Reflection of a Middle-Aged Mother

A Few Things I've learned to be True......

2011-12-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

1. Life Never is Easy, But It's Worth It - Sure, there are times when you look around and think, "Wow, everything is going so smooth." However we all know that as soon as you have that thought, the next trial is just around the corner. Then there is that moment when all the trials and blood, sweat and tears all seem to have made the hard times worth it, because you appreciate them so much more.
2. Having Children is the Best/Worst Thing Ever- Children bring you the most joy and the most heartache you will ever experience. Having one of them wrap their arms around you and say, "I love you mom" is one of life's greatest joys. Having them then say, "I hate you," feels like they stabbed you through the heart. But I have to say one of the hardest things about being a parent is....all their disappointments, failures and bad choices, are things you get to experience and worry about. I often have to remind myself that they have to experience them and I don't need to take them personal or responsibility for them. They are for them to experience.
3. I Love My Children More Than Anything - They are the reason I get out of bed in the morning. Why I put in hours of volunteer time at the school. Why I put hundreds of miles a week on my car. Why my bank account is always teetering on the brink of collapse. Why I believe in an Eternal family. They are why I believe we have a loving Heavenly Father. Through them, I understand the atonement. Why our Father in Heaven wants us to return to him. And how hard it must be for him to watch us stumble and fall.
4. Life Goes By So Quickly - I remember my brother-in-law saying once that, life goes quicker as you get older, but as soon as you have children it goes by in warp speed. He was so right. I can't believe how quickly the last 20 years have gone by. It seems like just yesterday when we lived in a little apartment in East Portland, with our two little ones, just trying to scrape together enough money for Drew to have gas for work, for the week. Trying not to go crazy in that little 600 square foot apartment. Trying to keep Sydney from once again tearing out the books from the book case. Experiencing our first ever Earthquake. And just wishing I could spend more time with my mom before she died.
5. Enjoy Life While You are Young - Not that life isn't still exciting, but for some reason as you get older something happens that kind of dulls new experiences. I look back on the adventurous parts of my life and remember how exciting they seemed. Now, I don't really anticipate a lot. I mostly just look forward to the times when all my family is together. That seems to be the most thrilling of times.
6. Embrace Life - I've watched a few of my children not go forward with things out of fear, and it saddens me that they are not embracing all the things that they could, because they are afraid. Just take a step forward and hold on.....It's ok not to know what is around the next corner. It's ok not to have a plan. It's ok to fail. It's ok to make mistakes. We all do. But from those things we grow and learn. If you don't do anything you gain nothing. Just LIVE life.
7. You don't have to have a lot of friends but make sure the ones you do have are good ones - I have some of the best friends in the WORLD. They are loyal, kind, loving, good mothers, selfless. They are the kind of women I want to be. I look up to each of them in different ways. Each of them have a quality (or qualities) that I want to incorporate in my life. I have had friends come and go, but the ones I have kept are the ones that help me to strive to be a better person.
8. Don't Take Life to Serious - I think of all the things that I used to stress out about and wonder, why? My kids always had to have matching socks, that were white. No characters on their clothing. Pajamas always had to fit and be nice. Hair had to be cute when leaving the house (that only lasted until Syd was about 8). My house had to be spotless when company was coming. When we would have a clean day, my kids would always ask, "who's coming to visit." Laugh/smile often. Play games, often. Run, jump, skip and swing, often. Tickle, often.
9. Things I Think Are Still Important - Scheduled bed times for little children. Washing hands after using the bathroom. Opening your door to people in need, (what's the point of having a large house if you don't share it). Sharing with others. People are more important than things.
10. Time is Important- whether it's sharing your time with others. Or saving some time for yourself. Make sure your time is valuable to you, and other peoples time is also valuable to you. Whether you are late or on time for an appointment says a lot about how you feel about others.

My Birthday Letter

2011-12-13T09:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Mother,

Due to a lack of time, I was unable to write you yesterday. However, I have found time to write you today... so please forgive me.

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I want you to know that I truly appreciate everything you have done in my life. You have a been a great example for me. You have been a true example of the pure love of Christ. I know you would do absolutely anything to help any one of your kids. We all know that. We, many times, forget to express our gratitude and love. But I want you to know that I love you. Heavenly Father gave me the best mother that I could ask for. I really love you more than words can express. I am appreciative for everything you have done, and continue to do in my life. I know that Heavenly Father is proud of the mother that you are as well. Don't be too hard on yourself :) we all love you! Happy late birthday as well! :)

your son,

Ty

Growing up!

2011-09-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

As I reflect (since that's the name of my blog) on my life, I realize that my kids moving out and moving on isn't the most difficult part of the process. The difficult part is....that for the last 18-22 years of their life, I have been the most instrumental, influential person in their lives. I am no longer that person. My entire existence for the past 22 years has primarily been to mold and shape and (maybe sometimes) inspire my children to be the people they are. Like I said in a previous post....I have to change my purpose. I am one of those people that need a purpose. So laying here in bed until 10:30 am does not fulfill me. There is only so much you can do on Facebook or on a blog.
It's hard because only a handful of my friends can relate. And it's kind of a silent sadness that we all face, yet we don't talk much about. I think maybe because we've lost our own identity somewhere in the raising of our children, and it's a bit sad a pathetic that when they are gone and grown up, we don't know what to do with ourselves anymore.
I was never going to be one of "those" moms. I was going to celebrate when they were gone. Yet, I am not celebrating. I guess when you feel the only good thing in life you have accomplished is the children you have born, it's a dose of reality, that the good things have moved on.
Oh my life isn't completely over yet. I still have football 4-5 nights a week and dance 4 days a week and piano and jiu-jitsu. It's definitely, not over yet.
Syd is off at college, she's on her own. She rarely calls home (is that a good thing-or bad?). Ty is planning his life when he gets home. Everyone he knows is married, so that will probably happen soon after getting home. Kenzie is working and driving and home so seldom we hardly know she exists. The boys....oh the boys! They make me feel so old, and tired. I'm tired of hearing fighting, I'm tired of nagging to do chores, I'm tired of telling them to do their homework. I'm just tired! Yet I still have some time left. How do I make the most of it, when the enthusiasm has dwindled? I still want to make it exciting for them. I want home to be the place they want to come to. I want them to want to come to us for advice.
I was looking through photos of my kids yesterday, and Kenzie said, "Oh I wish Brady was that age again." I look at those and wish I could just for one day go back and be with each of those little babies again. I wish I could swoop them up in my arms and tickle them, kiss their tears when they get hurt and snuggle next to them, when they fall asleep. The time has gone so quickly, like everyone says, and I feel as though I failed to enjoy it as I should have. If only we could capture a moment or two that we could go back and replay every now and then. I think that would help to ease the pain, of a time gone by.
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it'd be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."
-Bob Marley

County Fair!

2011-09-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Brady in the hamster ball.

So one of my very first posts was on the County Fair. I talked about the quality of people that attended and worked there. Every year we go, (why, I don't know). It's the same thing every year. I guess the hum of the whole thing is exciting. It smells bad, the amount of drunks is uncountable and the Carnies just give me the creeps. I don't understand it. It's like voluntarily being water boarded. UGH! Why, I ask, do we do this to ourselves. Don't even get me started on the whole expense of it all. My goodness you have to be a CEO of a corporation just to afford to go on the rides and eat the food. It costs more to go to the County Fair than to take your kids to Lagoon for the day. I'm not kidding about that. And believe me, there is no comparison.
So the whole reason I'm writing this is......everyone says they are going to the fair, for fair food. And every year I think, "ok, maybe I am missing something. I will try something different this year." So far the only thing I have liked there has been the Elephant ears and the Corn on the Cob. Maybe I'm just not into fried food. That must be it. Or maybe old food, or perhaps cold food. It's just gross people. I can't stand it. Yet every year I endure it. Well, maybe that will gain me some browny points from my last blog entry. The things we endure for our children.

I Kinda Suck As A Mom (Not looking for sympathy or reasons why I don't)

2011-07-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

I just read a friends blog and it made me realize that I really kind of suck as a mom. Not that I intentionally SUCK, but if I am truly honest and reflective, I do.
I don't go out of my way for birthdays anymore.
I don't try to make things fun and exciting.
I don't like to sit and watch movies or play games with them.
I don't do theme parties anymore.
I rarely cook dinner these days.
I nag them to go to their practices and other commitments.
Does anyone want to take over? I'm sure my kids will soon be on a couch in some Psychologists office, telling of how their mom sucked and ruined their lives.
I'm sure I'm burned out. Hell, since my oldest son was born I have celebrated 93 birthday's, UGH!
Maybe I just need a break or a grand-baby. Babies always make things fun and exciting. Teenagers just suck the life out of you and leave you limp and wanting for a kind word or a thank you.
That's it, I'm just burned out! Or at least it sounds good.

My Mothers Day Message from Ty!

2011-05-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY (LATE) TO THE BEST MOM EVER!

I Love You Mom, and I am thankful for everything you have done in my life. I couldn't possibly pick a better Mom in the world. You are truly loved.

TYLER

WOW!

2011-04-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, my last blog was titled, I Can't Believe It's Already 2011, and it's already been 4 months since I have posted anything. I decided I am going to make more of an effort to be a bit more frequent about my blogs.
Life is changing dramatically in the Porter home. At this time we are transitioning out of the self-employed mode and now Andrew is VP of Andersen Manufacturing. He LOVES his new job. Not sure what he loves more, not having the pressure of making every customer happy, or no pressure of making enough $$ to cover all the expenses. Either way, he loves what he is doing. Right now though, he is still transitioning out and has a stack of computers in my kitchen that are waiting to be serviced. Just for the record, I hate that part.
Sydney is starting to get Senior-itis. She is so excited to be moving on to bigger and better things (college). She will be attending Westminster College in the Fall. It will be a great thing for her. I think she will thrive there.
McKenzie has decided to buckle down and go to an alternative school that will allow her to get through her core classes as fast as she is able, and maybe even graduate early next year. Then her plan is to go down to SLC and live with Syd.
Ty is almost halfway through his mission. Thing are going well for him www.tylerdouglasporter.com You can check up on him on his website. He sends me home a letter each week to post for those friends and family that would like to follow him and see how he is doing.
Brittain is going to be working at Treasure Mountain Scout camp this summer as a volunteer. He is so excited and I am excited for him. He will love it and it will keep him from sitting around playing video games all summer.
Landon just finished his big dance competition in SLC, it was Nationals. His team placed 2nd and 3rd in the Nation. They did really well. He has one more performance for the year and then he will get a bit of a break. Next year he wants to add LaCrosse to his portfolio.
Brady is playing on two baseball teams this year. Pitching machine and Little League. He is excited. He will be attending a big football camp in June and is really excited for that.
My life has slowed down tons and it seems that instead of accomplishing lots, I waste so much time. I hate it. I have decided I am the type that has to have a purpose. I need to find a new purpose since the kids are all off and doing their own thing.
Things just keep continuing to change, grow and age. Never staying the same. Such is life.

