Gugglebum, lapstick, grills and snugs!

And here's to JUNE....

2011-08-19T00:53:00.000-06:00

Father's Day

The kids made Porter breakfast in bed. Porter is a great dad. He plays, wrestles, fixes things, he's a homework helper, video game challenger, story teller, entertainer, diaper changer, tramp bouncer, and keeps them in line - but mostly he loves them more then they will ever know.

He's giving me a funny face because I told him he never smiles in pictures. OK - he does sometimes - but not unless I bug him too.

Tanner's presents. He gave him a jet and a screwdriver. Tanner's presents are the best!!

Tanner showing me his "inner peace" moves from Kung Fu Panda 2.

Jake gave him a pocket knife that he saved up for and bought for him at scout camp. He did it all on his own - kinda sweet :)

Courtney pie and Port - they look nothing alike???

Tanner's presents to my dad - 2 screwdrivers.

And to Brent......you guessed it - a screwdriver.

Cherry Hill

This is our 2nd year up at Cherry Hill. It's turned out to be pretty fun. It's the kind of camping I like - flushing toilets, showers, air conditioning, running water, a fridge and water slides!

Here's our set-up - not bad for non-campers

Going down the water slides. My kids had so much fun. They ran from water slide to water slide to the pool all day.

Brent, Brenda, Lila and Court going down the lazy river

They are so funny together

Porter's hand and Courtney's braces had a run-in on a water slide. I think her braces won.

Tanner got that mask and it was like magic for his swimming. Why did Dumbo need a feather?

My dad trying to catch some ZZZZ's in the shade, but Crew wasn't having any of that!

Grandma Dahn's Birthday

(Porter's grandma)

I'm not sure what bday this is for her - somewhere in her early 80's. She looks so amazing, I hope that I look as good as her someday. I love this woman. Since the day I met her - she is one of my favorite people in the world.

Kayde, Davi, G. Dahn, Anne and Drake

Our fam

Jake's bday is the day after Grandma Dahn's, so we celebrated it with Porter's family at her party. He got a long-awaited scope to go with his .22.

Grandma Cynde and Grandad with Jake for his bday

I love this picture.

G. Dahn walks a little slow these days - so Porter helped her out.

Jake's 10th bday

I tried to make Jake a lacrosse cake - wasn't my best - but I think he appreciated all the effort.

2 of my handsome boys!!!

We played Minute It to Win It for his bday with our family. It was hilarious!!!

Here everyone is trying to get 10 cotton balls from one bowl to another with Vaseline on their nose.

stacking cards - nobody did it in 60 secs

Grumps even got in the action

Way to go Brenda!

Oreo from your forehead to mouth. Port did the toss and catch - it worked pretty well.

lots of good blackmail pics someday

chocolate unicorn - try and stack 7 ding dongs on your forehead without falling

Crew and Lila just wanted to eat them

Grumps (my grandpa) with Jake. My kids are lucky - they still have 4 great-grandparents alive today

Tanner's present to Jake - he gave him one of his favorite cars

Lila and Crew having fun sitting on Jake's present

Jake - I can't believe you are 10. How time truly flies. You have a tender heart and are such a great kid. I love you very much.

Information Overload

2011-08-13T11:06:00.000-06:00

So it's now 4 a.m. and I can't sleep.
I've been looking at and catching up on blogs since 2 a.m. and I've been inspired to blog.

#1 reason I can't sleep: painful contractions
#2 reason I can't sleep: heartburn
#3 reason I can't sleep: I have to go to the bathroom every hour
#4 reason: well, I think those 1st three are pretty good reasons

I don't think I've officially blogged that I am pregnant. Yes - baby #5 is on it's way and almost here. It's a boy!!! (Courtney's a little sad - she really wanted a sister) But we are excited and honestly I'm a little nervous - 5 kids - need I say more.

I am due Sept 25th - but it's not looking like I'm going to make it that far - thank goodness. And no, we don't have a name picked out. Crew didn't have a name for a few weeks, so this baby is really in trouble. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Here is the information (and picture) overload.
I started downloading pictures from this May and thought I would get all the way through August, but I didn't get that far. I will try to finish it tomorrow night when I'm up again.

Tulip Festival - one of my fav's of the year

Jake being Jake

He did clear it

Crew's middle name is Grant and there is a real connection between them. Crew can't get enough of my dad - he just adores him. Papa is his very favorite person in the world. He is my dad's little shadow.

Very funny Jake

We watched a lot of lacrosse games this spring and summer. Jake is very passionate about it. It's a great game. He's the one is the blue socks.

Jake scoring! He's pretty dang good (sorry I have to brag a little)

Mother's Day. Me with my gang. Man I love them.

Porter's 36th birthday. Time flies. I reminded him many times that I am only 32 and he's now closer to 40. We are at Kneaders with his family for lunch. They came for his bday and to watch a little soccer and lacrosse action.

