here is the <a href="http://kaporter.blogspot.com/2008/05/good-bad-and-ugly.html">post</a> from that day. You will notice in that post that I thought we were looking a hard year and then it would be over. Oops. Little did we know it would be 4 years +.<br />
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I am so grateful to be in this place and to have made it through it. And most importantly grateful that Kenyon has made it through it all. He is tough. And he doesn't complain much, which is really nice, cuz I do. Sorry. And I am so grateful for so much support, help, love and prayers throughout the endless years (at least it probably seemed that way).<br />
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And as some <a href="http://heidi-jeff.blogspot.com/">dear friends</a> of ours prepare to be admitted to the hospital for their son's transplant, I am so grateful that I know the Lord answers prayers and will help and strengthen them just as He has done for us. They have already been fighting for a long, long time. And this is an amazing medical miracle - it is a crappy process but it can work. And will for Jake.<br />
<br />
PS - You can always go to<a href="http://marrow.org/Home.aspx"> marrow.org</a> and sign-up to be a donor. You could save a life. For real. Because we are so grateful for all of his siblings being so willing but especially to his brother, Brett - who literally saved his life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-85341744581239732912012-04-11T21:18:00.000-06:002012-04-11T21:18:00.479-06:002 Boys on a Great Day<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6916264590/" title="IMG_1726 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1726" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/6916264590_ed8a8c6347.jpg" width="333" /></a> Aren't these some of the cutest girls ever? They were good sports with all the attention on the boys.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7062354317/" title="IMG_1762 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1762" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/7062354317_eff46a549f.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6916253484/" title="IMG_1797 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1797" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/6916253484_e8277bd205.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Gavin was baptized and Teague received the Aaronic Priesthood on Saturday, March 24th.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7062330375/" title="IMG_1777 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1777" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/7062330375_96c9be34a3.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
We love Great-Grandma Metcalf. She is such a loving grandma and a good sport to make it out to these important events. We love having her be with us.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6916248444/" title="IMG_1790 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1790" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/6916248444_55acffd6ce.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
The boys and their grandpas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7062348637/" title="IMG_1812 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1812" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7062348637_7361066f81.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Isn't this the most hideous picture of me? Don't answer. There are probably worse but really? Everyone in my family is so cute and then I had to ruin the picture. But I am sure grateful for their efforts to come and support us.<br />
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And I am grateful for all the other friends and family who came. I am so lame and didn't get my camera out to take pictures of Gavin and Teague with all the great people who came. But we appreciate it. :)<br />
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It was a great day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-44936338710397105602012-04-09T21:49:00.000-06:002012-04-09T21:49:12.243-06:00EasterGrandma Porter hosted her annual Easter Egg hunt. Quinn was thrilled. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6917109982/" title="2012.April.Easter 017 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 017" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5039/6917109982_2690ff4daa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7063191411/" title="2012.April.Easter 027 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 027" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7063191411_4e0e9b4f08_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6917111510/" title="2012.April.Easter 035 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 035" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/6917111510_6436d72b7d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Elise found the $10 silver egg.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7063193373/" title="2012.April.Easter 037 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 037" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/7063193373_616c3f26b7.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6917112924/" title="2012.April.Easter 044 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 044" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6917112924_4b4bc21e33.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The Easter bunny hides our baskets. Quinn discovered hers behind some pillows. When she found her basket she kept saying, "Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness." So much excitement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6917113276/" title="2012.April.Easter 068 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 068" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6917113276_da8da51d19.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Are Easter Sunday pictures a joke for everyone? Hello cooler in the picture? Squinting Eyes? Late for church? A total rush (except not true for my <a href="http://www.theusualshowblog.com/2012/04/our-easter.html">niece-in-law</a> who seems to have the best Sunday pictures).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7063195331/" title="2012.April.Easter 070 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.April.Easter 070" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/7063195331_63f5e01c62.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
But Easter dinner was a success. I think. I tried this <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/07/pams-day-of-deliciousness/">new salmon recipe</a> that I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/heyannie8/recipes-to-try/">Pinterest</a>. Winner. <br />
And of course we had our traditional <a href="http://kaporter.blogspot.com/search?q=bunny+buns">bunny rolls</a>.<br />
<br />