2011

2011-01-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already 2011. I remember when I was a kid people would say, "time goes faster the older you get." It seems to be true. So much has happened in the past few years, and sometimes I can barely wrap my head around it. My kids are getting older, stronger, smarter, cuter (I know major grammar errors) and independent-ER. It seems that every moment is a whirlwind.
I try to take times during the day to just veg. Time for me. Down time. But, no matter how much "down-time" I take, it never seems to slow things down.
Tyler writes us every week, and it seems that it is just a blink of an eye before we are getting another letter. He has already been gone 8 months, 1/3 of his time out there is gone. It's good that it is going fast, because we miss him soo much, but it is unbelievable.
I am going to try to list the things that took place this year. I am doing this more for me so that I can keep a journal of 2010.
JAN- New Years Day- Sledding in Utah. Ty and I went to a Utah Jazz game. Brady had a "who am I" presentation at school.
FEB- Ty got his mission call to Lisban, PORTUGAL! Went to Billy Joel/ Elton John concert (face to face).
MARCH- Hawaii for 8 days. Went to Pearl Harbor, Laie Hawaii temple, Dole Pineapple plantation, North Shore, Polynesian Culture Center, Hanauma Bay (snorkeling), Turtle Reef, Waikiki, Da-Kine Bail Bonds (Who can forget the "Dog").
APRIL- Easter, Tyler's Farewell, pinewood derby.
MAY- Kenzie's 16th birthday, Ty goes to the MTC, DARE graduation, dance recital, school dance assembly where Brittain played the evil character from Thriller, Sweet-hearts.
JUNE- Drew's birthday, Baseball, Domi and Freddie came to visit, Aunt Gayle and Uncle Lyle came to visit.
JULY- Landon and Brittain's birthdays, decorated IFCTA float, parade, went to California, Ty left for Portugal, Oregon, Boise for district championships (Andrew's team) camping with the Enos' in Lava, Girls Camp, Adolpho's move to St. George :-(.
AUG- Ty's birthday (in Portugal), camping with Enos',Domi and Freddie go home, Daniel arrives, Syd's wrecks jeep, Syd gets new car, Daniel find home, Mirelle arrives, Jack Johnson concert, school starts.
SEP- Football starts, camping with Enos' and Anderson's, Landon gets his arrow of light, sweethearts (Kenzie and Syd- Kenzie's first date)
OCT- Syd's Birthday, Heathers wedding (went to Oregon, girls were bridesmaid's), Got my built in bookshelves, got mini-cooper, went to Matt Costa concert, BYU game, Halloween.
NOV- Brady's Birthday, Heliana came to visit for two weeks, Thanksgiving.
DEC- Mirelle's Birthday, festival of trees performance, Terri's Birthday, went to Westminster, lots of shopping, CHRISTMAS!, New Years Eve party with the Enos' and the Christianson's.

There is our year in a nutshell!

2010-09-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Words of Wisdom - Glenn Beck

The Perfect advice from a parent to a child

* You’re never alone, and there is never trouble that is beyond help.

* Your Father loves you, and your Heavenly Father loves you.

* Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may never come, but as long as we have today it is never too late.

* Question with boldness. Read what they tell you not to. Challenge everything; the educated of this time are growing arrogant, and arrogance leads to darkness.

* Sunlight is the best disinfectant, however, sanitizer is a must. Especially in NY City.

* Look for the exits; they may save your life.

* Respect others; know that they are most likely afraid, just like you. In fact I have found that the more arrogant and forceful they become, the more afraid they are.

* The worst thing in life you can do is to dishonor yourself and your family, and then go living a life without setting it right.

* Marry for love, marry for laughs, but most importantly, marry with God. For without God, life’s storms are too strong to withstand.

* Wealth and fame are an illusion. We’ve been rich we’ve been poor we’ve been happy both times, but when you are truly miserable is when you lie to yourself and others.

* Alcohol and drugs make life easier, for a very short time, and then they destroy.

* There is no experience that is bad. Experience just is, it’s what you do with that experience, how you use it. Will it shape your life for the better and help you to be a stronger person, or will you allow those experiences to smother and destroy you?

* Call 911 first, and then call your Dad.

* Always have a picture on your desk of someone you admire.

* Don’t let life wash over you, wave after wave. You are not a rock. Learn from the waves; learn from the currents. Choose to sail.

* "I AM THAT I AM" is the most powerful phrase in any language. As it is, the name of God. Never use it in vain. Use it to create who you want to be. “I am ______. But know that if you don’t fill that blank in, someone else will. You can ignore it, but if you do, it will be filled in by others or just life. There will always be many who will try to fill that blank in, but only you can fill it in, and be happy.

* The Lord lives and he is personal. He loves you and is always there to help. But we have to train ourselves to hear him. We have to use our faith and exercise it like a muscle. The more we use faith, the louder he becomes.

* Serve him in all things. Stand where he asks you to stand. Stand, for you do, have a purpose.

* Your job is to remember who you are. Remember what you agreed upon.

* We are meant to be happy. But remember, “no pain, no gain.”

* Life is hard, and then, it gets harder. And then you die, but every single second of life is worth it.

* Always say what you mean and mean what you say.

* Always turn the other cheek and always forgive. But don’t forget so much that you put yourself in the same situation.

* Question authority. Including everything you have just read.

* Make these things true, because you know them to be true.

* You have everything you need to be happy. I hope you figure that out before I did.

* Freedom, Rights are given to Man, by God. They are his; protect them. You are the guardian.

* Private Jet travel is the only material thing that can actually change your life. However, refined manner, gentleness, meekness, kindness will be the only currency of any true value.

* Stuff doesn’t matter.

* Forgiveness is divine.

* The Atonement is real.

* You are worthy.

* Hell is an eternity of regret, not being able to forgive yourself.

* Cabs smell worse in the summer.

* Walk a lot. And never stop noticing things around you. When you do, change your way, or change your address.

* People are good. They want to do the right thing. Give them the opportunity.

* Shadows are darkest at noon. And it always gets colder before sunrise.

* It’s never wrong to do the right thing.

* Learn to love others that you know, or you really don’t like.

* Read the scriptures everyday. They are alive and He speaks to you through them.

* There are no coincidences in life.

* Learn, laugh, love.

* Sleep hard, and sleep less.

* Pray on your knees.

* To whom much is given, much is required. (You’ve been given the world and beyond.)

* Only date those who love you as much as I do. Only date those who’ll treat you, as I have tried.

* Never want something too much. You will always end up paying too high of a price, one way or another.

* If you must shoot, shoot to kill.

* Labels are meaningless.

* Someone you meet today is afraid, or suffering, find them, comfort them.

* Never let the sun go down without saying you’re sorry for your wrongs.

* Your parents miss you. Call them. Call them now.

* Life goes by far to fast.

* Keep a journal. Write what you think. Write what you question. Write what you know.

* There is order in all things. Stay in that order, stay in the flow.

* You will find very few real friends in life. Cherish them. Things will change, and you will fall in and out of each others lives, but when you do come back together, it will be as if you never left.

* The hardest thing to do is to admit is failure. To admit weakness. Only the very strong do. The weak never ask for help.

* Fasting is prayer.

* Fasting without prayer is a diet.

Missionary Mom

2010-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

It always seems that Sundays are the hardest days to get through. Right now especially. Everything that is said and done reminds me of Tyler. I walk down the halls at church and see his picture hanging there and miss him terribly. Him going to college was hard but this mission thing is so much harder than I ever imagined. He has only been out 1/5 of the time. I hate not talking with him daily. It's hard when I see photos, when I come across his things and when I have to update his blog. I find myself reading his letters several time a week.
It surprises me really. I never thought of myself as one of "those" kind of moms. I was the kind of mom that would be like, "See you Son. Do well and be a good example of your family." But in actuality, I am one of "those" moms. I get teary when I think about him. I look forward with anticipation to getting his weekly letters and I can't wait to send him a package, knowing he is going to be excited to get something from home.
I don't know, maybe it's because we are so similar in the way we are. Our personalities are so close I know how he will react to things and I understand him better than just about anyone (I think).
I was watching home videos the other day and I fell in love with that little boy all over again. He had the sweetest little voice on the planet, and he could speak so well for a two year old. He had such a sweet nature about him.
By the time he was five, I would cry when he got off the bus, because he was such a little snot. He could push my buttons and hurt my feelings easier than anyone (and still can).
I think there is just something special between a mother and a first child. Something about the experience of learning the roll of motherhood and figuring it out with that first child that bonds you to them. I feel like even though he is not here I spend a lot of my time thinking about him. Wondering what he's doing, how he's doing, where he's going. I have to make myself not think about him when all the kids are at school and the house is quiet. Sometimes I think he will be on the couch playing the guitar when I walk in. Or I turn on music he likes just so I can feel closer to him.
Although I miss the heck out of him, I know that he is doing what he needs to be doing. I know that he is gaining life experiences he would never get the opportunity to receive, if not for this mission. And I know that he will be a much better father, husband, brother, son and man for having gone and served the Lord. I am prouder of him, than I thought I ever could be. And although it hurts at times, I wouldn't have him be anywhere else in the World.

It's Been A Really Long Time - SORRY!

2010-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

So yes, I know, it's been way long since I last posted anything. So here goes. I will try to catch you up on all that has taken place this summer. I have to go back and look at pictures to try to remember what we did.

So we started the summer off with Coach Pitch. Brady had an awesome year. He hit amazingly well. I think he only struck out once. Then somewhere in the middle of the season he decided he wanted to play catcher. At first he wasn't sure, then he really got into it. He stayed in front of all the balls and rarely let anything get past him. At the end of the season party, he was awarded the "Down and Dirty" award. The coach said he was the only kid that could play catcher like a real man and still have pink fingernails. Boy did he get razzed about the pink fingernails that he got at the school class party.

Brady's team went on to the city tournament and took 1st place. Unfortunately, we were out of town for the tournament but, Yea Team!
At the end of June Dominika (our Slovakian exchange student) came to stay with us. She also brought along her sister Frederika. They are the cutest girls and we had a great time with them. The girls helped me with the float for the IFCTA (Idaho Falls Community Tennis Association) and they spent tons of time just helping with the ball. It took a lot of time to put all the tissue paper on that thing.

Dominika

Frederika

(See the tissue paper ball)

Then on July fourth we went to California to spend a few days with my sister. Since Idaho Falls celebrates on the 3rd, (if the 4th falls on a Sunday) we left on the 4th. We got there just in time to go watch the Roseville fireworks (it was rather pitiful really, but a good attempt on their part). It was a lot of fun. On Monday we went rafting down the river. It was a day long trip. It was great fun. Then later in the week we went to San Francisco. On Friday we drove to Oregon - Exhausting. My girls went to EFY in Forest Grove. So I just had Domi and Freddi and the boys. We went to the beach during the week.

Dominika and Freddie

Landon and Brady at Seaside and riding the bumper cars

We went and looked for arrowheads in the fields next to my nieces house. We celebrated Elizabeth's birthday. We went and visited with Doug (Andrews brother). It was a busy week. We also went to the Portland Zoo with my sister and her daughter Kaitlyn and my Great Nephew Lucas. I was definitely ready to go home.

We left for home on Saturday morning. Then Tuesday morning we (Mckenzie, Freddi and myself) left for girls camp. I was so tired I could barely function. We had a great time though (WHOOT-WHOOT). I had a great time with the leaders, and the girls were a kick in the pants. "Donna" was a special treat (inside joke).

