Ah, She took it like a man!

Well, the moving company moved us in on Monday of this week so I had to entertain the kids and keep them out from 9am - 4p.m. Well, we finally had to come back around 2 so they could get a break from me. Porter, Afton and I camped out on one of the bathroom floors and watched a movie while the movers finished up. Not even 30mn. had passed when we heard a knock on our door and it was one of the movers asking "is that your Volvo?" (mind you, parked a block away on a random street) I said, "uh yes" and they sheepishly said "we hit it trying to get out of here." I told Luke he needed to take care of it because I was going to cry, as this would put me above my maximum stress capacity :) We still are not 100% sure how this accident was remotely possible! (Luke said the driver must have been drunk and mildly retarded)



Just wait, it gets better!

Tah dah!


This is the front passenger tire...because it was dragged 25 yards from a parallel position to the curb ending up in a perpendicular position

Tag

Becky started this...thanks, Becky. I think it'll be fun!

1. Add 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. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

A little bit of everything

Okay, here it is. I took the lazy man's route and just put a bunch of pictures into a slide show instead of posting individuals.

So, I'm writing this for a little sympathy "awww" and maybe a comment that tells me "it's okay Steph, I've been there, you'll get through it."

We're in the middle of a "permanent change of station" move and we've not yet found a place to live. Though, in the matter of one week, we've had to unpack and re-pack all of our belongings that didn't get loaded onto the truck (i.e. everything we need for a 2yro, 2mo, and 2 adults to function)3x. Why have we had to do this 3 times in one week you ask. Well, there is not enough room at the inn. A day here, a day or two there. There are 3 military lodges in Monterey and because we did not have time to make a reservation well in advance, they are all booked up with vacationers and other PCS moves. It's odd because when we were vacationing in Hawaii and staying at a military lodge, we were told that at any time we could be asked to leave for PCS moves because they get priority. Hmmmmm. It's been fun.

Luke started classes last Monday and he is gone from 7a.m. to about 3p.m. so, the poor guy, has had to cram a lot in between that time and the time property management companies leave for the day. The most challenging part, I think, has been sharing a room with the 2 children. Afton sleeps in the closet near the bathroom, and Porter in the Kitchenette area. So there's no escaping to make phone calls, shower, watch movies, have nice discussions with the spouse, or for Luke to get ready in the morning without waking one of them. On top of this, it has been GLOOMY and cold! I definitely suffer from seasonal affective disorder (I've diagnosed myself)and we heard nothing about the weather being like this up here, only how much everyone loves it. I've paid my dues living in the states of Massachusetts, Utah, and Misery...oh, I mean Missouri. Oh, how I miss AZ. Oh! And the icing on this cake has been Porter's discovery of poo in his diaper and that he can now access it. A few days ago I found him with it all over his fingers, clothes, and bedding. And because he now has a "thing" about having dirty hands,there were also long, poopy streak marks up and down the mesh sides of the playard. How do you clean poo out of mesh?! I don't know, but I figured it out...then, and again today!


Okay, I think that's it. I feel better already:) I miss my YW in the Del Cero Ward, not only for the babysitting benefits, but because they are all so special and I love being around them! It will be nice to make friends in our new ward...I'm ready for a little break, even if it is just a few hours ;)

Blessing

We had sweet Afton blessed on July 6th, 2008. It was a beautiful blessing and (thank you Di!) we have it recorded for her baby book so she can look back and see how her life played out. She looked so beautiful! Please note the shoes :) with big satin bows (awwww)

It was very bitter-sweet as we closed the San Diego chapter of our life to begin a new. (Although I'm still in the "bitter" section of the chapter...yea, yea, it will be sweet soon, I know.) Just so all of you in S.D. know, this was the first time in a VERY long time that I wasn't ready to move. I love new adventures and living new places but I really became attached to our friends and ward family! It comforts me knowing we still own our home in S.D. so I can, theoretically, return tomorrow :)

Apologies

Hi all!
For those of you who are unaware, we welcomed our second child on May 22nd, 2008 at 1:48a.m. Her name is Afton Paige and she weighed 7.12 lbs, and measured 20.5 inches. It was a Crrrrrazy night! I will get around to filling in details and posting pictures, I just wanted to post something in the mean time to let you all know I have not forgotten about you or the blog. In fact, it weighs on me more each day (and no one is to blame but myself). With a 21 month old, a newborn, and an impending move three weeks away (of which we were given 3.5 weeks notice), and a condo to worry about renting out, the blog should be the LEAST of my worries, but somehow I still feel guilty for not finding the time. Heck, I am LUCKY to find the time to shave my armpits. So, this is just to let you know there will be pictures on the way...however slow it may seem to the outside world ;)

Love to all!

Our Getaway

Luke took me on a much needed vacation upon his return from Indiana. My sweet Mom and lil' sis came down to watch and entertain(or rather,BE entertained by)Porter so that I could rest easy leaving him for the first time. It was difficult pulling out of our drive, knowing I wouldn't get to run into his room the next morning to see his face light up while he said "hi". It was difficult knowing I wouldn't get to feel his soft, chubby cheek against mine when he gets in his "clingy to mommy" moods. Or to know I wouldn't be there to be his first and last kisses of the day. I was teary for, oh, 40mn. or so, but when we arrived at our cabin in Big Bear, I realized how much I needed the getaway not only for my relationship with Luke, but for me, myself, so I could be a better me. A better wife, mother, friend, and leader.