And PS - we are doing no sugar (meaning - cookies, candy, soda, anything classified as treats/desserts) this month. Everyone was willingly on board. Such a great challenge. We got Easter* off and we sure enjoyed the treats but none of us ate nearly as much as we thought we would. Gavin was still trying to get a few last bites of a peep in before bedtime but couldn't stand another bite. I was most sad this morning when I couldn't have a leftover bunny roll.<br />
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Tonight for dessert - pineapple. And we were all totally happy. It can be done.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*We get one day off a week - Sunday.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"></div><span style="color: #76838b; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-23930206547045662662012-04-07T21:36:00.002-06:002012-04-07T21:36:00.436-06:00Elise as Wendy in Peter PanElise's 4th grade class recently put on a little production of Peter Pan. They worked so hard and Elise was so excited to be Wendy (a part she fits PERFECTLY). But I didn't realize it was a big deal and didn't know about the costume until 2 nights before. Quick call to Kenyon's super talented seamstress mom and within hours - a perfect Wendy costume at my door. THANK YOU!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7043854821/" title="2012.March 065 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.March 065" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7043854821_3f5436201e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/7043854475/" title="2012.March 063 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.March 063" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/7043854475_147fabbd2f.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
With Peter Pan<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IFy4q9i1Tx8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-40986137009529260312012-04-05T21:27:00.009-06:002012-04-05T21:27:00.555-06:00Come Back!My sister came to town with her kids. I wish she would move here. And I wish I were better at taking pictures. I was so busy that I never got my camera out to document the fun cousin time. Except one.<br />
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But there was lots of fun. All the girls sleeping on the floor. Endless Barbies. Lots of jumping on the trampoline. Bedtime stories with Grandma or Grandpa (the are amazing story tellers and the kids live for it). And my favorite was having this adorable little toddler wander around my house. I really wanted to keep her for another week or forever. Plus we ate yummy food. Had fun outings (go see City Creek and the Utah Natural History Museum). And I loved having some extra hands around and late night chats with an Izze. <br />
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But they had to leave. It really would be better if they could move down the street.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6897760066/" title="2012.March 056 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5113/6897760066_764a98785c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="2012.March 056"></a><br />
And seriously, maybe we should move out to a ranch somewhere. These boys should be cowboys for real.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-43468003712274192182012-04-03T21:27:00.000-06:002012-04-03T21:27:20.520-06:00Collecting<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6897765186/" title="2012.March 003 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.March 003" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/6897765186_a6bdda7c86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6897764842/" title="2012.March 010 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6897764842_70a576778b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="2012.March 010"></a><br />
Did any of you have sticker collections when you were younger? It probably dates me. This was the thing to do when I was in 3rd/4th grade. And it was a big deal.<br />
<br />
I would save my money and go to Ostroms (a little drug store in Kenmore, WA) and I would buy Mrs. Grossman's and Toots stickers. It was such a big deal.<br />
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I would keep the stickers in one of those old photo albums that had sticky pages and you would pull back the plastic cover. Nice.<br />
<br />
Well, I was cleaning out my storage rooms and found the collection.<br />
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The kids LOVED it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-84022109738536950902012-03-13T15:16:00.002-06:002012-03-13T15:18:37.710-06:00This Can't Be Happening<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">Can my firstborn really turn <span style="font-size: large;">12</span>? I am really not ready for this. But it has happened. He is thrilled. And I am proud of him. He is a great kid. I have loved looking through pictures of him over the past 12 years. Sadly we didn't have a digital camera from the beginning so the pictures of the little squish are limited. He was a chunkly little baby when we lived in London. I got a lot of attention caring or pushing him around England. I think it took a lot of self-control for complete strangers to not squish his cheeks. One lady on the train to Edinburgh said, "Ah is this a wee lad or a wee lassy?" "Ah a wee laddy."<br />
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This is a big year. We have been studying and preparing for him to receive the <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=419139b439c98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Aaronic Priesthood</a>. It is a big deal and it requires a testimony of Jesus Christ and a worthiness to serve the Lord. He faithfully reads his scriptures every day and he really tries hard to always choose the right. I am kind of dying that he starts going to <a href="https://www.lds.org/youth?lang=eng">Young Men's</a> and Jr. High. Yikes. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy4hBkzbQRdP8HzmBrAxNlDq6yN2BUkaDtcwGaP5j5pGIh-RZt7GKadi-_E2ob9moEMYYkuVqPS7Ou5rd4Q3bP8J_Fy5FEcu4nFma10uv5wH8cUzFrzerkqtfUXqYPiD2_vNEtEQzGROH/s1600/2012-01-22+20122.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFy4hBkzbQRdP8HzmBrAxNlDq6yN2BUkaDtcwGaP5j5pGIh-RZt7GKadi-_E2ob9moEMYYkuVqPS7Ou5rd4Q3bP8J_Fy5FEcu4nFma10uv5wH8cUzFrzerkqtfUXqYPiD2_vNEtEQzGROH/s400/2012-01-22+20122.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Things we <span style="font-size: large;">LOVE</span> about <span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>W. Teague Porter</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Happy - Don't you love his dimple?<br />
2. He loves his cousins (and the rest of the family but if he could pick - I think the cousins would win every time)<br />
3. Elise said she loves that he is so competitive - it makes him good at what he does.<br />