Kenzie - Sexy camper

Camp cook

Frederika

The day we came home from girls camp we took off to go camping for the weekend in Lava.

Phew! Slow down and let me off this carnival ride.

The next weekend Andrew and his tennis team were going to Districts in Boise. So I went down with him. He played really well and had a great time.

I came home on Saturday so that I could see Dominika and Freddi leave to go home. :-( But, before they were gone we had an arrival student come, his name was Daniel. Daniel was from Spain. I have been an arrival home several times in the past. What that means is.....The exchange students have to have a physical address to come to, so if they haven't been permenantly placed they will give them a temporary address, hoping to place them before they even get here. Well, he hadn't been placed when he came so we had to put him up. I was hoping to have a few days to recover from Domi and Freddi before getting another student. Didn't happen. Daniel was here up until two days before our new exchange student, Mirelle came. Wow, talk about crazy!
Par for the course here in the Porter home.

Daniel

Mirelle Ylimaula

The day after Mirelle came we headed down to Salt Lake to enjoy the Jack Johnson concert. It was amazing and we had a really great time. I love Jack more than ever now. He is as good live (or better) than he is on his CD's.

After that life settled down a bit and we were able to just relax for a week before the kids started school.

SIXTEEN - REALLY?

2010-05-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, Kenzie is sixteen. Can you believe it? I was dreading this day. I thought for sure that she would be on a date the night of her birthday. But, thankfully she hasn't been on a date yet. She has been the kid in the family so ready to grow up. But a little slow to want to take on responsibilities. Hmmm, how does that work?
These are sixteen amazing qualities McKenzie has that make us all love her so very much.
1. She is the best nick-namer in the family. Let's see.....there's (Mom) Modge, Terg, tergie, tergula, modgula (Dad) Popsie. (Ty) ty-pie (Syd) Skidmore, Skiddle, Sydlee, Skidnee. (Brit) Britone, Britonia, Britney. (Landon) Landone (Brady) Brader-Rader.
2. She can come up with the best reasons to have to be driven to school.
3. She can avoid doing chores better than anyone in the family.
4. Her teachers always give her extensions on her homework, (they feel sorry for her) I'm sure that she looks so forlorn and neglected.
5. She has a good voice and doesn't know it.
6. Her sarcasm is at an advanced level.
7. She can spend longer in a shower, than anyone I know.
8. She has an infectious laugh. You can't help but laugh when you hear it.
9. She can go from a failing grade all semester to passing faster than anyone I know.
10. She loves her sister very much (no sarcasm). I love that my girls really like each other.
11. She can sleep the day away (actually that drives me crazy).
12. She can make the most boring things fun.
13. She's real. She has a real sense of reality and never "blows smoke".
14. She is very determined when she want something.
15. She is a beautiful girl, inside and out.
16. She is all girl. Always has been, always will be. PINK, should have been her middle name.We love McKenzie

The Artist

2010-05-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

Bob Marley- She drew this for Ty.

Wow! School is out! I am sooo looking forward to summer. It's going to be busy, crazy, but fun. But, the best part is I don't have to nag about homework. Or get up at 7:00 every morning. I can sleep in.
I wanted to put up these pictures that Sydney did this year in art. They are really good. I just can't get over why some people get lots of talent and some people get no talent (like me).

2010-05-06T09:26:00.001-07:00

So the boy is on his way. I woke up this morning and checked my email and low and behold, he had already sent a letter. I will keep his letters posted on his website. @ tylerdouglasporter.com Check it out.

AAAAHHHHH!

2010-04-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

So my boy is leaving in 10 days. Sad? Yes. Happy? Yes. Worried? Yes. Blessed YES!
He started this weird forum where you can ask him any question you want (http://www.formspring.me/tylerdporter) and he will answer it. So people were asking things about his mission and other strange questions like.....Who would you rather date? Queen Latifa or Oprah. He answered Queen Latifa (did I tell you I raised that boy right?) One of the questions was.....

Who inspires you the most? His answer was-------

my parents have definitely been the biggest inspiration in my life. They have made me the person I am today, and I love them so much for that.

See I did raise him right....

Tyler Funny Video

2010-04-19T06:56:00.000-07:00

Check out the video clip on the side, it's a little better than this one. Make sure you turn off my music first, so that you can hear it.

Hawaii Trip 2010 (start from the bottom and work your way up)

2010-04-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you click on this picture, you can get a better view of the surfer trying to catch a wave.

I loved they way the waves rolled in. Right next to our resort was this rock wall, and as the tide came in, the waves crashed along it. It was so peaceful to just sit there and watch and listen to the ocean.

As you can see, it was pretty high winds for a few days.

After snorkeling we went to the North Shore and Ty and Andrew got surf lessons from Ash the good looking surf instructor. Tyler was hoping for a girl instructor.

On the last day we went snorkeling in Waikiki off of a katamaran. The ocean was still pretty rough from the high winds so.....I got sick. But, not until after I snorkeled with the turtles. We went to what they call the turtle wash station. They come to this specific part of the reef and the fish come every morning and clean the turtles shells. Pretty amazing how nature works.

My friend Susan is the biggest Dog the Bounty Hunter fan. I had to go and try to get an autograph. Unfortunately he was away on a book tour and wouldn't return until later in the month. Here is his place of business.

Diamond Head

Hanauma Bay. Look at my earlier post and see the same picture.

I swam with a sea turtle for about ten minutes. It was so incredible. He just kept swimming around and looking back to see if I was keeping up with him.

Hanauma Bay

Polynesian Culture Center
What a way to spend the day. Our day was full from start to finish. Great entertainment, good food and lots of laughs. I have grown to love the Polynesian culture.

Kolohe Kai. They are really hot on the Island. We heard their song "Ehu Girl", over and over. Ty had some of their music on his ipod and we noticed they were performing at the Honolulu Festival, so we went and watched. They were really good. If you don't like Raggae you won't care for them though.

Beautiful Hula dancer. I want to learn to Hula like that.

Mufi Hanneman. The Mayor of Honolulu. He sang for us.

Taiko drummers. They were amazing.

As of 2009, 68 years after the explosion that destroyed Arizona, oil leaks from the hull still rise to the surface of the water. Arizona continues to leak about a quart (0.95 L) of oil per day into the harbor. Survivors from the crew say that the oil will continue to leak until the last survivor dies.

These are the names of the men that survived the bombing of the Arizona. Many of the survivors have arranged for their ashes to be placed in the ship, among their fallen comrades, upon their death and cremation. The Navy, in conjunction with the National Park Service, has recently overseen a comprehensive computerized mapping of the hull, being careful to honor its role as a war grave. The Navy is considering non-intrusive means of abating the continued leakage of oil to avoid the further environmental degradation of the harbor.

On Monday we went to Pearl Harbor. There is such a reverent feeling there. It is such a huge piece of American History. It really makes you reflect upon the many people who have given their lives to give us the freedoms that we so quickly take for granted.

Tyler showing us what a "conniving thief" looks like.

Andrew being a "conniving theif".

At the Dole Plantation. This is the "Worlds Largest Maze".

On the way to the Temple to check it out.
The country-side is beautiful there.

Syd in her future car.

This is our first day at the Ko'Olina Resort.
Pool at the Resort.

One of the 3 Lagoons at the Resort.

HAWAII

2010-03-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Bring on the SUNSHINE. I can't wait. In two weeks I will be sitting on the white beaches of Oahu. I can't wait. I am sooo not a winter girl, and always about this time of year I am ready to pull my hair out. I am itching to being digging in the dirt and feel the warm sun on my back. I want to leave the doors open and let the "stink" blow out of here. I could build a hut and catch fish and crab on a beach and be content for the rest of my dying days. But, here I sit in the tundra of Idaho and long for the warm, dry days of summer. It's just around the bend, but not soon enough. So here we come Hawaii. My last farewell before Ty leaves us for two years. So I am going to soak up the sun, soak up the time I have left with both Syd and Ty. Hopefully, I can come back refreshed and rejuvenated for the other four kids. Maybe Drew will feel that all the hard work he puts into the store is well worth it, so he can have these moments with our kids that build memories.

My Missionary Man

2010-02-17T16:58:00.001-08:00

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Lisbon, Portugal is where he will serve. May 5th is when he will leave. That's the day that we are all planning our world around now. We will all plan our lives around, before Tyler leaves on his mission, and after he leaves on his mission. We are all excited and a little apprehensive. As I am sure most families are, when they think about sending their kid off with very little contact for two years. I am grateful it is a safe country to travel to. His first choice would have been Africa. Not sure I would be so excited if he had went to Africa.
I am looking forward to going over and getting him when he is off his mission. Hope to travel around a bit and see some other places in Europe. He is happy to be serving in a place that is so rich with culture and history. I think it will really open his mind. I think the people of Portugal are going to love him and he will love the people of Portugal.

Tyler

2010-01-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

So someone tell me exactly when this little baby grew up? It seems as though it was in a blink of an eye. This week he was ordained an Elder in our church. Before he received his blessing the stake representative asked that we bare our testimony. There were so many things going through my head I just couldn't think straight.
I wish, I would have told the story that confirmed that this boy would either turn out really well or die really young.
Not long after we moved to Idaho Falls (1994) Tyler had asked if he could ride his bike around the block. We lived in a decent neighborhood and he was so excited. I agreed and off he went. Not long after he came riding home with his face beaming with pride. I thought, he was just excited that he was able to ride around the block all on his own. Later that night, I found out why he was really so proud of himself.
We had just got done washing his hair and he looked up at me and said, "Mom remember when I rode around the block (Um, yep...it was just a few hours ago.) I said, "yes". He said, "On the side walk about halfway down, were some action figures,” (not sure what the names really were). I said, "oh really?" he said, “I bent down to pick them up. I really wanted them." "Oh?" (I was thinking, I may have to give a lecture and walk him back around the block). "Well, I thought about bringing them home. I don't think they belonged to anyone. They were just left on the sidewalk. I thought about putting them in my pocket, but I knew that Heavenly Father would be sad and so would the kid that they belonged to, so I decided to leave them there." I was beaming like a 5 year old who had just ridden around the block all on my own.....I knew that boy had such an insight. He really knew right from wrong.
As much as he tormented me, he was the love of my life. My First born. I had experienced things for the first time with him. We laughed together, cried together and learned together. When his feelings were hurt, so were mine. When he was proud of himself, I was proud of him. When he felt disappointment so did I. There is a bond that we have that I will never be able to replicate with any other child. Every milestone was a first.
I hope the best for him. I have full faith that he will do all that he desires to do. I know he will stumble, but his strength will carry him. His faith will guide him. His knowledge will help him. And I will Love him.