After 2 nights and 2.5 days in Big Bear, we headed down to L.A. for 2.5 more days and nights. We visited Universal Studios, the Citadel, Hollywood Walk of Fame, L.A. LDS Temple, Bel Air/ Beverly Hills, and in Long Beach, the Queen Mary. (The Queen Mary was a lavish, British passenger cruise liner that was converted into a troop carrier during WWII. My Grandfather Walker rode the ship from New York to England in 1942.)

My Little Buddy

He always keeps a smile on my face!

Reading

I love that he loves to read!
It's so rewarding to see your efforts haven't been in vain!
...just like the sign language. That has been SO rewarding!

Pre-Christmas and Christmas Break

Well, there are a ton of excuses but to some of you, it wouldn't matter what they are. There is no excuse for not keeping in-touch, right? So here are a few pictures from our Christmas vacation and before. We spent Christmas with my grandmother and great aunt in Florida, then traveled through Utah to hit the slopes and see my mom and siblings. Unfortunately, we forgot the camera everyday we were up on the mountain so there is no proof of me riding down the backside in knee-deep powder while nearly 5 months pregnant. (sigh) Guess you'll have to take our word for it :) I also had a chance to teach my Dad how to snowboard! And if being able to teach a total brainiac doctor who is 54 years-old, how to snowboard successfully AND enjoy it, doesn't say something about my skills, I don't know what does! ha! (take it as a huge compliment, Dad :) These pictures aren't too exciting and I'm not in much of a mood to play catch-up on the journaling aspect of it all, so hope this will suffice :)

Ferryboat tour through Wakulla Springs, Florida. Porter was infatuated with all of the birds! The last time he and I went (nearly a year before this trip) we saw tons of Alligator, but none this time due to the cold weather.


Porter LOVES to read. He'll stop whatever he's doing if you offer a book. This moment was cute...Granny was prepping Christmas dinner and these two were in the back room reading.


I love how little porter looks in the picture. It puts things into perspective. And it's easy to lose it when you're with such a smart(=always keeping me on my toes) kid day in and day out. You expect them to act older than they really are.


Luke shot this picture as well, of "Aunty" and Porter. I love this picture because there is one eerily similar of myself with Aunty when I was his age(she is my great aunt, Porter's great, great aunt).


Picking Daddy up from his deployment...a little shy at first, but he remembered.


Personality!

Saying Goodbye to Daddy ...again

Luke deployed back in October. I know, I know, why am I blogging about it now? Because I'm very LATE. First there were the fires that lasted way too long. And lasted up to his deployment date. Then there was me thinking I was someone else being able to juggle three callings at church (ward primary sec., stake YW sec., and in-charge of an enrichment group in R.S.)... now only two callings and two Christmas program commitments. Oh, and not to mention one VERY busy 15 month old and my visiting teaching which has been anything but stellar for November :) Oh! and I forgot the best part on top of all this! We're PREGNANT...again :)

On Our Way


Saying Goodbye

The Fakest Fit Ever!

This is great! Porter has learned that he doesn't get much sympathy when he truly cries to throw a fit so he's decided he needs to put his dramatic acting skills into play. For those of you who know Sign Language, you'll notice that towards the end he's trying to do the sign for "all finished." This was his first attempt at the sign without any prodding.

Baby in a Bag 2

What is it about babies and small animals that make us see bags as an opportunity and not merely the book-toting canvases they are?

What's another word for "cute" ?????

'Cause I think I've over-used that one!

White Boy Dancing and saying "Please"

We captured Porter doing what he LOVES to do when we play music...dance! We also captured him signing "please". Sorry the video is so dark, we're not sure how to change the camera settings to fix it. The sign for "please" is rubbing your hand in a circular motion on your chest. We've been teaching him to say that whenever he wants something and it finally clicked about a week ago! YIPPEE!

Never mind my hair and outfit! It's cleaning day :)

A Day in the Life

Well, since most of you visit for picture updates, I decided not to subject you to anything other than happy, family postings :) I started another blog where I'll put my thoughts about everything else.

Here is a little video of Porter in the tub entertaining, as always. We'll get a better one up soon.


This picture is post-YM/YW Luau. I was informed later by attendants, that Porter was the hit of the party. Shucks.


Inevitably, after he's fed, the tray is removed, and he's waiting to be released from his chair, the leg gets thrown over the side of the chair...he's just "kickin' it."


This is one of the new things he's trying out. A fit. He doesn't throw it for any length of time because he realizes it's in vain. But he's so dang cute to us with that lip and face. (I know, I know, it won't be so cute a few years from now.)


He LUVS his Daddy


Anyone up for some surfing???


He enjoys washing his hands...and feet.


Ready for bed, and this is how happy he is 99.9% of the time! We feel so blessed!

Poor, poor mom and dad!