4. He loves my cooking. He is pretty excited about most things I make. Today I made him breakfast casserole. May have been his favorite part of the day.<br />
5. He loves his friends and his a good friend - loyal and patient. He gets so excited for his friends and things they are doing.<br />
6. Great student. He could work on his penmanship but he definitely got Kenyon's brain. He can remember everything.<br />
7. He is great at the piano. He doesn't always love it but he has a natural ability and I love it when he plays. Especially because he doesn't need my help anymore. Hallelujah!<br />
8. Teague is turning into quite the little babysitter. I am so grateful that I can trust him. He is especially good with Quinn.<br />
9. He loves to read. He is reading so many books, so fast that we can't keep up with him. Such a great habit.<br />
10. He is sensitive. Sometimes too much :) but really it is sweet to see him be so thoughtful and concerned about those around him.<br />
11. He is a good athlete. I am so excited that he is figuring out his talents. He is really love the 3 tri sports and it is so fun to watch.<br />
12. We love that he is our oldest. He is setting such a good example for the family to follow.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-59617208345867551742012-02-29T08:41:00.001-07:002012-02-29T14:27:17.475-07:00nova granola: Guest Post: Food I Love//Annie<div>Head on over to Nova Granola. I did a guest post today. Jane has invited her friends/family to share their favorite foods. What she left out of my post was that my favorite food might be chocolate covered cinnamon bears or chocolate chip cookie dough. But since that wasn't really what she was looking for I came up with something else. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Smoothies are one of our favorite things about the morning. The kids are pretty excited about the different combos I come up with and I am excited that they have left for school with a serving of veggie, fruit, protein and some omega 3s. </div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.novagranola.com/2012/02/guest-post-food-i-loveannie.html?spref=bl">nova granola: Guest Post: Food I Love//Annie</a><br />
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PS - Another favorite food - granola. You should all buy and love <a href="http://www.novagranola.com/p/order.html">Nova Granola</a>. I particularly love the citrus.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-10615185951238697792012-02-20T22:36:00.000-07:002012-02-20T22:36:04.443-07:0014 Years!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZsAHRavGG3ZWA0L9HiwwOhvjU2gNqP4vEjMD2F5PCRCMU7PkJQURXULwGQfdwpDX6Y8WptpuIT-LLHLdtBJPfb0avBh3HdFTyrdySIdWlw9Zsi7ipK8nEl5vSFV0MpVbRlTTtYgoEUHo/s1600/IMAG0343.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZsAHRavGG3ZWA0L9HiwwOhvjU2gNqP4vEjMD2F5PCRCMU7PkJQURXULwGQfdwpDX6Y8WptpuIT-LLHLdtBJPfb0avBh3HdFTyrdySIdWlw9Zsi7ipK8nEl5vSFV0MpVbRlTTtYgoEUHo/s400/IMAG0343.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Elise worked SO hard on this banner all morning. She cut out all those letters free hand. I love that she wanted to make this day a big deal. She kept trying to give Kenyon hints all month long. And she felt really bad that our anniversary fell on the day of a big tournament because she knew we would be there for her instead. But we didn't mind. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Plus her team fought hard for 1st place and we wouldn't want to miss that. They played 4 games today and then she went straight to volleyball practice. That girl is TOUGH).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
This morning at breakfast, I told the kids the story of our meeting and then the story of our wedding. I guess I haven't ever told them. It was so fun.<br />
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It has been 14 years. It seems kind of crazy that it has been that long. And sadly 1/3rd of it, Kenyon hasn't felt that great (some times are worse than others). But hopefully the next 14 years we will do a little better in the health department. :) Maybe?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop5yUrrM0-E__N7E_RuWuhP0zUNWERWW7J7waPB2ey3g1X2ZvVfSS41RulEZugfLFHJDH9y2eCKUY38RXkT56tP-eoRPnO7SMRmBM_i_ygC0D3_vaNNCDgs80Q_9AZc2Tva0xWL3yJgH1/s1600/MFR+Day+5468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop5yUrrM0-E__N7E_RuWuhP0zUNWERWW7J7waPB2ey3g1X2ZvVfSS41RulEZugfLFHJDH9y2eCKUY38RXkT56tP-eoRPnO7SMRmBM_i_ygC0D3_vaNNCDgs80Q_9AZc2Tva0xWL3yJgH1/s320/MFR+Day+5468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
To celebrate 14 years - here are 14 great things about Kenyon. I am so grateful he married me.<br />
<br />
1 - Kenyon is a great husband and father (in spite of not always feeling well).<br />
2 - We are especially grateful for his job and his amazing work ethic. He works so many long, hard hours to provide for us.<br />
3 - Patience and long-suffering.<br />
4 - Worth and righteous priesthood holder. He spoke last night at our Priesthood Preview (can you believe Teague is turning 12 soon. Yikes) and he did a great job.<br />
5 - Good sport and good at sports and helpful in the kids sports<br />
6 - A kid at heart - always up for a game or getting on the floor and playing with the kids. And on good days - even up for a chase with the kids - their all time favorite.<br />
7 - Super smart. He knows and remembers everything (well the memory isn't what it used to be but it is still pretty impressive).<br />
8 - Not picky and always grateful for my meals.<br />
9 - Financially conservative - despite all my efforts to ruin that - not on purpose though<br />
10 - Loves family - all his siblings and mine and parents<br />
11 - Great willingness to serve anyone - once he realizes what they need or how he can help, he will do it<br />
12 - Calm - which is a much needed characteristic around me<br />
13 - Funny - if you can get him to say anything - it is either very wise or hilarious<br />
14 -Good looking - of course I think that. (I wasn't crazy about the Will Ferrell look he had for a while but it has passed an all is well).<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-14238252476934254202012-02-16T16:58:00.000-07:002012-02-16T16:58:45.073-07:00Funny things my children sayGavin asked me today if I liked his Valentine card. Of course, I do. Then he said, "you know I was trying to make an "M" but it was kind of hard. And same for Dad. Then I thought "M" means amazing (?) and "D" means destiny. So when you put your cards together you two are amazing destiny."<br />
<br />
Deep thoughts by Gavin. That kid makes me smile every day (and he can drive me to insanity too).<br />
<br />
Yesterday morning (I wasn't at the table), Kenyon said to the kids that he was taking me out to dinner and asked Teague if he would tend.<br />
<br />
Later in the day Teague asked if he could go to a friend's house. I said, "Sure just be back at 5:45 because we are going to dinner."<br />
<br />