Blessings

2010-01-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Lord has a funny way of reminding us just how strong we truly are.....He gives us a trial to conquer.
As I sit here and reflect on all the things I have read lately on the blessings in peoples lives I couldn't help but think of the many blessings I have in mine. I have friends who are out of work and on the edge of financial ruin. others that are struggling with rebellous teens, others that are facing trials in their marriages. I couldn't help but look back over this last year and remember all the blessing that have come our way.
Believe me, we haven't always been at the head of the line when the blessings were being divied up, so I just want to make sure that I acknowledge it when they are coming my way.
I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven. I know that he loves me and watches over me. I know that I have never had a trial that I couldn't overcome. I just have to remember to ask what I need to learn with the one that has been given me. I have learned so many things in life from the trials I have been given.
Be grateful for parents....Even when they are not perfect, they love you more than they can epress.
Husbands are a just big kids. If we remember that and treat them special like we would if they were our kids (ok not in any incestual way) I think they would turn the world upside down for us. Sometimes I think we forget they are really sensitive under all that testosterone.
I was talking to a lady (BTW...Landon thought I was really weird because I had a complete conversation with her while we waited for our boys to try on dress pants at JC Penney. And she was a complete stranger) who has adopted all her children from various countries. I thought to my self how lucky I was to have been able to give birth to my beautiful kids, and then it dawned on me that she probably felt so blessed for just being able to be a mother. I believe that the Lord loves his daughters more because he let us be the mothers....LOL
We have a beautiful Country. We were so lucky to drive across it and see all the beauty it has to offer. Wow, it was breathtaking.
We are living in a time with such luxury. It bothers us if we have to get up to do something with the TV. I've been completely put out this week because of my dishwasher being broke down. UUUGGGHHH, dishes by hand.
The blessings are too numerous to count.
Brittain came up to me today and said, "Mom, I just hate my life sometimes." I said to him, "Are you buried under a pile of rock, praying that someone will find you before you die?" He said, "no". My response was, "then don't ever let me catch you saying that again."
I think in the wake of all the major catastrophies we have seen over the past decade, we should always remember to count our blessings." And be thankful for "our" trials.
No matter how small be thankful for the things that help mold us into the people we are.
“May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God's blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you may your heart be strong. May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.”

Irish Blessings quotes

TO MY SWEET HUSBAND

2010-01-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

So this blog is dedicated to my sweet husband.....I just want everyone to know what an amazing and compassionate man my husband truly is. This last week a really unfortunate thing happened. It seriously upset me, more than I even realized. I felt on the verge of tears at all times. I felt attacked and victimized. He just stuck with me. He assured me all was going to be good. He helped me write a letter to the offenders and helped me to do it in a way that he (in his diplomatic manner) would do it. Instead of the way I would do it. If I had my way I would have told them what stinky-heads they are, and go after them with a vengeance.
So in his kind and loving way, he gave me space and held me when I needed it and rallied me on. He is my ROCK.
I think of myself as so independent. But the older I get the more I realize that I depend on him sooo much. This man has NO judgements of me. He never criticizes me, and in the 23 years we have been married he has yet to get mad at me and call me a name. He is the most generous man. And everything he does, he does to make me happy. Unfortunately, I can't say the same.
SO for all you woman out there who think they have the best husband in the world......Hate to burst your bubble, but WRONG! That would be ME!

Here is the card he brought home to me the other night:

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, what if you didn't sign up for extra-strength training? What if you'd rather catch a few breaks once in awhile? Is that so much to ask? At some point, you'd think you'd be entitled to a free pass or two: Skip this challenge. Avoid that crisis/ Delete those problems. It's not that you're not strong or that you don't have what it takes to get through this. You are, you do, and you will. But you've built enough character already, and it's time for things to lighten up a little!
I know it's not really my call, but if I were in charge of life's wheel of fortune, you'd get a free spin. And I'd be right there, cheering you on! - Hallmark
"I'm already cheering on on now. Just not in my loud voice!" I Love you XOX Drew

Haiti Relief

2010-01-20T07:57:00.001-08:00

2010-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

How cute is this?

2009-12-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

Brady performing for the festival of trees.

Tis' The Reason For The Season

2009-12-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

This ones for you Susan.......

I had this Christmas party with my favorite people and I thought that it would help to capture the holiday spirit.....Didn't happen. But the party was pretty darn fun.
So today as I was running around doing the shopping that I have thus far put off, it came to my attention that this is so silly......I've asked all my kids what it is they really want for Christmas and it has pretty much been like pulling teeth to get an answer out of them. So I run around looking for just the right gift or the gift that is on the list and I'm thinking.....How fun is this really going to be this year? We are going to wake up and open a pile of things that no one really needs or desperately wants. If it weren't for tradition I would say lets take the money we are going to spend and just go some where and do something....
My friend is doing just that. She is taking her family up to a cabin and spending some much needed family time with all her kids. She is like me and this will probably be the last Christmas where it is just her kids and no in-laws or Grandchildren. Where all her kids will be home and the family is still intact. I've wondered if it has hit her like it has me, that this is an end to one era and the beginning of something new and unknown?
It's not necessarily a bad thing, just different. I love Christmas....usually. I just can't seem to get my head in the game this year. Maybe its my age, maybe its their age. We need a few little people around to truly make this a magical Christmas again. It's so fun to watch those little ones with their big wide eyes. So excited and full of wonder.
My house is decorated, most of the shopping is done and the baking will commence in a day or two....I have about 8 days to get in the mood.....Come on Christmas spirit.....Come on....I know you are out there somewhere.
I think next year I will do what my friend Susan did and really find the reason for the season. We will do a count down to Christmas and find Christ in Christmas.....Our family hasn't really had any spiritual traditions. I wasn't raised in a religious home and therefore Christ was never the center of the Christmas holidays.
I will be searching this coming year for some traditions that will help us to remember what it's all about. So I think 2010 will be a good year and look forward to growing closer to my Father in Heaven.

My Girls

2009-11-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

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Take a good look at these pictures. These woman are the very reason I am here today. They are the most hard working, dedicated, stalwart, loving, kind, forgiving (some may not agree) and humorous woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I met the majority of them about 7 years ago. These woman have dedicated so much of their lives to the things in life that mean so very much. They are passionate about all that they do. The things they believe in, they do with so much of their heart and soul that others may take it as an obsession.
There have been a lot of bumps in the road over the last few years, but the only constant is that I know that they are there for me, and each other, all the time. We have each made mistakes, we are human. We have learned from them and hope that we do better next time.
Some were at one time part of a board of directors and could not enjoy the pleasure of our company. They since have stepped down. I am so glad, because life just wasn't the same without being able to have them be a part of so many wonderful experiences.....
I think everyone needs friends like these. Those of you who don't, I am sorry. I don't think life would be complete without them. I love my family but these woman complete me. They are like sisters. I feel a strong bond with them. I love their kids like my nieces and nephews, and we plan which kids will marry each other. Tee-hee :-)
A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world- Leo Buscaglia
Lucky for me I have 7 amazing people in my world. What a beautiful garden they make.

The Birthday Party

2009-11-16T14:43:00.001-08:00

I can't begin to tell you how much I was dreading the"big birthday party". Back in the day, I loved doing parties but the older I have become, and the more children I accumulate, the less I have enjoyed it. So, I just wasn't at all looking forward to the stress of a birthday party.
To my surprise, it was a lot of fun. Brady invited all 30 kids in his class, and out of 30, 16 showed up. They were happy and excited and very well behaved. Lucky for me, a few parents stuck around to keep an eye on all those little ones, since we were having it at our neighborhood pool house. Brady had a fantastic time and felt very special since so many of his friends came. Also, he must be quite the ladies man......there were more girls than boys that night.
I would also like to give a shout out to my good friend Viki for making a special football cake just for Brady.

Great, Great Brady's Eight

2009-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Brady Matthew Porter turned eight on November 2nd. Here are eight reasons to Love him.

He will try anything and go anywhere. He is very adventurous. That would explain why he could ride a scooter at eighteen months and run circles around a ten year old with it. He could jump on a tramp at 14 months and he also decided to go on an adventure when he was about 20 months down Ammon Road, with the dog.
His smile will light up a room. You can’t help but smile when he smiles.
He has the most beautiful blue eyes just like my Mom. When I look at them, I see her.
He love people. When he meets someone they are him instant best friend He and Tyler's room-mates family wrapped around his finger in a matter of minutes.
He LOVES sports. Not watching....playing
He’s really cute and he know it whenever I tell him he’s cute, he says, “I know”. In a very matter of fact way.
He loves to snuggle with me. Even on our ride coming home from Florida, he would reach up from the back seat and just want to hold my hand. He’s a very loving and caring boy.
He was soooo excited to be baptized. We had the Missionaries over to teach him the discussions before we went on vacation. He was so attentive. He remembered the lessons he was taught and when we went to interview with the Bishop he attempted to tell him all the different things he learned. I think he thought it was a pass or fail test.

We are so proud of the decision Brady made to be baptized, and we love him very much. Our family would not be complete without him.

My Daughter is an Adult

2009-10-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it was inevitable.....No matter what I do they just seem to keep getting older and older. Sydney Ashlee Porter came into the world on October 25th. She was born at 7:40 am. She was one of the easiest births but I came the closest to dying while giving birth to her. She was such a skinny little thing. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 11oz., but she was 22 inches long. Syd was a busy baby. She loved to just go around like a cyclone. Her mission was to seek and destroy. In some ways she was an easy going child but boy in some ways I was convinced she just wanted to prove what an awful mother I truly was. No matter how hard I tried she just never seemed very happy. Funny thing is, as an infant she smiled non stop. Everyone commented on what a beautiful baby with a beautiful smile. "She smiled at air". Syd spent much of her childhood in La-La land. She preferred it there. She once commented that she liked La-La land, because she could dance and sing and there were flowers everywhere. I'm really glad she had somewhere to go in those moments when being where she was, was just to much for her to handle. LOL
Here are the Eighteen reasons I Love Syd!

1. Syd has some seriously wicked sarcasm.
2. She has always been so grown up. Logic was never wasted on her.
3. She is sooooo patient with McKenzie. Most big sisters would have choked her in her sleep by now.
4. She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit.
5. She is a really good friend, but doesn't need to be surrounded by her friends constantly.
6. Syd has a mind of her own. She is kind of like her mom in that way. If you piss her off you will definitely know about it.
7. She is a great leader. The kids at school really look to her a role model.
8. She's really the only one that follows this blog, so at least she will see this post.
9. She's a good shopping buddy. She doesn't linger too long and we don't have to try on everything in the store. She doesn't beg me for things either.
10. Syd's a great organizer. When I need something organized, I leave it to her.
11. She is a good dancer.
12. She has a really nice voice. I like to hear her sing.
13. She has made a really good chauffeur.
14. I never have to remind her to do her homework.
15. She barrows all my clothes (that's not the good thing) the good thing is when she gets a job and buys her own clothes I'm going to get pay back.
16. She is NOT boy crazy. I have non of the typical teenage worries with Syd.
17. She lived through her childhood, despite the fact I almost killed her. (Ask her about the gum story)
18. She's been an awesome kid and I think she is going to be an even more amazing adult.

FLORIDA

2009-10-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

So I am leaving for Florida this weekend, to go and see my boy graduate from college. I am so NOT looking forward to the drive, but I am looking forward to having some time with Ty. Tyler is flying into Denver and I am meeting him there, so that he can help me drive the remainder of the trip to Orlando. I am so proud of him for accomplishing his dream. He will be the very first child in my family to get their Bachelors degree. He has worked hard and made a lot of sacrifice to do this.
Wish me luck and pray that we make it safely.

