Willard Peak

Yesterday Tyler & I went on a ride up to Willard Peak, amid throngs of fellow ATV riders. It was a gorgeous day & we had a great time, just the 2 of us, while Grandma Katherine & Grandpa Dean so graciously watched Mr. P. Tyler was very patient, waiting for me to cautiously dawdle along & take in the scenery. I think he rode twice as far as me, since he had to turn around every so often & double back to check on my status. (All in first gear, for the most part, since the bike he was on had a great deal more power than our 4-wheeler, which I was rockin' mostly in 3rd gear. I think I'm getting an idea of what he would like his next major purchase to be.) It was a great time. I'm especially excited about the new $3 sunglasses I purchased in Brigham since I had forgotten mine. I'm not especially excited about the fact that my bum is bruised from the long journey over the rocky, bumpy, mountainous terrain. Enjoy the helmet hair & dirt encrusted faces.

Times, They are a Changin'

I hate to even begin on this topic, but I have something to say, so I'm going to say it. I cannot believe what a monumental year it is for politics here in the great US of A. I'm not getting into a debate here- I don't care if you're voting for old white guy, young dark guy or if you're still hoping to write in Thomas S. Monson. That's not my point here. Just thinking about this year's election brings to mind what an incredible time we live in. I bet my Grandpa Stick is wide-eyed & crazed about the fact that our primary contenders included a woman, a black man & a mormon. Who'd of thought?! (I'll have to remember to have that conversation with him.) That's all I'm sayin'.

Dainty Revisted

Along with crossing his feet, Mr. P has taken a liking to this pretty pink belt that he firmly believes is a scarf. Dainty. On any given day he will find it, drape it around his shoulders & travel the house as if he's hoping the scouts for America's Next Top Model might drop by. The other day he found this blue tie & was so happy that it performed in much the same way as the pink belt. So now he carefully chooses which one better compliments his outfit & goes from there. Some days it's both. There's no such thing as over-accessorizing, right?

Other days it's this sweatband, that unfortunately I'm not sure from whence it came. Nothin' dainty about a man in a sweatband, right?

Dainty

Anyone who knows Mr. P knows that he has a habit of crossing his feet. He must have gotten accustomed to this in utero, because he's done it since birth. Swimming is apparently no exception. The other night at the ward swim party I was watching him as he cruised around the shallow in the tube & would then walk into the deep, kick back, relax & yes, cross his feet. What a dainty little man we have on our hands!

Indecent Exposure

Last Friday we had another Lagoon adventure, this time happy to be accompanied by the Lambert clan. It began with a refreshing visit to Lagoon-a-Beach. This part of the adventure did not last as long as planned for a couple of reasons. 1-No matter how scorchingly hot it is, that water is always frigid, so the littler boys were shivering with blue lips before long. 2-Jason ripped the bum out of his shorts & was unaware of this fact for quite sometime. It wasn't until Bennett informed him that he had a big hole in his drawers that he became aware of how many people (women & children included) had seen a little more of Monsieur Lambert than they bargained for. Watch Brooke's blog for a pic of the damage. This was no minor tear. I can validly use the word 'shredded' with full confidence. (Don't worry, there will be no pics of Jason IN the shorts.)

After returning Jason to his more appropriate, modest attire we ventured further into the crowd for the kids to brave some rides. Owen had no fear & probably would have gone on Colossus if he'd been tall enough. The lines were so long that we didn't get too much accomplished but it was a good time none-the-less. Mr. P was tuckered out & had a good nap in the wagon, plus he slept until nearly 8:30 the next day. He surely loves me.

Adios, Honda Shadow

My dear husband had to make a hard decision this summer to get rid of his motorcycle. Due to the nature of his job he has to drive his truck more often than not, & also due to the nature of his job, was unable to ride it during his free time (or lack thereof as the case seems to be). So, making a logical & financially mature decision he decided that rather than pay to register & insure it & then park it in the garage he should sell it to someone who would be able to enjoy it a little more than he was able. So, congratulations on your new bike, Andrew. It was in the agreement that we can come take it for a spin every once in a while, right? And it was also in the agreement that if (heaven forbid) anything should ever happen to you on that bike you will pay for my counseling as it is inevitable that I will feel a strong sense of guilt & responsibility. I know-- It's just the way I roll. Just as long as we're clear. No, really Olsens, enjoy the Shadow. We will miss it sorely. But man, brother, you look good on it.

HELP

I am looking for a shirt. A particular shirt, & I need some extra sets of eyes to find it. So ladies, listen up. I am looking for a button up shirt with ELBOW length sleeves, preferably that cuff. No 3/4 sleeves, ELBOW length sleeves. Please let me know if you see any such thing out on your travels. Color negotiable. Thank you.

Summertime

Does anyone else ever feel like summer goes by like this?
Or their days, for that matter.
Whew...