He said (laughing), "I know. Dad told us this morning. And before I could even think I said I would babysit for free. But I didn't really mean it. I really need the money and I don't know why it came out."<br />
<br />
So funny.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqiBJrD-VpOLTvhymLqBc8cCXNJnIAjyxG3n6i9ox-xNzj6ofvMB31Z5r1JYjXncOVG-ITGHQDQDNy2lZFyj9GfzPKUjc9nrflOXOsvy024L9D_6QnaCDeuB27v6cq7K7Hvs6wY8b1QHe/s1600/IMAG0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqiBJrD-VpOLTvhymLqBc8cCXNJnIAjyxG3n6i9ox-xNzj6ofvMB31Z5r1JYjXncOVG-ITGHQDQDNy2lZFyj9GfzPKUjc9nrflOXOsvy024L9D_6QnaCDeuB27v6cq7K7Hvs6wY8b1QHe/s320/IMAG0333.jpg" width="191" /></a>Last week Teague and Elise each had 4 teeth pulled. During dinner Teague made this face and said, "Is my smile normal?"</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-45361076982311931722012-02-14T16:14:00.000-07:002012-02-14T16:14:01.399-07:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6877994601/" title="2012-02-14 2012 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012-02-14 2012" height="512" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6877994601_e384128836_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Our Heart Attack wall (to replace our Christmas card wall). We copied the idea from <a href="http://www.71toes.com/2012/02/heart-attack.html">71 Toes</a>. Don't you love what the kids wrote? "Mom is a good cooker." Love it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6877974537/" title="2012.February 027 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.February 027" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6877974537_412e9903f1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Don't you love this Valentine from Gavin? He worked so hard on it. Remember when you thought giving your mom some money was a great gift? He was pretty sure giving me 50 cents was a perfect gift.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6877971825/" title="2012.February 021 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.February 021" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6877971825_035a2507bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
And OH MY these marshmallows were good. And it does calm sibling rivalry. Magic.<br />
<br />
PS - I love this <a href="http://www.ablogaboutlove.com/">blog</a> - Read this post and more importantly <b>listen </b>to this radio program - the blog authors are talking about <a href="http://www.ablogaboutlove.com/2012/02/choosing-happiness.html">Choosing Happiness</a>. Working on that idea. I love it but not there yet.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-32252026453851763862012-02-07T12:09:00.002-07:002012-02-07T12:24:02.843-07:00The Solution to Sibling RivalryDon't you want to know?<br />
<br />
For <a href="http://www.lds.org/hf/fhe/welcome/0,16785,4210-1,00.html">Family Home Evening</a>, I read an <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/2012/02/for-older-kids?lang=eng">article</a> from the <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/?lang=eng">Friend </a>magazine (our go to source for FHE lessons). It is a short little article where the magazine asks a question and readers can write in and give their ideas.<br />
<br />
And it was the perfect question for our children. <i>"My brother and I argue a lot. I want to be nicer, but it's hard. What are some things I can do to stop fighting."</i><br />
<br />
So I read through the answers and then we talked about which one they liked best or if they had a different ideas. Quinn doesn't like to be left out. And most of the time, she has been listening and has a pretty good answer.<br />
<br />
Tonight her answer to sibling rivalry was brilliant.<br />
<br />
Quinn (said with lots of hand motions): "I know. I know. Just calm down. And then eat marshmallows." For real she said that. We all died.<br />
<br />
And I totally agree. And if you haven't had homemade marshmallows - you should.<br />
<br />
Check out<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/12/homemade-marshmallows/"> Our Best Bites</a>. <img height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ4XGX9ZxB3riJgjcouExLss9iSxS8HSvBQKk4gkj_d_KR8CUGNupsaWgbM2UVV70tnhbdmPRNsIOrBo-MwZRY6qMtlwm0Ti4yYuJRhTeHfkSIjQ6VC88AIeZht7v0jUVQLZg2WcMQQEb/s200/final+dipped.jpg" width="200" /><br />
Or this<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-marshmallows-recipe/index.html"> one</a>. I have it on good authority that nothing beats it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-27836010719195826402012-02-05T21:10:00.003-07:002012-02-05T21:20:40.395-07:00The Top Ten Party<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6827576173/" title="2012-02-05 2012"><img alt="2012-02-05 2012 by PorterFam98" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6827576173_d23ecb37e4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6827576173/">2012-02-05 2012</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/">PorterFam98</a> on Flickr.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.6em;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Elise wanted a friend party this year. I was kind of dragging my feet on it. So much work. But man was it worth it.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.6em;">What a darling group of friends*. They were happy, friendly, interested, excited, funny, helpful, and smiley all night long. They thought every part of the party was great (or at least they acted like it).</div><div style="line-height: 1.6em;">Elise turned 10 so we picked her 10 favorite things and built a party around it.</div><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">Late night crafts and movie, lots of treats and snacks**, lots of blue, fun music (wish I had video of the girls dancing and posing), presents, </span><span style="line-height: 25px;">photo booth</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">, and a little soccer (well in the form of pin the soccer on Elise's head). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 25px;">*</span><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 1.6em;">I am so so grateful that Elise is blessed with so many wonderful friends. Too many. I made her narrow her list down to a more manageable size. So many great girls her age. They are smart, talented in many different ways, cute, and good. I love it. Probably because their moms are all the same way. I'm so lucky.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 1.6em;">**</span><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 25px;">These girls must be growing. I popped 10 bags of popcorn, sliced 8 apples, ice cream sundaes, cupcakes, 2 bags of licorice, jars of other assorted candies, and drinks. There was no stopping them.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-12495397389614300202012-01-30T20:32:00.000-07:002012-01-30T20:32:01.287-07:00Leesy Lou is Ten!