We also will be going through Ohio and plan to go to Nauvoo, and also go to see Andrew's Aunt that he hasn't seen since he was a little boy. He is really looking forward to that.
As soon as we get back we will be having Brady baptized. Tyler will be performing the baptism and Brady is so excited to have Ty do that for him.
So if you don't hear from me for a while it is because I am on the road. TTFN

My Baby Is Growing Up

2009-10-14T12:21:00.001-07:00

Every time I turn around I feel like my kids are getting older and older. Lately it seems as though time is moving at an alarming rate. Brady is my baby and it seems like just yesterday that he was born. I remember so clearly the day he came into the world and everyone gathered around my bed wanting to see the baby. He was so big and perfect. Sydney wanted to name him Brad not Brady. I wasn't going for it.
He is going to be eight next month and will be getting baptized. I can't imagine where the time went.....Wow all of my children baptized. No more baptisms to plan, that just seems so surreal.
I feel as though I missed out on him being two and three because I was so involved in getting the charter school up and going. I think we were in meetings at least two nights a week. I am sad that I didn't have the time to read to him like I did the other kids.
I'm going to miss Brady wanting to come in and snuggle in my bed (fortunately he still enjoys his Mommy time). He is such a love, he is always ready with a hug and kiss when he sees me. I didn't think I would ever say this but....... I really miss having little kids around. I miss their soft little feet and there squishy little hands, and their belly laughs. I miss hearing them squeal when you tickle them, and them coming to you for a kiss when they get a boo-boo. I miss going to preschool activities and watching them sing all the cute songs that Ms. Jeanne taught them.
So here is the day I thought would never come. The day I say how sad I am that my babies are growing up.

Here's to Camy....Happy 40th!

2009-08-31T10:45:00.001-07:00

Since I do this for my kids, I thought I would do this for my good friend Camy Hertz. Some of these are repeated because they are things I had her other friends list about her. I had everyone do 10 things.

Susan said:
1. She is very wisdomy
2. She just introduced me to some GREAT facial scrub. It is like a massage on the face!
3. She is SUPER kind hearted
4. Extremely Practical
5. Open to new ideas
6. Not judgemental of people
7. Lots of fun to be around
8. Kind mother, you know she loves her children.
9. She has a lot of brains!
10. Funny

Linda said:

Camy is:
is a loyal friend
good listener
GREAT board member!! They are so missing out!!
level-headed
open-minded
devoted mom
has a great memory and
sharp mind
easy to be around
fun to be around!!

Terri said:

Camy is....
Funny
clever
wise beyond her years
sneeky (never get on Camy's bad side....it would be scary)
loyal
classy
loving
a "little F'r"
smart
centered in her beliefs

Viki writes:
"Camy is.. a Caring person, Always trustworthy, Motherly, and Youthful.

Christina says:

Camy is gentle, has a very warm smile, a very kind heart, beautiful toes, a fast finger for texting, and I love her sense of humor, which more than makes up for the last 5!

18 Reasons the Porter Family Loves Dominika

2009-08-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

1. Domi has an amazing smile.
2. She has the most amazing green eyes.
3. She has a smile for everybody.
4. She wants to do and see and experience everything. She has a very adventurous spirit.
5. Domi is such a goofy girl.
6. She takes more pictures of herself than anyone I know.
7. Domi has a pure heart.
8. She has an innocence about her.
9. Domi loves to make people happy.
10. She is very forgiving.
11. She loves animals (especially puppies).
12. She understood our sarcasm and gives it back.
13. She was an amazing friend to Sydney and McKenzie.
14. She is a great pouter when she wants something....
15. She is a very intelligent person.
16. She fit into our family like a hand in a glove.
17. Domi loves her family very much and she is a special person because of them.
18. She loves us........ :)

Happy 18th Birthday Domi....Now go get that license!

20 Reasons I Love Tyler

2009-08-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

1. Wow, he's 6' 5"!
2. He's so handsome.
3. He's wise beyond his years. I sometimes wonder who should be the parent.
4. He let me work out the kinks on him.
5. He has a beautiful smile.
6. Tyler is a great older brother.
7. He has an eye for beauty.
8. He is not influenced by others. He holds firm to the truth.
9. He is a great and loyal friend.
10. Tyler has always had the ability to see the reality of who a person truly is. If they are unkind or an unsavory person, or not of high character than they are not the type of person he wants to be around.
11. He calls people on their crap. Even me sometimes.
12. He's forgiving.
13. He is full of life and energy. He was never a hyper kid but never one to sit around and waste a good day on a video game.
14. He stands his ground when he needs to, but will bend and adapt when necessary.
15. His tolerance for ignorance is limited. (I had to put this because he's like me in this way)
16. He honors his parents.
17. He has the spirit of a giant, but with much humility.
18. He is soooo compassionate. I remember when he was about in 4th grade, the boy next door kept getting bullied. the neighbor boy out-weighed Ty by about 50 pounds, but was very timid. This bully kept coming behind the neighbor boy and ramming into him with his bike. So Tyler stood in front of him and told him to knock it off. The bully said, "what are you going to do?" So Ty leaned over and knocked him down and said, "you need to stop being a jerk.....got it?" The kid stopped picking on the neighbor after that.
He also wants to do many things to help the people of the world who are suffering. He wants to make documentaries, about the plight of the people in Uganda, serve in the Peace Corp or do some kind of volunteer work to help others. I'm sure he has many other ideas of how to help people.
19. He loves me, even though I was pretty hard on him as a kid.
20. Tyler is an amazing human being. If he weren't my kid, (oh yeah, he's not a kid anymore) I would still want to be his friend. He makes our family complete and we all love him so very much.
HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY TY!

Ten Reasons I Love Landon

2009-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

1. Landon is very humorous and sarcastic. He makes me laugh.
2. He is a leader. Friends look to Landon to know what to do and how to do it.
3. Landon is cautious and careful.
4. Landon is quick to liven things up when they get dull.
5. He can pout better than anyone I know.
6. He knows what he wants and he stops at nothing to get it.
7. He respects girls (not his sisters).
8. His teachers (both at church and at school) love his insight.
9. Landon is a hard worker, when he wants to be.
10. His little brother loves him so much and Landon loves his little brother (he just doesn't know it yet).
Happy 10th birthday Landon!!!!!

Brittain is Thirteen....The 13 Reasons I Love Him

2009-07-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

1. Thanks to Brittain I now have 4 teenagers.
2. Brittain is witty like his Dad.
3. He stands for what is right and won't back down.
4. He is ancient beyond his years. He will make an extraordinary adult.
5. Being fair is the most important thing to Brittain.
6. This kid is so funny....I have to tell you something he did when he was about 7.....We were in the car and a discussion on getting Syd a bra came up. He said, "why does Syd need a bra?", I said...."boobs, you heard of them?" He looked at me and thought for a minute, he said, "BOOBS....coming....to a theater near you."
7. He is a genius....he is so analytical he often out thinks his teachers. It's so fun to watch his brain at work.
8. He has a contagious smile, and beautiful blue eyes.
9. He knows when he is right and there is no changing his mind.
10. He is a great actor...drama is in the soul of Brittain.
11. He has a strong testimony.
12. He loves scouts and camping (more power to you Brittain).
13. Brittain memorizes things really well.....When we were at my sisters this summer, I was talking about my great nephew Lucas and saying he had a very expressive face. Britt, pipes in and says, "the face of a child says a lot of things, especially the mouth part of the face." by Jack Handy......

Long Overdue Update

2009-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Since I just got caught up on everyones blog, I thought I should sit down and catchup on my own....Where to start....
Well, at the beginning of the summer we went to Oregon and visited with family. Although it is usually an exhausting experience the kids enjoyed it thoroughly because they get to visit with their cousins and their Aunties and Uncles.
On the way there we stopped at Multnomah Falls and walked up to the look out point.

My sister took the boys fishing. They had a great time with their Aunt and I got to watch my great nephew Lucas.

We also went to the coast, but it was cold and wet.

Then we went downtown and checked out the Rose Festival events. It was a lot of fun.

We had a few good days of warm weather and went to my niece Delisa's and the kids swam in her pool and worked on their tans.

After a week we needed to head home, but on the way home, just outside of Hood River we got a flat tire. Luckily, Tyler was with us and he was able to change it. He wasn't happy that his shoes got dirty in the process.

The day we got home my sister Susi called and said she had a layover in Jackson Hole and we should come up and see her.....So back in the van we went and spent a few hours up in JH.We have done many other things this summer, and will fill you in on those when I have some more time to kill.

Happy Birthday McKenzie

2009-04-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

15 things I Love about McKenzie.

1. Kenzie is one of the most compassionate people I know. Whenever she sees someone hurting or being hurt she always feels bad for them. When kids make fun of someone she wants to stop the person, but often her shyness stands in the way.

2. She adores little children. She loves kids and she bonds with them like they are her own. She dreams of the day she will be able to be a mom.

3. She is a kidder. She loves to tease people.

4. She is a great friend. She likes people that are positive and that try to be upbeat and she tries to be the same. She doesn't like to gossip about other friends and hates it when her friends do.

5. She makes decisions that aren't popular because she knows it's the right thing to do.

6. She is very smart. She just hasn't figured it out yet.

7. She is willing to try anything. She has an adventurous soul. Loves to do thrilling things.

8. Kenzie can sleep longer and later than anyone I know.

9. She has the greatest smile.

10. She loves to do acts of kindness for others. She's always the first one to want to bring cookies or brownies to a new neighbor. And loves it when we have others over for dinner.

11. Kenzie is very protective of her little brothers. Don't get me wrong they drive her crazy also, but if anyone picks on them she doesn't take it very well.

12. She is great at holding her tongue, (NOT with me). But, when someone says something rude to her...no matter how bad she wants to get angry, she just bites her tongue and doesn't say anything.

13. Kenzie sees the good in people. She likes to think the best of people and is often surprised when someone disappoints her.

14. She has the most amazing brown eyes. All she ever has to do is bat her big brown eyes and she can pretty much get whatever she wants.

15. She makes our family complete. What would we do without her? She makes us laugh and we really enjoy seeing her smile.

Abby, Sydney and Marissa

2009-04-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Abby, Marissa and Sydney choreographed this dance from Britney Spears Circus song. They also performed this at the talent show.

Sydney and Marissa

2009-04-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sydney and Marissa sang this song in the High school talent show. Breathe by Anna Nalick.

The Virgin Islands

2009-04-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

My boy was going to come home for Spring Break but, his best friend is working in the Virgin Islands so he thought it would be nice for him to have a few more experiences while away at school. I told him to go and have a great time. After all he will be home for a whole month in June. It is also cheaper for him to fly to the VI than for him to fly home. I thin he's having a great time. Here are some pictures.....

The Disappointment

2009-04-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but for some reason, I always think the best of people and somehow end up being disappointed. Do you think when you are more cognizant of how you treat others, you expect others to be the same? Or do I just live in a world that I think people are just idealistically good? I don't know, but I choose to continue to let people disappoint me in order to not be tainted and think the worst of people. I also refuse to become like them....I will not, just blow someone off at the last minute. Not call when going to be late. Expect someone to bend over backwards for me without doing some bending of my own. Or just take advantage of others generosity and goodness.
If I become this way....please kick me in the butt.

Think Spring

2009-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Thought that if I posted some flowers from my iphoto album and thought hard enough about spring I could make it happen. Everyone join me and THINK SPRING.