Jack Johnson

Tyler gave me tickets to JACK JOHNSON for my birthday this year, & last night was the night. (Sorry to miss your birthday, mom!) We had a fabulous time on our little 'date'. We enjoyed some good eats at the Cheesecake Factory, (My sweet husband did allow a lady sitting next to us to sample his meal after her husband embarrassed her by asking. Awkward, but funny. Sure, we all think we'd like to try what the person at the next table has, but who actually asks?!) but opted not to take the time for a slice of cheesecake as we were already cutting it close on time. Ridiculous, I know. Who goes to the Cheesecake Factory & doesn't get any cheesecake?! Don't worry, we were punished for our silly decision. It took us over an hour just to get from the freeway into Usana. The traffic was insane, & once we got inside we realized why; They had oversold that concert by about 4,000 people. Not to worry though, a really nice couple let us squeeze our blanket in by them & even though we were super far back we had a good, clear view of the stage. And it was a GREAT show. Heaven knows I love me some happy, feel-good, toe-tappin, chill music. Especially now that I have a child. Never can be too careful about what those little sponges are listening to. That plus the fact that sometimes I think I'm an 80 year old trapped in a 20-something body makes for a lot of mellow music around our house. (Yes, James Taylor, you still reign as favorite even if you put Tyler to sleep sometimes.)

It was a sad realization of how old we are when we got home after 11:00 & felt a little irresponsible. Thank goodness we had a good, reliable babysitter. Thanks, Cami!

And thanks, Tyler for a splendid birthday present. Ya done good!

Lava Hot Springs

Our little family had a wonderful couple of days this past weekend camping in Lava Hot Springs in our fancy little camper. Brady & Kenzie joined us both nights, & our friends Rex, Meredith & Grace came up Saturday night. We enjoyed the pool on Saturday (along with half the population of surrounding towns & counties), made tinfoil dinners & of course, roasted mallows & had some incredibly tasty s'mores. We also took some quick 4wheeler rides up above the campground to admire the scenery. It's gorgeous.


It was a bit cold the first night, & I came out of the camper Sunday morning to see Rex, Meredith & Grace sleeping in their car. Apparently they woke up to an over-soaked bum surprise from Grace so they opted to change, get out of the wet sleeping bags & turn on the heater for a bit. Can't say I blame them. Even though their air mattress was far taller than the door of their tent & looked quite cozy. I was glad to know they hadn't been in the car all night.

We were talking as we were up there about how much fun we have doing 'simpleton' things like camping, & how we need to do it more often. We don't plan to give our kids everything, but we do plan to give them many good memories & traditions; a life more than just movies, video games & toys. A life full of meaningful experiences & contentment. And the journey is just beginning.

Grateful

Let me begin by saying that Porter's episode with the cooking oil last week was just the beginning. He is getting so curious & has so much energy that there are days when I just don't know if I can make it until bedtime without collapsing. Don't get me wrong; Porter isn't a naughty boy. In fact, just the opposite. He's very happy & complacent the majority of the time & for that I'm eternally grateful. He just has a lot more to see & experience on a daily basis than I. But I am always reminded of what my mom says about little kids, that they are seeing, hearing, tasting etc. everything for the first time, & life in general is a new & exciting experience to them. And that idea gives me a lot more patience as well as my own newfound excitement to be able to be the one to help Porter gain all these new experiences on a daily basis.

Having said that, today has been one of 'those days.' I cannot seem to keep Porter entertained with anything for very long, & we are still working on the inside voice/outside voice concept. So, we took another walk to get us both out into the fresh (hot) air. It seemed to be a particularly calming walk, the flowers seemed a little brighter & the birds more cheerful. It was just what we needed. On our way we came across a mother & son also out walking, grins on their faces, enjoying the fresh air & one another's company. He was maybe seven, and an absolutely beautiful child. Though I was on the opposite side of the street his laughter & sweet, happy voice carried well & I picked up a bit of their conversation.

Though they too seemed to be enjoying the sun, the clear skies & the beautiful views of the mountains, they had a greater purpose. This little boy had braces on his legs & walked with obvious strain, holding tightly to his mother's hand for strength, steadiness & support, with arms that bent at awkward & unnatural angles. I heard her encouraging words as they reached their target destination & decided they were going to venture even further. I cried behind my sunglasses as I heard her tell him how proud she was of him for working so hard, even when those braces hurt & she knew he was too tired to try anymore. She told him that she had always known the day would come when he'd make it this far.

It was about then that our paths parted, but I had heard what I needed to hear. As I rounded the corner I stopped, almost instictively & kissed the top of my son's perfect head. How much I have taken for granted has been running through my head all day, with no sign of relenting. I have so much to be grateful for, & it's a never-ending battle because every day there is something new to add to the list. So let me say it here. I AM GRATEFUL. On so many levels & for so many things & so many people. I guess I need to be reminded periodically that it's a good thing that Porter can get around so well, & give me a run for my money. I am grateful to that little boy today who unknowingly gave me that gentle reminder. I now have one more person to include in my prayers.