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6793277351/" title="2012.january 006 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.january 006" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6793277351_183e322c2e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>We kicked off her birthday a little early with a family dinner on Sunday. She requested Hawaiian Haystacks.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6793278005/" title="2012.january 010 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.january 010" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6793278005_42637e4811_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>For dessert she was very specific. She wanted brownies with white chocolate chips on top and cookies and cream ice cream.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6793276721/" title="2012.january 014 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.january 014" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6793276721_0954a24a4a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Of course having her aunts, Jane and Egan, come make it a perfect night for her. They brought sweet gifts too.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75236441@N03/6793275937/" title="2012.january 017 by PorterFam98, on Flickr"><img alt="2012.january 017" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6793275937_012502c46e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> And of course on the morning of her birthday - only crepes will make this birthday girl happy with LOTS of "whooped" cream.<br />
<br />
We love Elise. She is super excited to have a party this year. Pictures to come.<br />
<br />
1 - Elise has a great smile.<br />
2 - She LOVES soccer and she works really hard at it. And she is very committed to her team.<br />
3 - Elise loves to sing. All the time. But sadly, singing well does not come naturally to her although she is improving. We still love to hear her.<br />
4 - Elise is a loyal friend. She loves to be with them and she likes to have everyone included.<br />
5 - Elise loves Quinn. She loves her brothers too but she believes that she was meant to have Quinn as her sister. She is a very good babysitter too.<br />
6 - Elise is very independent. She likes to make her own decisions and takes her time to do her own thing. Since she was small she has insisted on doing her own hair and picking her own clothes. She really doesn't want me to be involved. Should I be offended?<br />
7 - She LOVES to read and is constantly devouring a book in her room. <br />
8 - She loves being with extended family. It is a regular thing for her to beg to go on a trip to visit grandparents or cousins.<br />
9 - Elise loves to be creative.<br />
10 - Elise loves the Gospel and choosing the right. She is a great example to us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-61544399670182800512012-01-29T20:49:00.000-07:002012-01-29T20:49:59.742-07:00Book Club 2012I love my book club. All of us lived in London together a long time ago. While our husbands worked a gazillion hours a week, we played and explored.<br />
<br />
Now we get together once a month and discuss our books and lots of other stuff too.<br />
<br />
We just picked our books for the year and I am so excited. Lots of variety. But my list of books on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/787679?shelf=to-read">Goodreads</a> is always growing, so I hope to read a few more besides these. The only way I can really do it is by checking out the audio book from the library and listening to them when I work out or drive around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">February - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Molokai-Alan-Brennert/dp/0312304358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327894053&sr=8-1">Moloka'i</a> by Alan Brennet <img alt="Moloka'i" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515yua2M8oL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">March - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mormons-LOVE-Chrisy-Ross/dp/1605740012/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327894163&sr=1-1">To Mormons with Love</a> by Chrisy Ross <img alt="to Mormons, with LOVE" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CsG5T5o4L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">April - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Governess-Julie-Klassen/dp/0764207075/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327894297&sr=1-1">The Silent Governess</a> by Julie Klassen <img alt="Silent Governess, The" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eNFxRKYuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">May - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Peregrines-Home-Peculiar-Children/dp/1594744769/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327894420&sr=1-1">Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children</a> by Ransom Riggs - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><img alt="Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DVjmULtGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">June - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062024027/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327894752&sr=1-1">Divergent</a> by Veronica Roth - Young Adult fiction. <img alt="Divergent" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Mry4w810L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">August - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Room-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098329/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327894973&sr=1-1">Room</a> by Emma Donoghue - <img alt="Room: A Novel" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zGJ8k52tL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">September - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Love-American-Man-Story/dp/0061997390/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327895161&sr=1-1">How to Love an American Man</a> by Kristine Gasbarre<img alt="How to Love an American Man: A True Story" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zNCZOIERL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">October - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Club-Secrets-Science-Could/dp/B004TE6O2G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327895196&sr=1-1">The Survivor's <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Club</span></a> by Ben Sherwood <img alt="The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413UTiRHjYL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="200" /></div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">November - Pick your own Adventure </div><div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Read a parenting, marriage, nutrition (self-help type) <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">book</span> and report to group</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-60034464441381068622012-01-25T20:17:00.001-07:002012-01-25T20:17:00.576-07:00First Indoor Tri<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy_ktjkPP1avaS4rVzFmy5MJ5xAOzB6rbktMxi_MTgBWN-3rqNZ7Q-G2DMifxpprBQxgKgK1apdwE6mtdpC6TFuZX9uKi8mKeZWuCkJwgM6PE-ux5VJPmgVd3A4TE59ZIHXmdXa0yl5TH/s1600/2012-01-22+20121.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy_ktjkPP1avaS4rVzFmy5MJ5xAOzB6rbktMxi_MTgBWN-3rqNZ7Q-G2DMifxpprBQxgKgK1apdwE6mtdpC6TFuZX9uKi8mKeZWuCkJwgM6PE-ux5VJPmgVd3A4TE59ZIHXmdXa0yl5TH/s400/2012-01-22+20121.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">Teague has been very interested in doing a tri ever since he saw Egan do the Utah Half Ironman. Then he saw this awesome video called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwwxBjpvDVQ">Dayton's Legs</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">You should watch it with your kids even if they don't want to do a tri.</span><br />