Viva Las Vegas

2009-04-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

We left for Vegas Tuesday morning. Crammed everyone in the car and took off. Our first stop was at the Saturn dealership. We are looking at buying a new car and since we don't have a Saturn dealership here in IF, I wanted to stop and check one out. Then we drove down to Ceder City. We drove up the canyon thinking we would head up to Bryce Canyon. Little did we know it was about 2 1/2 hours away. When we figured that out we decided we would hit it on the way back. We found our hotel and settled in for the night. The next morning we got up early so that we could get to Vegas before ten and hit the cheap tickets place and get seats for the Tournament of Kings. As we were hitting Vegas we realized that they were an hour behind us and we were happy because we were getting close to the time the tickets went on sale. Luckily we were able to get seats for the 8:30 show. We hung out the rest of the day and saw some of the sights, had lunch, and bought souvenirs. Then we checked into our hotel at the Stratosphere.
We had given the boys strict instructions not to look up at the billboards, at any buses or trucks driving by, don't look at the ground, and definitely do NOT take any flyers from the guys standing on the streets. So basically we should have just blindfolded them. They were pretty taken back by all the skin shown.
We had a blast at the show that night, and we were definitely the best country (although we were France:( )....we really cheered for our HOT King. The girls loved the show and I think the boys did too. Later that night we walked down the strip so that we could check out more of the casinos and all the cool attractions. We made it down to Caesars Palace. Then we sat there until Drew walked back and got the car. The boys crashed while we waited.
We got up early the next morning so we could see more. We went up to the top of the Stratosphere...that was really cool....the kids (except Brady...he was to small) went on the Roller Coaster at NY, NY. We bought some more souvenirs and from there we headed up to Hoover Dam. What an amazing structure.....I just stood in awe over the vastness of the whole thing.
We made it to Bryce Canyon pretty late in the day and unfortunately the light was almost gone.
We pulled into our driveway about 3:30 A.M. If I overlook all the fighting in the back seat it was a good trip. We saw a lot and nobody got lost. They may be a little less innocent, but . . . .

Facebook

2009-02-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

It's been a really long time since I have added anything to my blog. I have to admit, I have become a Facebook Junkie. Yes.....My name is Terri and I am a Facebook addict.
I can't help myself...I am on several times a day just to see if any of my friends are on. I have come across people I haven't talked to in 20+ years. I have talked to cousins, long lost friends and yes....old boyfriends. Weird. It's totally fun just to see what is going on with people in their daily lives.
I know I need to keep up with my blog, but frankly things don't change a lot in my life in order to keep a constant running dialogue.
My kids are on there so I get to see what their thoughts are for the day. What a better way to keep up on all the goings on in their lives?
So, I guess if any of you feel I need an Intervention you can feel free to get a hold of Ken Seeley, and I will meet you at the hotel. I will look forward to hearing all the wonderful things all of you have to say to me about my life before Facebook.
Oh Yeah! Did I mention I have a bit of an addiction to the show Intervention?

Dominika

2009-01-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Here is our new exchange student. Sweet girl. I am so glad to have her here. I think she will be a great asset to our family.

Christmas and New Years

2009-01-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

We had a really great Christmas this year. Tyler came home (not that he wasn't home last year) it always makes us feel a little more complete when he is here. I think the boys are really going to have a hard time with him leaving this time. He is going to be gone until July before we see him again.
Our Christmas was a little low key this year. Of course they got their usual pj's on Christmas Eve. But over all we just really downsized this year. Here are a few pictures of them hamming it up for the camera.

New Years

I had my good friends here for New Years Eve. We had a blast. we played some games (Skittles game, and the chocolate bar game. You have to put on gloves, hat and scarf before the person in front of you rolls doubles. The goal is get all the stuff on and open the bar of chocolate with a knife and fork and eat it. It was a lot of fun. We also made some really yummy Chinese food and totally pigged out on junk food.
A good time was had by all.

Prom Night

2008-12-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

Today was Sydney's first date. She was so nervous. Her friends came over to help her get ready and I could see it in her eyes that she was just petrified. Luckily it was with a good friend of hers. Her and Jace have known each other for 5 years and are two peas in a pod. They are both really genius but are a little socially backwards. They are forgetful and scatterbrained but they "get" each other.
It was really cute how excited she was that his tie matched her dress. She was just giddy. I hope she has a great time and this experience is good for her.
I still remember my first date, and believe me that was a LONG time ago.

Festival of the Trees

2008-11-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

The boys started ballroom in
October. This was their first
performance. Aren't they cute?

Word of the Week

2008-11-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

At the kids school they have a pretty intense program that helps them to master the 1200 ACT vocabulary words. I love it when my kids tell me the meaning of a word they have just learned. Many times I don't even know the meaning. Sometimes they will hear a word and just spontaneously blurt out the definition. So I thought it would be fun to work on our own vocabulary words at home. This week the word is farcical (Far sickle) meaning absurd or ridiculous. They have to see how many times they can use it in a proper sentence. They have had a lot of fun doing that.
It has been a very farcical week this week.

Weekend

2008-11-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

My best friend came up from Utah this weekend, with her kids Jake and Bryce. Oh yeah, and Bella (the dog). We had a great visit. She is so refreshing, and she makes me laugh all the time. My kids had fun, too. We took a trip up to Swan Valley (my kids insist we do an annual trip in the fall). The leaves were all gone, but it was nice outside. We had to stop at the Square Ice cream store, of course. We took pictures at the Dam, and the Dam store. The kids always like to think of all the things they can call the Dam..... It's legal swearing, I guess.
Can someone please fill us in on what Rip-Rap is?

Danny, Nick (Bridegroom) and Drew

2008-10-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

Me and My Sisters

2008-10-27T13:12:00.001-07:00

These are my sisters. L to R Gayle, Kathy, Me and Susi

Rescued birds

2008-10-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Pacific Beach

2008-10-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

The water was so warm. I wish I had worn shorts down to the beach. It was a very windy day though. They had actually forcast a mini hurricane at the coast of San Diego, which is almost unheard of.

Trip to San Diego

2008-10-14T09:37:00.001-07:00

Nick and Jen's Wedding

Cute couple. Married October 10, 2008. Twenty one years after Andrew and I.

We were able to feed the Bat-Ray's by hand and pet them. It was a really cool experience.

Seaworld

My Great Nephew Luke and his Dad Scott.

Cool Pictures

2008-10-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Rule Breaking Runs in the Family

2008-10-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

McKenzie learned some great things from her Uncle Doug. They are quite the rule breakers check out the signs.

Jeremy Horn and Doug

2008-10-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Terri

2008-10-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Andrew, Doug, myself and my best friend Brooke went to a ThrowDown show this last weekend. For those of you that don't know what this is, it's MMA fighting, like the UFC. My brother in law Doug is working on a deal with them and we were able to get floor seats to the fights. We had a really good time and I especially had a great time getting to see Brooke.

We were able to meet Jeremy Horn (Professional MMA fighter) and Doug got a picture with him.

Porter's at Mesa Falls

2008-10-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

We took Andrew's brother Doug up to Mesa Falls this weekend. It was beautiful this time of year. We have never been up there before. Landon did a report on Mesa Falls at the beginning of the school year and after having seen the photo's, we decided we wanted to go up there this fall.

luau pictures

2008-09-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

My nephew Nick and his Fiance

2008-09-23T10:00:00.001-07:00

This is my Nephew Nick and his soon-to-be wife Jen. They
are getting married in San Diego on October 10th (my 21
anniversary). We are heading down there on the 8th. I am
really excited for him. I have never met her, but all of those who have, have been very taken with her cute personality. I am excited to go back to San Diego I haven't been back there for 22 years. It's a beautiful city.
Isn't my nephew cute. I love his dimples. He's a really great person too.
There is a cool article on them about there wedding in the Bride and Groom magazine. You can check it out at
sandiegobrideandgroom.com.

Football Season

2008-09-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

Brady started football last week . He really loves it. He plays offensive lineman. He really prides himself in not allowing that boy to get past him. The boy that is directly behind Brady (in the picture) is an old neighbor of ours. They moved away for a couple of years and just moved back last year. The boys used to play together all the time. Trey's older brother was Britt's best friend in first and second grade. I am glad they are back. Trey and Brady seem to have a lot in common.

AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

2008-09-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, I feel better having let that out. Well, not really but I feel like I could just let out one big huge aaarrrggghh! My life seems to be one trial after another right now, people living in my house, more people living in my house, business slow, oh yeah and did I tell you I have a potential Dylan Klebold (Columbine killer) living in my house. NOT! You would think so though.
Wednesday I got a call from school that I needed to pick up my son at school because he went ballistic and kicked the crap(literally, about 10x's) out of a girl. Yeah, a girl.
I am of two minds about it. 1. As a mom I want to shake him and ask him, "what the crap were you thinking"? 2. I want to hug him and say, "what did that mean snotty girl say to you that caused you to react that way"? (I have been told that 12 year old girls have the market on "snot factor".
I have had tons of advice, along with lots of other very "helpful friends" tell me things like, "yes my daughter says that he is always yelling at people and losing his temper and being mean". Thank. you. for. that, especially in front of all my other friends. I mean gee, could you have thought of a better way to say publicly, "you suck as a mother and your kid has problems". But, you know I will consider the source. This person seems to gain great joy and self esteem from telling me my kids are losers and hers a perfect. so.......
I have weighed out a lot of options as to whether or not to keep him in the charter school, send him to a "normal" public school, or home school him. I have a phone call to a woman who I feel is the "child guru". She is the most amazing person when it comes to dealing with kids and their bad behavior but also really putting things into perspective and allowing me to see things for what they really are. She is really busy, but I hope she can shed some light on this dilemma before I burst with anxiety.
Maybe someone can answer this for me? Do some kids just not ever get along well with kids? Should I keep him home until he is older (and maybe shaving) and dealing with peers that may be able to better understand him? I don't think he has anything psychologically wrong with him. I think he just doesn't like to be told he is wrong, and I think he doesn't give himself permission to be wrong. So maybe if he understands that it's okay not to always know everything, or to be the smartest or allow other people to have an opinion even if he doesn't agree, that is okay too.
I don't know....Why is being a parent so hard? I hate knowing that the decisions I make now will forever have a lasting affect on who he is and what kind of person he becomes.
Oh please pray I can get through this motherhood thing without really creating a Columbine killer. I think that is all any mother really wants out of life.