Don't get me wrong, she is BEAUTIFUL! But come on...Iraq? Is that REALLY a part of the U.S.? Where has she been for the past 6 years? I mean South Africa I could MAYBE understand since it sounds similar to "SOUTH America" and maybe she somehow thought that the question included both North and South America because she forgot what the "U" and the "S" stand for???
...(oh gosh, I know this one. ::smile:: u= united s= souths ...no, that doesn't seem right{just keep talking} I know we're South of Iraq and that South Africa just became the fifty-somethingeth state and I know they can't read since they live in the jungle...so maybe they can't get their maps delivered to them by the postman. That's it! That's why They can't find...wait, what was the question?)

Happy Birthday!

Luke was able to return home for 48hrs this past weekend to celebrate Porter's 1st birthday, before having to return to IN. It was Luke's birthday on the 12th and Porter's on the 18th so we had a lot to celebrate! On Friday, Luke and I met another couple at the BODIES Exhibition in La Jolla to see what all the fuss was about. It was definitely something to talk about but I'm not sure "fun" is the right word to describe it :) Educational, yes!

Saturday morning I dragged Luke to my favorite instructor's class so he could get a beating too. He was actually impressed and thought it was hardcore...(satisfaction to my ears. Though in NO way am I saying I can keep up with his athletic abilities!)

After we got our beating and changed out of our totally drenched clothing, I surprised him with his first ever, professional massage and he LOVED it (we actually had a couple's massage so it was totally fun)!

We then returned home, whereupon Daph and I made one of his favorite meals that consisted of Spicy Green Chicken Enchiladas, White Jalapeno Sauce, Green Tomatillo Salsa, and a special "cake" (made especially for him by Daphne)that was Sticky Sweet Rice with Mangoes. All I have to say is "MMMMMMMMMMMMMM"! I am STILL in-love with the food from that night!
***A little side note; Porter has officially spoken his first word. I don't count "Dada" and "Mama" even if they are said with purpose. It was the day of his birthday. When I approached him with a towel to get him out of the tub, he said "no," shook his head, and turned away from me.***

My Personality Quiz ...this is right on!

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you are very loyal. A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. In love, you express your emotions through actions. Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well! At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's Your Personality Type?

All you kneed is exercise

As some of you are aware, I finally joined a gym that meets my need for "extreme". I joined The Boxing Club and am in-love with it! I don't know if I would even call it a gym per se because of the usual stereotypes that go along with the word "gym". Thus the word "club." In fact, Luke was pretty convinced that he couldn't get a better workout than what he was already getting and I definitely wasn't going to be able to convince him to join a club. I told him to just come and try it out. After all, the two times I had trained prior to convincing him to check it out, I had to summon every ounce of strength in me to keep from hurling into the bushes after each session. After his first session and while I was still boxing, he was signing up. :) They offer Muy Thai, Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, and Kickboxing. I stay on the safer side and stick with the boxing and kickboxing while Luke, well, pretty much goes without saying that, he doesn't stick with what's "safe".

Yesterday I FINALLY paid for a babysitter so I could get my much-needed beating. I don't know why I always feel like I'm "stuck" when Luke is gone. I feel like it's selfish of me to spend money when it's not a MUST and money that could potentially be used for our children..guess that's the frugal side of me coming out. Since Luke has been gone I've only used the club a handful of times because the club doesn't offer daycare (the ONLY down-side to the place). But I'm sorta glad they don't because I think that would bring in an entirely different crowd...you know the type; those coming to socialize and look like they're working out but oddly, not a drip of sweat has protruded from a single pore of their freshly made up face! Huh! So weird. Anyway, this club is HARDCORE!!! The only people that teach classes are dudes...and I think teaching comes second for them. Fighting first. What I learned after paying for a baby sitter was that it is important and a must for me to take care of myself. It's worth every penny for the way I feel afterwards!

It's difficult to see well in this photo, but here's what my knees looked like just after returning home from Steve's wrath. Nice!

Bathroom fun!

Okay so NOW I understand why, when I used to live in apartments, they would tell us that bathroom mats with "sticky" undersides were prohibited. Technically it's NOT "sticky" it's just rubber. Enter our "sticky" sided rug that's been so good to us for almost 3 years. We live in a nice condo with travertine floors and haven't had a problem with any of our other rugs. But because this one is the step-out-of-shower-with-damp-feet-rug, it has taken it's toll. Guess the sticky part of the rug, with enough moisture, eventually forgets which side to stick to...the floor or the rug on which it came. I went to move the rugs from the bathroom for the annual bathroom cleaning. (HA! just kidding) And to my dismay, had to use some brute force to pry it loose from the floor. Here's some of what was left (I didn't think of the photo op. until I was nearly finished scraping the residue off the floor)

A hero in my book

If you are unaware of Operation Red Wing that took place back in 2005 over in Afghanistan, please take a moment to watch this 8mn. interview with Marcus Luttrell...he is SO humble. His response to Matt's question regarding his vote to set the goat-herder free, breaks your heart. It is rare to find such humility among our generation...especially from guys of this caliber(though, I know of one more). He does a great job of deflecting and correcting any liberal propaganda Matt Lauer throws at him. What a good ol' boy.