So he has been running (thanks to xcountry) and he is on a local swim team. And he has been training on the indoor spin bike as well. So he was ready for his first indoor tri.<br />
The race was for kids 8-12. The challenge: a 50 yd swim, 8 mile bike, 1 mile run. We knew he could do it and those distances were probably too easy but it was a good way to start.<br />
Teague is DETERMINED. And he is competitive. He wanted to win BAD.<br />
His main competition was a 10 year old kid who has done 7 triathlons.<br />
HE WON. He beat him by about 15 seconds.<br />
It was awesome to watch him work so hard with that cute smile on this face the whole time. He loved every minute of it.<br />
He wants to jump straight to an Ironman but I think we will work up to that. :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-54205278175018294092012-01-23T20:03:00.000-07:002012-01-23T20:03:00.254-07:00Wall O FriendsI love Christmas Cards. And I love our friends and family. We look forward to adding to our wall all month long. <br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3kx94FdJQL-cybeUknB5uCXE5Bet-V6e2GmflnaVDzU1BfTx7NaiE3dbqLzZbe_0FcIijvJq_BkbcgSJTOt5D32RLoRwf7f_RGh7-dQwEzIkNSkD5WBBpXYOuS5fD1Q3XACcSKr__N7m/s1600/2012.January+058.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3kx94FdJQL-cybeUknB5uCXE5Bet-V6e2GmflnaVDzU1BfTx7NaiE3dbqLzZbe_0FcIijvJq_BkbcgSJTOt5D32RLoRwf7f_RGh7-dQwEzIkNSkD5WBBpXYOuS5fD1Q3XACcSKr__N7m/s400/2012.January+058.JPG" /></a> </div>And I just hate to take it down. I get kind of sick of Christmas decorations and can't wait to pull the house back together (sort of). But the wall o friends - I could leave that up all year. I love seeing all these great cards, clever thoughts, pictures of wonderful families, great examples, and so much support. Thanks.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFlZ2dQKlqqzcveUNGHjIBOsTRSVZF1pTkbYpJA3kyczY3e-UdwavIkUdTjXBVRQPeI_rXfSCU9JUP7y__9ebFLJKxh9KZNnBb4MckbSokg7iPowxoYD2q0Ka2ZlXos2mdfdAF1mFv8uJ/s1600/2012.January+060.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFlZ2dQKlqqzcveUNGHjIBOsTRSVZF1pTkbYpJA3kyczY3e-UdwavIkUdTjXBVRQPeI_rXfSCU9JUP7y__9ebFLJKxh9KZNnBb4MckbSokg7iPowxoYD2q0Ka2ZlXos2mdfdAF1mFv8uJ/s400/2012.January+060.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">But I finally decided it was time to let it go. Till next year...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-32687597290601636632012-01-22T20:01:00.001-07:002012-01-22T20:02:54.153-07:008 is Great!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAfBLbxn4uK9ZBidxU6aUofV2cyHU5yrwky6KY02s1i6fT-t5m8oDbQc5S6Mrow3MDYlLnataOQ-KGOoUdXVIRFHeYGKWtPWtMBHpuCaj7xwl92Vwlyxf71l6n8xFqu3s7JNcnC-uzQdP/s1600/2012-01-22+2012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAfBLbxn4uK9ZBidxU6aUofV2cyHU5yrwky6KY02s1i6fT-t5m8oDbQc5S6Mrow3MDYlLnataOQ-KGOoUdXVIRFHeYGKWtPWtMBHpuCaj7xwl92Vwlyxf71l6n8xFqu3s7JNcnC-uzQdP/s400/2012-01-22+2012.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">Gavin is Great! And he is excited about being 8!<br />
He can't wait for his baptism (which we are waiting a little longer for but it will be worth it).<br />
This might be a first - but for once the one thing he wanted for his birthday was not an office supply or tool.<br />
An ipod Touch. He had to pay for half of it so he has been saving his money and working hard. He was very, very happy that we made it happen for his birthday.<br />
<br />
Gavin is easy to love for so many reasons. On the day of his birthday he was the VIP in his 2nd grade class. Each of the kids said something nice about Gavin. Sweetest thing to hear students talk so nicely about your kid. LOVED IT!<br />
1 - So excited and happy about just about anything.<br />
2 - Hard worker (at most things but not reading)<br />
3 - Loves to help and be involved<br />
4 - Loves details<br />
5 - Tenderhearted<br />
6 - overly organized (it doesn't always appear that way in his room but he has a method to his chaos)<br />
7 - Wants to choose the right and wants to help those around him choose the right<br />
8 - Loves to be with family<br />
<br />
PS - He requested the oreo like whoopie pies. He did not want cake. I used <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/recipes/2000s/2003/01/whoopiepies">this</a> recipe. Loved it.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-68362014094388126632012-01-16T19:29:00.001-07:002012-01-16T20:52:01.664-07:00Need a Chore Chart?So I think I mentioned I am re-thinking chores around here.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>My brilliant and talented friend, Jul, created a <a href="http://todaysmama.com/2012/01/printable-chore-chart-for-kids/">chore chart</a>. You can customize it and print it. Hooray!</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://todaysmama.com/2012/01/printable-chore-chart-for-kids/"><img src="http://todaysmama.com/files/2012/01/printable-chore-chart-thumbnail.jpg" /></a> </div>No excuse now. Get those kids working.<br />
<br />
PS - If you need a couple good reads on the topic -Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Entitlement-Trap-Choosing-Earning-Ownership/dp/1583334157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326771977&sr=8-1">The Entitlement Trap</a> by Richard and Linda Eyre. Quick read with so many good ideas. Even if you don't plan to use their system exactly - it will get you thinking about what we are trying to do as parents.<img alt="The Entitlement Trap: How to Rescue Your Child with a New Family System of Choosing, Earning, and Ownership" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R7wTSCKZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" />And I liked <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Breakthrough-Real-Life-Teach-Independent/dp/1590384415/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326772049&sr=1-1">The Parenting Breakthrough</a> by Merrilee Boyack.