The County Fair

2008-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

The County Fair. What a joy :) Our family (minus all who have a teen in there age) went to the Fair this last weekend. We went on Saturday. I figured with it being the first day, and the weather being beautiful it would be packed. To my amazement, it wasn't. This is a tradition the kids look forward to every year, and Andrew and I count down the days (hint...a bit of sarcasm).
I know, you are all saying to yourselves......."What about the fair could they not just love?" Well, let's just start with.......in the fourteen years we have lived in southeast Idaho, the fair has never changed. I could tell you exactly every attraction that will be there, even the booths in the exhibitors barn. The same food booths, the same rides, probably even the same Carnies....I'm not sure about that, only because they scare me and I can't look at them for more than just a fraction of a second. I think the hardest thing about raising a large family is, doing the same things year after year (tradition) and trying to be as excited the fourteenth time as you were the first time. Not sure I do a good job of it, however, I am still doing those same things, so give me a few kudos for that.
The thing that amazes me the most about the State Fair is, the people that it attracts.....I know, I am one of those people. I look at them and wonder where they hide the other 364 days of the year? There are not enough trailer parks in all of Idaho to house all of these people. I think if they set up a dental booth, to replace all of the missing teeth these people have, someone would make a killing. (I know I am being really "Harbor" right now)
I don't think a year has gone by where I haven't walked away from this place feeling rather sick to my stomach. I'm not sure if it's the "amazing" Cuisine, or the pleasant "aromatic" smells from the barn.
Every year we have to spend an unfathomable amount on tickets for rides. I know you say to yourself, "buy the bracelets", but, even for just the three boys it would have cost $90 for bracelets. NOT going there. So instead we spend $50 and get 6 or 7 rides each. I know doesn't make sense. My logic for not buying the bracelets is......If we buy the bracelets we have to be there until they are sick of riding the rides. If we buy the tickets, once they are gone, we go home.
So once again we survived the Idaho State Fair and we start the countdown just waiting for the next one.....361, 360, 359..... I can't wait.

GNO

2008-08-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Girls Night Out! That's the official name. I'm not sure who decided this was going to be a continuous thing, but I'm glad they did. I have to say it is the thing I look forward to the most (out of all my social activities).
The women that I get together with are some of the most incredible women I know. We have laughed together, cried together and acted like petty, gossiping teenagers together. The loyalty I feel for these women I can't put into words. Something recently happened to one of them that was truly devastating and I felt like it happened directly to me. I felt as protective as a mother bear and wanted to rip out the throats of all of those people that were responsible for her pain.
The women in this group all have a different story to tell, some struggle in their marriages, some with there weight, some just struggle to pull themselves out of bed in the morning, but somehow we have all found a commonality that pulls us together and bonds us forever.
I feel I can tell these people anything. I truly trust them (probably more than family). They are some of the most honorable and noble people I know. Let me just tell a little bit of some of the things we have gone through together. Divorce, miscarriages, hospital stays (near death, whether she admits it or not), loss of parents, moving away (but keeping in touch, I hope), major illnesses, devastating diagnosis', struggles with children, marriage, and four years of a very large roller coaster ride that comes with all of the ups and downs you could imagine.
I just want to thank these women for helping me to grow, to really know compassion, to have patience, bite my tongue, and endure to the end.
I love you guys!

Long Time No Blog

2008-08-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

I realize it's been a while since I have posted a blog, but honestly up until this week there hasn't been a lot going on. However, this week has been more than enough drama for anyone. First off my sister came in on Monday morning then on that same day a very sad thing happened to one of my founder friends. Let's just suffice it to say that when some people get a little bit of power they make sure everyone around them knows who is in charge, and will do whatever it takes to keep people from standing up for what they believe in.
Then our friend Brian's friend has come here to stay for a while because her ex husband has taken her children and she doesn't know where they are, and she can't deal with it on her own. Poor girl. I can't imagine the pain she is in right now.
Also, my kids started school this week. I should be excited but with everything else that is happening, I just want to crawl back in bed when they leave and not get out.
I will try and get back into the swing of things and get to posting some more blogs, here and there.

The Summer

2008-08-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

So this summer has been rather uneventful. There is not much to write about.We did T-ball and a tennis camp we have gone to Lava Hot springs and Boise we also went to Island Park, but overall it has been a very low key summer. The kids start back to school next Wednesday and I'm of two minds about it. I'm excited to have a few hours a day with nobody fighting or arguing. However I am not looking forward to homework and bed time and waking kids up in the morning and pulling myself out of bed in the morning.
My sister is coming up next week for 5 days, that should be some fun. We are planning on going up to Yellowstone for a day with them.

Brady water skiing

2008-07-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Brady Water skiing

We went up to Island Park this weekend with our neighbors. We had a really good time. Brady and Brittain both decided to try their hand at water skiing. Brady got up on the first time and the second time he took off from the dock. We were so proud of him.

Tagged

2008-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my Friend Jen, so here are some random things about me...

Four Places I've Lived:

1. Lynnwood, Washington

2. Roseville, CA

3. Gresham, OR

4. Banks, OR

Four Favorite Books

1. The Other Boleyn Girl

2. The Work and the Glory Series

3. Holes

4. Twilight Series

Four Favorite Movies

1. Ever After

2. Steel Magnolias

3. Hope Floats

4. August Rush

Four Embarrassing Facts About Me

1. I snore (according to my husband)

2. I always wait until the last day possible to pay my house payment.

3. I dropped my underwear on the bus (after a sleepover with a friend) in high school and the boys played keep away with them.
4. I hate to go to weddings.

Four Dreams of Mine
1. To travel the world
2. To travel the world
3. I want to live long enough to see my children and their children become great people.
4. To play at a 4.0 level in tennis.

Four Pet Peeves
1. Feet (everything about them)
2. People who are offended by my being a picky eater.
3. Parents who let their kids feel entitled to do or say whatever they want even if its intrusive, wrong or just plain mean.
4. When my children get into my stuff when they know they are not supposed to

I tag

!. Viki
2. Megan
3. Tyler

Memory Tag

2008-07-18T15:07:00.001-07:00

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Tiger and Tucson

2008-07-16T13:22:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, my friend Jen is breaking into the photography business. She has a natural talent and has taken some amazing pictures. I thought I would share a few of my little neighbor boys that she took the other day. What beautiful kids.

My slide show

2008-07-14T09:20:00.001-07:00

Tyler

2008-07-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Jen Lucas

Syd

2008-07-10T10:39:00.002-07:00

Photos taken by Jen Lucas

McKenzie

2008-07-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

Photos taken By Jen Lucas

2008-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Jen is doing some experimenting with different lighting and decided she wanted to do a picture with my shoes in there. We came up with an idea for a really cool photo layout. You will have to wait for it in it's entirety, but it is a really cool idea.

Ty and Brady

2008-07-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

He Comes and Goes

2008-06-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

So he has been here for two days and I already am dreading him leaving. Everybody's whole attitude is different in the home. Everyone is happy and getting along (for the most part). I don't want to share him with his friends. He is going to be gone another 5 1/2 months before we see him again. WHAA
I didn't think it would be this hard when your kids leave the home. He is doing really well, school suits him and he is flourishing. He also appreciates home so much more.
We have lots of plans for his time here, but then we go back next Saturday to take him to the airport. I think we will all be sad to see him go.

Tyler's poem for Public Speaking class

2008-06-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

I am the rabbit in the magician’s hat
I am the wind beneath your wings
I am the twinkle in your eye
I am brighter than the suns rays
I am the raisins on your raisin bread
I am as fresh as febreeze
I am the apple bottom jeans and the boots with the fur
I am the dew that lies gently on the grass on a quiet misty morning
I am Tyler Douglas Porter

Needless to say he had the whole class laughing.

Summer Fun?

2008-06-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

OK so I know all of you will say a big fat "I told you so". So I thought summer vacation was going to be much more relaxing than it has been so far. Minus the great three days in Park City, it has been highly stressful and non stop running. Hopefully this week will be a little more relaxed but I am not holding my breath. All I really want to do is sit in my flower beds and pull weeds all day. Yeah, I know most of you are thinking......"and that is fun?" It is truly one of the most relaxing things I can do. Whenever I am stressed, I just walk outside and start pulling a few weeds. Yes I said pulling...not smoking.
This week is going to be filled with preparation, because Ty is coming home next Saturday. We are so excited. I know it is going to go way to fast, but hopefully we can savor every moment.
BTW did I tell any of you that I am going to do a luau with my neighbors next week. I am trying to learn all the dances. It is a lot of fun. We are doing it in the green chapel next Saturday night. Whoo hoo.
My lawn is starting to come in it is really exciting. The bummer is going out every 30-60 minutes and moving to hose. Yeah, I know...we should have put the sprinklers in first, but I was so tired of dirt and mud all over my hard wood floors I said, "let's just throw down some seed and go from there."

2008-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Reflections Back
As this day has been quickly approaching I have been a little surprised by my feelings that come with it. As you all know I am not the mother who sat weeping on the couch as my Kindergartner took his first steps on to the school bus, afraid that he didn’t need me anymore, that his attachment to me wasn’t as strong as it once was. Rather, I was the mom who invited all her friends over to celebrate the slight bit of freedom, I would get for 2 1/2 hours a day. I thought I would be doing the same as he takes his first steps alone out into the real world.
However, this day has filled me with so much apprehension that it kind of scares me to think of the attachment that I have grown to him. “He doesn’t need me anymore.” I know he does, especially when the funds are growing low. But, he doesn’t “need” me anymore.
I have been fortunate to have raised such a bright, honest, responsible, respectful and productive young man. He has exceeded any expectations that I could have hoped for. I am so proud to be his mom. I wish you could have all been with me this day to “celebrate” this slight bit of freedom.

2008-06-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

The cutest kid on the block.

Here is my neighbor. He was one of the contestants in American Idol. We went up to Rexburg this weekend to watch him perform in "guitars unplugged", he was awesome. What a cute and humble kid. I think he will really go somewhere in this world. When he went to LA for American Idol, he wasn't very confident. Since then, he has grown so much, and he really shined on stage tonight. We are so proud of him.
If you ever have the chance to get up and see this event, it is well worth your time. We had so much fun, and there was a lot of talent.

Brady and Brittain

2008-06-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ty and Syd

2008-06-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

McKenzie and Landon

2008-06-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Where did the time go?

2008-06-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

So I came across these pictures today when I was trying to finish my blog, and I thought....how is it possible that all these babies are people now? They have grown up so fast. They think for themselves they create problems for themselves and they make their own decisions.....for the most part. As a person there isn't much I regret. The mistakes I have made, I have learned from and the great decisions I have rejoiced in. But as a mother I always wonder...Have I done enough? Have I listened enough? Am I there for them enough? I don't think there is a mother on this Earth that hasn't questioned their abilities as a mother. Do you think it is our conscience asking those questions, so that the next day you wake up you try a little harder?
I know I wasn't a great mom to Tyler. I made mistakes. I spanked to quickly, I yelled to often, I was to impatient. But he always tells me that I was great. Hopefully they forget all the mistakes we made, as we forget what little stinkers they really were.

Excitement

2008-06-03T15:33:00.001-07:00

I can barely contain myself. I put my exchange student on the plane today. I don't think you can understand the relief I feel. It wasn't a horrible experience, but it left a lot to be desired. Just one more kid to cart around and one more mouth to feed. And like all kids they are great at consuming but they really suck at replenishing. He wasn't a defiant kid or even rude, but he was an 18 year old male, the only things he thought about were girls and cars.
I am looking forward to school being out. This week I have two baseball games. I am instructing for three days at the tennis club. We still have soccer. And I also have scouts. Next week we have a zoo trip, eighth grade graduation, the end of the year carnival and four more baseball games.
Oh how I am looking forward to warm weather and sleeping in. I am tired of fighting the bed-time thing, since my kids are still in school and the rest of the neighborhood is out and can stay up later.
Woo-hoo schedules to the wind and no more HOMEWORK!

