porter is four...

Porter turned four today! some things we don't want to forget about our "dodo" are:

he started preschool and LOVES it - and Mrs. Danielle!
he stopped sucking his thumb about 3 months ago when he knocked his teeth and they were wiggly. he came downstairs the first night and told us he couldn't "belax" because he couldn't suck his thumb.
his best friends are talon, ammon, grey & maddie
he likes to play the "boyfriend/girlfriend" game with maddie. (we checked it out - it's safe)
he LOVES Coop
he is still quite shy, but SUPER funny

We love you Porter! Happy Birthday!

family photos 09

summer 2009...

This year our summer was full of mini-excursions! Several fishing trips, a Mohey Sand Hollow trip, and a Lake Powell weekend gave us our water fix! Cooper was busy with t-ball and lizzard catching. Jaren took the boys on their first hunting trip and had his 10 year missionary reunion. I went to a few dance camps and on a few girls girls trips and had my 10 year class reunion. We enjoyed a garden that Jaren planted, and really LOVED being in our house!

off my chest...

I feel flustered. A little deflated. But SO excited!
Registration at the dance studio begins tomorrow. I am not flustered that I'm busy, or that the studio won't be ready, or that I don't think anyone will come to register.
I'm frustrated over things I can't control.
Since Jaren & I decided that this was an endeavor worth taking on, I have TRULY tried to be professional. It may seem that my coaching position at both the high school and college my be a conflict with a private studio, but I have taken EVERY precaution to make sure it doesn't. I was very open and honest with my dancers and their parents about my intentions. I don't talk about or promote the studio at either team's practice. I haven't encouraged my dancers to come to my studio, or discouraged them from taking anywhere else. I also sent a letter (which I did NOT need to do) to the other studio directors in town, letting them know of my intentions, that I was not trying to "take" their students or hurt their programs in any way.
I just want to be another option!
I am frustrated that others haven't chosen to be professional. I feel deflated that everything positive I am trying to offer is being challenged, or suddenly topped. I am hurt that people I considered friends feel more like enemies.
I guess competition does funny things to people.
BUT... I am SO excited by the positive response I have received! I am confident in the curriculum we offer. I am so proud of my staff and what they will offer. I am eager for everyone to see the studio we have worked so hard on. I am GRATEFUL for good friends who have been encouraging, come to help, defended me, "made the move," and will eventually :). I am proud of myself for taking the high road - it has NOT been easy!!! I vow to continue on that road.
I do not regret - for one second - this decision. I do not doubt that it will be successful.
But I can only control my actions!

it's official...

www.gravitydancecenter.com

gone. again.

Ben 10 is gone again! I'm pretty sure it's for good this time.
So long Ben 10...

ben 10...

2 weeks ago Jaren went to Colorado for a business trip. He left early Monday (Memorial day) and returned Friday - with a turtle! He and his boss found 3 box turtles walking along the road after it had rained. His boss had been there before and brought one home, so Jaren grabbed one and his boss took the other 2.

THE BOYS WERE SO EXCITED!

He got home with the turtle Friday afternoon, just as I was leaving for Vegas. The boys couldn't have been more anxious to see the turtle, name him, buy him a home...

I got a text telling me they named him Ben 10.

Saturday I was at the mall and got another text that Ben 10 was MIA. GONE.
Cooper had been at a birthday party and Jaren was getting the boat ready to take the boys fishing and left Porter outside playing with Ben 10. He let him go. THE TURTLE RAN AWAY. Porter plead the fifth. Jaren searched. The neighbors searched (seriously). Cooper cried. Wailed actually. Porter got in trouble. Still, no turtle.
THIS is where the story gets good...
We were outside after dinner tonight, opened the door to the little garage, and there was Ben 10! Just chillin' in the garage like nobody's business. Totally alive! 10 days later.

Welcome Back Ben 10!