<img alt="The Parenting Breakthrough: Real-Life Plan to Teach Kids to Work, Save Money, and Be Truly Independent" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31dOhHtSyKL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /> I need to look at it again but it had so many good ideas of what kinds of chores and skills children should have at each age. And I always love anything <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Love-Logic-Updated-Expanded/dp/1576839540/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326772135&sr=1-1">Love and Logic.</a> <img height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416cBybC9eL._SS400_.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And PPS - I was not looking for any compliments on my last post. But thank you. Just merely trying to remind myself that we can do hard things. I could work on doing hard things with a better attitude for sure. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-30802143358610320722012-01-15T21:27:00.000-07:002012-01-15T21:27:04.722-07:00Those Dumb Hard ThingsYou know that motto - "We can do hard things." I like it. I love it. I want to live by it. Most the time. But dang it, when you are in the middle of something hard it isn't such a cool motto. I was having a total meltdown a few days ago about something that I felt was too hard. I didn't say those words. I was just complaining and worrying about all the parts of this dreaded event. And yep. Kenyon says, "But you can do hard things." Gag. I really didn't want to hear that at that moment. But it is true. And obviously he was right. We can and I did. And I survived. And the kids claim it was the best ever. I don't feel that way but I made it.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2teLl1Mg1Y0tDKHCtrdVHhFaAa4q_6Po2oHUnTr9ED8YcbRMtMBiSwsCRZnzCa_KXG7f38H0j-b5k7MCCAm5ZBARgJS8svZXyG3KADn9giKRiCDzng8prCLM4kHZcldtIagVUA4yqg8w-/s1600/16x20+we+can+do+hard+things+navy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2teLl1Mg1Y0tDKHCtrdVHhFaAa4q_6Po2oHUnTr9ED8YcbRMtMBiSwsCRZnzCa_KXG7f38H0j-b5k7MCCAm5ZBARgJS8svZXyG3KADn9giKRiCDzng8prCLM4kHZcldtIagVUA4yqg8w-/s400/16x20+we+can+do+hard+things+navy.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(*<a href="http://www.simplyfreshdesigns.com/2011/10/we-can-do-hard-things-freebie/">free download</a> from the wonderful blog <a href="http://www.simplyfreshdesigns.com/">Simply Fresh Designs</a>)</span></div>What was that dumb hard thing? Taking all 4 kids to Las Vegas (the worst place ever) by myself. With no help. 6 hour drive. It may sound wimpy of me but it was seriously stressful. Every part of it. The hotel alone. Getting around. Sitting at hours of soccer games with Quinn. Find places to eat.Trying not to damage my children with all the terrible sites but still show them some fun. At one point when I was stuck in stopped traffic with a HUGE billboard truck next to us of mostly naked women - I thought. I'm done. This doing hard stuff is LAME. But we got Toy Story going and they were distracted for long enough. But not long enough. I still had to spend all of dinner trying to explain why they have trucks like that and why people do that. Nice.<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj7Im0uEbx3-7GjNouXz8bs0xORGTpaeaF75S3qJ50sivFAfdifTtpQaUcch8wcQYY5mnGZkLEL78VvkNSHM9dafaWkTMUJfrvRm1gkyEddA2lkCiNVAXWsdopbxBxT1xXhw6TiWA9ZbY/s1600/pictures+%25283%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj7Im0uEbx3-7GjNouXz8bs0xORGTpaeaF75S3qJ50sivFAfdifTtpQaUcch8wcQYY5mnGZkLEL78VvkNSHM9dafaWkTMUJfrvRm1gkyEddA2lkCiNVAXWsdopbxBxT1xXhw6TiWA9ZbY/s640/pictures+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">Here is why do we hard things. Elise probably won't love these pictures but they are awesome. She worked so hard this weekend. And she is so sore to prove it. She loves her soccer team and even though they didn't win they really gave it their all. Quote of the night: "Mom, did you see me foul that girl?" Me: "Yes." E: "That was the best. I was so proud of myself. I just took her down." Should I be proud? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-29984480130417752192012-01-11T09:06:00.000-07:002012-01-11T09:06:54.546-07:00Re-Thinking Chores and StuffLook how we (the kids) spent their Christmas break. Yep. I really did make them clean out all the kitchen cabinets. Fabulous. I am tempted to keep them home from school forever. And they even look so happy. No tears. No yelling. It really was brilliant. Here is why it worked: 1) they really needed money to buy their siblings Christmas gifts. 2) all their friends were still in school and they were bored. Result: the insides of my cupboards are clean and organized. Wahoo!<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexuDSI2oBeZRY41xBoOlzDMZiaFFw2NKiJDoo7odHi30b1GTLeUA1Q3wfzBejoCQB5ARiYCR0oXN7yTlgWOqvVuWsOOP92gPm4r7QB_GLuQvNpdSt37jc6IdubS9eVfF_wp79l2YSvb3R/s1600/2011.December.Christmas+046.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexuDSI2oBeZRY41xBoOlzDMZiaFFw2NKiJDoo7odHi30b1GTLeUA1Q3wfzBejoCQB5ARiYCR0oXN7yTlgWOqvVuWsOOP92gPm4r7QB_GLuQvNpdSt37jc6IdubS9eVfF_wp79l2YSvb3R/s400/2011.December.Christmas+046.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaP9EDP86-WTS6c7mTHLPOnMgilbFA1mDKQWPfm3Tqkj5oGscOTeSfz-vbhyJy5Jr84wfzYDC32GS1t-KENF56Gf6kkuLXcNTWU6hClLoaNFLYcWlN9lzJTMCITCOolOBc5e9LkSJnebH/s1600/2011.December.Christmas+048.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaP9EDP86-WTS6c7mTHLPOnMgilbFA1mDKQWPfm3Tqkj5oGscOTeSfz-vbhyJy5Jr84wfzYDC32GS1t-KENF56Gf6kkuLXcNTWU6hClLoaNFLYcWlN9lzJTMCITCOolOBc5e9LkSJnebH/s400/2011.December.Christmas+048.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">I am in the process of creating a new chore chart/system and allowance program. So many factors. It needs to be simple. The kids need to be motivated. It needs consequences. By the way, I need a chore chart for myself. I am getting so behind on the housework too.<br />
<br />
Anybody have any brilliant ideas?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-68217973086368910272012-01-08T21:19:00.002-07:002012-01-08T21:34:38.631-07:00Our Version of the Nativity<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-tj3RLl7mt4mNWzncCwDqaqunFqQ-bkqMWmzit_nbASRcJYsGlYy_hv1NL24IhrvyXjQe-4ZxjtghGLiTxH6XDfIy55W2sL9MnCA8BHpfbZfWNl730EZ6UjNEtQSSN1bzd_sxACaaTzm/s1600/2011.December.Christmas+091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-tj3RLl7mt4mNWzncCwDqaqunFqQ-bkqMWmzit_nbASRcJYsGlYy_hv1NL24IhrvyXjQe-4ZxjtghGLiTxH6XDfIy55W2sL9MnCA8BHpfbZfWNl730EZ6UjNEtQSSN1bzd_sxACaaTzm/s400/2011.December.Christmas+091.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLUSmgYivUnfeaCjvTwApzWXV2bZji5gPIA_ugIJcCEHKMHDukFaACYB6kwcByKv1a4wza_rB4kpQ3j-gCiFUBmduC68YSFJZsqT15kp6_nX2J8jFq39vQgG_onat37ofEtv862dh8jJr/s1600/2011.December.Christmas+087.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLUSmgYivUnfeaCjvTwApzWXV2bZji5gPIA_ugIJcCEHKMHDukFaACYB6kwcByKv1a4wza_rB4kpQ3j-gCiFUBmduC68YSFJZsqT15kp6_nX2J8jFq39vQgG_onat37ofEtv862dh8jJr/s400/2011.December.Christmas+087.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6PYEmu_PC1s5Q4yBBHZp7uhOra8hoWOxWkfb1MlrUa1ZmL35o8NZOkwjC7h7WVg1vCWyy1JTGsg8aaj1IqN75zYLxN4M_8SL_vFKia5XIovqvg1RVQjW8hUZ3ySNa3ZmrhO9W5iTpE6l/s1600/2011.December.Christmas+051.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6PYEmu_PC1s5Q4yBBHZp7uhOra8hoWOxWkfb1MlrUa1ZmL35o8NZOkwjC7h7WVg1vCWyy1JTGsg8aaj1IqN75zYLxN4M_8SL_vFKia5XIovqvg1RVQjW8hUZ3ySNa3ZmrhO9W5iTpE6l/s400/2011.December.Christmas+051.JPG" /></a> </div><br />