The Bison Migration

2008-06-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

This trip started off like every other trip to West Yellowstone. Nothing out of the ordinary, until our way back home. A herd of Bison decided to make it's way further down the park so it took a short cut, the road. They were so close to the van I thought they were going to poke me in the butt, (I was sitting on the window ledge to get a better picture). Andrew almost reached out and petted a baby as it walked by, but the dad was right behind giving him the eye. About a third of the herd was made up of babies.
It was amazing to be so close to such an awesome and powerful creature. It was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Tyler definately didn't inherit my hair cutting ability

2008-05-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Annoyances

2008-05-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today was the most annoying day known to man. It started off with my kids missing the bus. Then I got home, only to notice that my neighbor had constructed a green house and put it between our property lines (We have a open back yard that allows all the kids to be able to access all the backyard freely. This limits my kids ability to run through, now they have to go around). Then we went to pick up the jeep. The man says, "I have some bad news for you, the part you bought has a leak and we now have to take it apart and put a new seal in it, it will cost another $170 on top of the $440 you have already paid." Great! Then I was already late to get to Viki's to finish the much beloved invitations and I have to run Andrew back home to get the ghetto van that we are borrowing. I call Viki to ask if she wants a diet coke, and of course she does, because people who have serious addictions like to be with others with the same addictions. So as I am rounding the corner, right before her house, it falls out of the holder and spills all over my van. "Oh my bloody *#@&."
I later (after hours of laughing at Viki, trying to deal with her kids who want her undivided attention, while working so diligently on these blasted invitations) rush home to get the cat my daughter thought she could con us into, to bring it to her, so she can find it a home. ( PAUSE, DEEP BREATH) So I drive all over looking for her. Her friends mom is a raunch about it, and I try to explain the situation and she finally gets it. But not before she makes me feel like my kid is probably off doing something bad (You know, because she is Satan and she has turned her daughter into Satan's spawn).
Now I am home, my daughter wants me to pick her up at the movies at 9:30. My exchange student wants me to take him to the mall and later pick him up. With the gas prices in the three digit range, it is going to cost.......oh....$50. (Not) But it feels like it, when I am putting $30 dollars every other day in my van.
I just looked outside only to see a lake in our swell that we spent an hour prepping and seeding the other day.
Oh what an annoying day!
I think the only good thing that has happened today is that Viki and I pretty much managed to get the dreaded invitations done. Again, Thanks Viki. :)
Oh, and Brittain got Student of the Week. Way to go Brittain :)

Tyler

2008-05-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Thought I would give you all an update on Tyler, since I put a picture of him on my blog, but didn't put a post.
One of the classes he is taking right now is lighting. He says it is really fun, and he has learned a lot in that class. He said the first week was nothing but telling you of the many ways that you could electrocute yourself, but now they get to do real hands on stuff. They get to set up the scene (which can take hours) and then they light it and then they take a picture of it so that the teacher can see it. I am assuming the teacher doesn't hang out in the labs at 1 a.m. He was telling me that lighting is one of the reasons that a film can take so long to shoot. Getting it right is an intricate art.
I think he is now starting to really have some fun. He is doing really well, he has had nothing but A's and B's. There are only about a third of the original class still with him, since many flunked some of the earlier courses, and have to take them over again. He is really proud of how well he is doing, and so are we.
He misses home, and we are counting down the days for him to come home, (37 to be exact) although it will be way to short of a visit. If any of you want to stop by and say hi when he is home, he will be here from June 28th-July 6th.

LIFE- I need a day off!

2008-05-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling the pressure to post something new, because I know how irritated I get when I check someone's blog (not naming any names) and it hasn't been updated in days. SO I guess I will just talk about all the things that I have been up to for the last week.
Yard work.......That's pretty much it. I have layed sod, tilled a garden, lined it with railroad ties, prepped the swells, seeded grass and planted about 30 plants and two trees. Completely by myself. My body hurts so bad, and my hands are hashed. I have cuts and slivers and bruises all over me. I am burned on my arms, ears and nose and then re-burned. I need a massage and a manicure.
I am hoping the weather dries out enough this weekend to be able to seed the rest of my yard. So I am somewhat glad that I have a few days to recover before I have to work my butt of again.

Also, am I the only one that totally stresses out about all the end of the year crap that has to be done? Viki and I are making graduation invitations for the eighth grade (and she doesn't even have an eighth grader. Thank you Viki.) We have soccer practice, t-ball practice, pitching machine, graduation, my tennis league has started, Pipe's end of the year activities, K, 1, 2 3 grade fun day. I'm sure there are a few things I have missed.
LIFE.......I need a day off. Or maybe a martini?

Tagged

2008-05-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

10 years ago I was.......I had four kids, lived in Idaho Falls and had one car. I was trying to keep my head above water and merely survive life. Gee, looks like some things never change. Things were a lot more simple back then. My oldest was 8 and the biggest issue was keeping the kids entertained for an entire day.
Five Things On My List To Do Today...... 1.Clean my house (well, some of it). 2. Plant some of my plants. 3. Go to the nursery and buy some more plants. 4. Go to work at the tennis club. 5.Pay a few bills. Yeah, I know my life is rather boring.
Snacks I enjoy.... Okay, I know my friends give me a hard time about the food issues. I don't completely hate food....I just think it is something that really consumes people and frankly I think it isn't that big a deal. I like some foods I just don't think about it until it is time to actually eat. So here are my list of favorite snacks.....Coke (don't know if it counts as a snack, I think it's one of the basic food groups) Girl scout samoa cookies. Lindt chocolate. Baked lays. Smoothies.
What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire? Take my husband back to England to see his family. I would start orphanages all over the world and have Linda and Susan help me run them, and Viki could be the nurse and linguist. I would travel all over the world and take my kids to places that they could serve others and appreciate the billions they would inherit one day. I would take ALL my girlfriends on a much needed well deserved extended vacation. No excuses would be excepted.
3 of my bad habits.....I tell people what I think/I don't have a poker face. I put off today what I can do tomorrow. I spend way to much time on this blog thing.
Five places I have lived....1. Sacramento, Ca. 2. Bothel, Wa. 3. Banks, Oregon. 4. Cornelius, Oregon 5. Gresham, Oregon.
Five jobs I have had...1.Stocked beer and soda at Safeway 2.Mailroom manager 3.Office Manager for a radiator manufacturer 4. Custodian at White Pine 5. Work at the Tennis club
Five Things People Don’t Know About Me....1. Lived on my own, my senior year of high school. 2. Burned my house down when I was 5. 3. I was a bully in elementary school. I was the kid that Gail would be calling home about daily. 4. Want to go back to school (beauty school). 5. Have been cutting, coloring, and perming friends and families hair since I was 12. 6. I used to sew most my kids clothes. When Syd started preschool, her entire wardrobe consisted of home made clothes.

Things That Make Me Happy

2008-05-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

1. Staying out until after 11:00 with my friends. Talking and laughing about only things we would understand.
2. Playing outside in the dirt. Especially after a very long winter.
3. Having a ah-ha moment.
4. Saturday morning when Brady comes and climbs in my bed and wraps his arms around me.
5. Having a few minutes to read to my kids.
6. Watching my kids when they do something they are really proud of.
7. Smelling a stinky diaper and realizing it's not one of my kids. 15 years of those was enough:)
8. Playing tennis. Anywhere, anytime with anyone.
9. When my kids say thank you.
10. When my kids come home and have no complaints about their day.
11. Having a really productive Saturday and feeling like a lot of things were accomplished.
12. Going out to dinner.
13. Coming home to a clean house.
14. Finding a really cute pair of shoes.
15. A good pedicure.
16. Waking up not tired.
17. Good sales.
18. Walking into a room and seeing my kids playing, and not fighting.
19. A clean bedroom (my husbands a clutterbug).
20. Getting emails from friends and family.
21. Playing with my blog.
22. Having a spiritual moment.
23. Watching a good movie or show and crying like something tragic has happened.
24. Long car rides with Andrew and just talking about all kinds of things.
25. Knowing my exchange students is going home in 20 day. Wahoo
26. Laughing your guts out.

To Offend Or Be Offended

2008-05-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Why is it that some people never grow up? I am talking about those people who are always looking for high school drama in their lives. Some people are always offended even when there is no offense intended. These are the type of people I just want to grab by the scruff of the shirt and say, "get a life! Aren't there other things that you can waste your time on that are more productive?"
I don't remember the last time I was offended by someone (other than people that are offended by me, when I didn't intend to offend) Are you still following me?
Well actually, I could have been offended the other day when a lady I highly admire told me she liked my hair, she said, "You look much younger, your hair used to look really goth". Now, like I said, I could have been offended, but I chose to take the compliment and not listen to the Goth comment.
My neighbor said his mother has a quote it goes something like this, "You are a fool if you offend someone. You are a bigger fool if you take offense when none is intended."
Look life is just simply to short. Can't we all just get along?

Cornwallis Has Been Found

2008-04-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Well some of you may know the saga of Cornwallis. For those of you who don't, it goes something like this.....Our friend Jerry came to visit us with a menagerie of reptile about two weeks ago. On his way here one of his King snakes ate the other king snake. That was very tragic. Then his beautiful Ball Python came down with pneumonia, and was threatening death. During his last show here at the house we discovered his baby corn snake was missing....Needless to say we had some very nervous spectators....We assumed that he had escaped his cage and made his way into another cage. We did a search around the house but....Poor Cornwallis was nowhere to be found.
Until yesterday when our little neighbor boy went down to the play room to play and low and behold who slithers over little Tiger's foot but, hungry, thirsty, cold, Cornwallis. Brady comes tearing upstairs yelling, "Cornwallis is alive"! "Cornwallis is alive"! SO downstairs I go, and sure enough, under the lid to the lego's is, Cornwallis. the baby Corn Snake. I took him upstairs gave him a much needed drink of water and warmed his little cold body up. Today he thinks I am his best friend because I fed him a pinky (dead baby mouse). Boy was he a very happy snake. As far as snakes go. So we have another addition to the family, at least for a few months, until Jerry's son, Jason, takes him home in July. Until then, we will love him like our own ;)
P.S. This is not his only brush with death. He has also survived being eaten by a snake. He came out with only a few puncture wounds and an in-depth look at the anatomy of a snake.

Wow what a weekend!

2008-04-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Talk about trying to fit in as many activities as possible in one weekend. Let me list the many things we did this weekend. Well I played two tennis matches, for a tournament I was in (got my butt kicked in both) went to dinner with my husband (I think he felt sorry for me). Then I went to the cannery, took Brady to a birthday party, shuffled kids back and forth to the mall, and to friends houses, went bowling, went to feed the ducks, went to dinner, dyed four out of six of my kids hair, and managed to spend some fun time with my kids. Needless to say it is Sunday night, and I am wiped out. Sometimes I just feel like you could just wipe me off the floor and put me in bed for a week. Unfortunately, we are starting a whole new week all over again.
Do you remember when the weekend meant relaxation? I'm talking way before kids, like High School days. Those were great. I should have enjoyed them while I could. Instead, I would complain and say how bored I was. Oh, what I would do to be able to sleep in until 10 or 11 and then sit around in my pj's and talk on the phone or watch tv all day. If we only knew then what we know now....