Weekend in Review

Just a recap on the past couple of fun days: Yesterday we went out to Grandpa Olsen's farm (now Aunt Maureen's home) for some reminiscing & reunioning. It was so good to see aunts, uncles & cousins we don't get to see often enough. There was plenty of food (as always), the kids had a good time exploring the farm a bit, & the adults enjoyed looking in the closets at Grandma's old clothes etc. & sharing memories of the house, Grandma & Grandpa, & childhood in general. It's so crazy the memories you keep from so many years ago. I still have a love for Plain City & the farm, even though there aren't too many things that have remained unchanged over the years. It makes me glad that I do still have so many memories of the way it was. I should write them down, eh?

Today Porter & I joined Grandma, Bennett & Owen at the Treehouse Museum for a day of fun, learning, arts & crafts & a few hours for Mr. P to run wild & wreak havoc somewhere other than home. Thanks, guys! We had a blast!

Please?

All I want to know is who has a big wall that they will let me mosaic a huge, awesome picture on? Not necessarily a train per se, but something big, bright & cool. I don't really have a suitable wall, so I need someone to volunteer theirs for my use. Please??
(This was in Toledo, OR., a darling little train stop town just around the bay from Newport.)

Lockdown

Yes, this really is Porter sitting in a puddle of Canola Oil & yes, it is really hard to clean oil up. I have a new found appreciation for the crew that cleaned up the Exxon Valdez spill. Though I am grateful it wasn't something poisonous, I thought this might still a crummy start to the morning, until he started to try to crawl through it & was slipping & sliding all over the place, making us both laugh so hard I had to sit down, narrowly missing the nasty little puddle & ruining my PJ's for good. It's a good thing we were just about to head out to play group at the Splash Pad so I didn't even have to give him a bath!! I And yes, I will be going out to purchase some cupboard locks today. Don't you worry.
And here's the little stinker cutie pants after splashing his heart out, having completely forgotten the trials he put his mother through just this very morning. Dang, it's a good thing he's the cutest little guy I've ever seen!!

Salty Sea Air

Though this post could get very lengthy & will probably be at least partially a repeat of Brooke & Kate's blogs, I will do my best to sum up our fabulous week in the salty Oregon sea air in a timely & informative manner. We arrived at the lovely beach house (THANKS, mom & dad!!) in Newport on Saturday & when the fun began that night it continued non-stop all week long! We're talkin' whale watching, crabbing, haunted lighthouse touring, puzzling, weenie roasting, Boggling, good home cooked fun. Never a dull moment to be had. Especially with 9 kids in tow.

For the most part we had gorgeous weather, which was definitely a nice change from the scorching Utah desert heat. Sixty degrees never tasted so good. My entire awesome family was able to make it -including Gracie whose gracious parents allowed us to kidnap her for a week, & Tanya, who was a great help with all the short people. Sometimes I find it amazing that so many people can get along for that long while abiding in the same abode. But that, friends, is just part of the beauty of my family, & man, we have a good time.

As far back as I can remember we have been vacationing on the Oregon Coast & it seems to get better every year. We enjoyed our traditional tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory, complete with a tasty lunch, including ice cream cones, perused Aunt Belinda's Candy Shop & despite the consequences, loaded our kids up with sugar, and learned a thing or two at the awesome Newport Aquarium. There was jewelry making, tie dying & fanciful puzzle doing aplenty thanks to Brooke who might I add, Martha Stewart has nothing on. I don't think I ever heard the words "I'm bored." It surely would have been a lie.

Porter is a fish like unto his father & wanted to play in the ocean so badly. However, being the mean mother I am, he had to make do with just putting his legs in. That water's dang cold! Gracie picked one of every flower so we enjoyed fresh bouquets daily. Andy, Tyler, Jack, Cami & Lee went out on a crabbing boat & brought home a bag of crab the size of 2 small children. Needless to say, there was crab meat galore. It's still stinking up my fridge. Lee wowed us with his amazing & surprising culinary abilities with tasty, homemade gourmet pizza. (In case you're wondering, no, I did not lose any weight on this trip, even with rigorous daily exercise.) We found an awesome little campfire spot next to the beach & had a weenie/ s'mores roast. No one lost an eye to a smoldering stick & the sunset was unparalleled.

And though it would seem we could not have fit one more thing into a single week, we did. I could go on & on. It was truly a marvelous time. Can't wait for next time. Shall we say July 2010? I'll pencil it in. We can always move it up if we decide we need to go sooner.
THANKS, everyone!! IT WAS AWESOME!!