For Christmas Eve, we went to my Grandma's house in Bountiful. She asked me to be in charge of the nativity. Wow. I learned that I will never be a good play director. It was pretty silly and we all laughed a lot. Quinn was a shepherd but wanted to take care of the baby and was pretty ticked when she saw Joseph (who also looked like a shepherd). She thought Joseph (aka Gavin) was trying to upstage her. She stormed on the stage and shoved him off yelling, "You not a shepherd. I is a shepherd." If only it was on video.<br />
<br />
Besides the acting, the craziest part was how bad one family can sound singing the simple little Christmas songs. But it made for some good laughs and memories.<br />
<br />
Hopefully some touch of the real meaning of Christmas got through all the silliness.<br />
<br />
We love going to Grandma's though and it was a wonderful evening.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-13251929884862804062012-01-04T20:58:00.001-07:002012-01-04T20:59:17.760-07:00New Year's GoalsI have been thinking A LOT about my goals or at least in general the things I want to improve on.<br />
<br />
Here is a blog that will address what most of us want to improve on. I have told you about it before but in case you forgot or fell off the wagon for a bit (like me), jump back on. Let's make some healthy changes. He breaks it down into pretty simple, doable challenges. Take one at a time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wordofwisdomliving.com/home/a-new-year-a-new-light.html">Word of Wisdom Living</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wordofwisdomliving.com/"><img alt="word of wisdom living" height="102" src="http://www.wordofwisdomliving.com/storage/wowbanner5.png" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
Other goals me for include - learning how to use my new camera to take better pictures, take pictures, and post them on this blog. I want to post more often than I have but I am trying to figure out if I have anything inspiring, meaningful or motivating to say. Working on that. There are also all those parenting, financial, exercise, crafting, spiritual, mental goals to work on too. Yikes.<br />
<br />
Tonight I reviewed 2011 with each of the kids using this cute <a href="http://todaysmama.com/2011/12/printable-end-of-the-year-time-capsule-question/">form </a>my awesome <a href="http://juliannlaw.com/">friend</a> made. I asked Quinn all the questions and her answers were amazing. My favorite: "Quinn, what do you want to do next year?" Quinn's answer, "I want to watch a movie when you and Dad are gone and I babysit." She is sure that she is actually the babysitter when I leave. She has mastered the skill of bossing everyone around. Good times.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-73104862310006284922012-01-02T19:32:00.001-07:002012-01-02T19:32:00.412-07:00Starting Off 2012<img alt="17 Miracles: Blu-Ray Edition" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61R2j2unMGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" />We are always a little late to the game. I know this came out forever ago but I got it for Christmas and we watched <a href="http://www.amazon.com/17-Miracles-Blu-Ray-Jasen-Wade/dp/B005JUMHWK">17 Miracles</a> as a family last night. What a perfect movie for us to kick off a new year and a focus for a our family that I have been thinking about for a long time. That whole idea about how "we can do hard things." And the message of the movie is "that it is all worth it."<br />
<br />
I just started the most interesting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Club-Secrets-Science-Could/dp/B004TE6O2G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325478921&sr=1-1">book</a> that has me thinking constantly. <img alt="Product Details" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413UTiRHjYL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" />It looks at the most amazing stories of survival. How did the people survive? And how can we increase our chances of survival? And what kind of survivor are you? (I know you are all singing Destiny's Child in your head right now. Keep it up.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852702992533169203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044693840409786033.post-29743207026786401772012-01-01T21:31:00.000-07:002012-01-01T21:31:23.354-07:002011 Highlights<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuRvpvA3-bEQhvOS0oLUkBJ_q_1mZ37DG0lDrbhWTVrG7ULs_ifg-iAR-LOq0MLBG81lCit6IubQDoxxQCevSXkVvNdK47c-7EeJXI4xTNOXOH2lHhSNBXW7g_mmQatTna5xZyp3b50WY/s1600/2011+Yearbook.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuRvpvA3-bEQhvOS0oLUkBJ_q_1mZ37DG0lDrbhWTVrG7ULs_ifg-iAR-LOq0MLBG81lCit6IubQDoxxQCevSXkVvNdK47c-7EeJXI4xTNOXOH2lHhSNBXW7g_mmQatTna5xZyp3b50WY/s400/2011+Yearbook.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;">I love a new year. I love a new blank calendar. I love the chance to start over. I don't really love "resolutions" but I do think through all the things I want to do better or change or improve. And I do love setting goals (thanks to my family goal group). And I have plenty of big ideas for this year. We'll see...<br />
<br />
But I have not been cheering to see 2011 go. I saw lots of posts/status updates/tweets declaring good riddance to 2011. It certainly had some challenging moments but overall it was not a bad year and I am sad to see it end but ready to get geared up for a new one.<br />
<br />
I asked the kids to help me think of all the things we loved about <b><span style="font-size: large;">2011 </span></b>(basically our Christmas card repeat).<br />
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Bear Lake was #1 in everyone's list. No question<br />
Cousins Camp at Heber Valley<br />
4th of July in sunny Southern California with our Bourne cousins and Aunts<br />
Teague - trip to DC and xcountry<br />
Elise - soccer<br />
Gavin - giving up the blanket, getting a filing cabinet, performing in Chinese at the Capitol<br />
A trip to St. George with friends<br />
Having our Aunt and Grandma live with us<br />
Cheering on Aunt Egan in the Half Ironman<br />
Learning to ski/snowboard<br />
Annie - Meeting Pioneer Woman, sisters trip to Seattle, completing a year in nursery<br />
Kenyon - he got new knees (now he just wishes they would all work right)<br />
Going without SUGAR for a month<br />
<br />
A day at Lagoon<br />
Quinn - owning a fish for a day, her birthday and playing dress-ups with her friend Isaac (who always protects her from the bad guys).<br />
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