Tanner cannot smile normal in a picture. He has a funny face in almost every picture I take of him.

Crew and Lila are best buds

Courtney's violin concert

Pinewood Derby. Jake took 2nd out of around 20 - 30 cars. Good job Porter and Jake.

Jake and Tanner's car. Tanner's car beat everyone during the open round - it was solid lead on the bottom. Tanner was so proud.

Courtney's 12th bday party with our family

I can't believe she is 12. She is so grown up. Taller than me, it's weird to look up at your child. She is moving into Young Women's. Courtney - you are the best and I love you.

Tanner is the best gift giver. Whenever it's your birthday you get a special "Tanner Present". He goes and finds something of his that he knows you will love then wraps it all himself.

Her 12th bday party with her friends. They had a blast - although it was a little crazy.

Much to Porter's dismay, she can now officially wear makeup.

We went to Grandma Cynde's for her bday too. We are roasting marshmellows in their basement. The kids loved it.

Mark, Cynde and Porter sat on the couch and played the game Words With Friends on their iphones and ipad for hours. It was pretty funny. Just pull out scrabble!

Cynde thought we were supposed to do a funny face in this one and I missed it in the next one.

Porter helping Mark build his wagon for the horses.

Jake was Brigham Young in his school play on Utah's history. It was so cute. He had to sing "this is the place" several times. Little known fact about Jake - the boy can sing. After the play, his principal said Jake would be our American Idol someday.

Last day of School. Courtney is now officially out of elementary school and moving into middle school. Jake will be going into 5th and Tanner into 1st grade next school year.

Tanner at his happiest :)

Courtney's graduation from 6th grade. They did a "clap out" through the halls 1st (the whole school stood in the halls and clapped for them while the 6th graders ran through the halls) and then they had a really nice program. She is growing up way to fast.

Soccer. Lots and lots of soccer. Every Saturday we had 3 soccer games and usually 2 lacrosse games. Yes I'm crazy - but what can I do? They all love playing - so it makes for a busy, fun Saturday.

Park City Shoot Out. Jake's lax team went to a tournament in Park City. It was so fun but exhausting. They played teams from all over the West - CA, TX, CO, AZ and ID. They played awesome, they only lost once.

Porter helped coach his team all season. They had a blast together.

Crew is such a good sport. He gets pulled to this game and that, so we have fun on the sidelines together.

This picture goes with roasting marshmellows at Grandma Cynde's. I just couldn't get it in the right spot. He couldn't get enough of them!

So I'm caught up from May to June. Whew.......

If you give a boy a cookie.........

2011-03-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

.................Then he's going to need a bath after!

New blog

2011-03-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a photography class right now and one of the girls in the class asked if I have a website for the pics I'm taking - and I really don't - I just have this blog. So I thought it would be a good idea to have a blog just dedicated to pictures I take of people or things.

So my new blog just for fun pics I take is: http://www.stephaniekaysphotography.blogspot.com/

So far, I've only posted pics I took of my niece Lexi when she was 3 weeks old. It was really fun!

I know - I can barely keep up this one - but it will be fun to post pictures I take.

Crew's 1st year pictures

2011-01-12T23:28:00.005-07:00

Crew

Cruiser

Cruiser Bruiser

mini-tan

Crouton

Crew-ton

Bruiser

Don't you just want to kiss him???

I had these pictures taken at a new studio in draper (mainly because I really wanted to check out the studio). I think they turned out great! Crew is not the happiest of souls - so it was really hard to get him to smile. Mostly he just looked at us like we were crazy.

He may look exactly like Tanner - but they are polar opposites in personality. Tanner is easy going, laid back, and a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. NOT CREW. He came with quite an attitude and he knows how to use it. But oh how I love him!

Quilting and Photography

2011-01-10T21:59:00.018-07:00

This past year I have picked up 2 new hobbies. Quilting and photography. I finished my 1st quilt and I am about 1/2 way through my 2nd one. I love working with fabric - there are so many wonderful colors and designs. The possibilities are endless. I love seeing the progress you can make quickly - then it all comes together and it's so cool! You feel like you've actually accomplished something worthwhile and beautiful. You can lose yourself in motherhood - you work hard all day and at the end of it - sometimes it seems like all your left with is a messy house, ornery kids, laundry and dirty dishes to wash. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing more important than motherhood, you just get faster results with quilting. Hopefully after 20 years of being a mother the results will be worthwhile and beautiful too.

My 2nd hobby I have worked on this past year is photography. Hopefully this one will be more than just a hobby. I've always loved taking pictures - been kind of known as the "family photographer" but I got a great camera and some great lenses and I LOVE IT!!! I'm always "armed" and ready with my camera - I think my kids wish I would just stick with quilting. So I've been taking classes at the U, reading tons of books and practicing all the time. The pictures below are from a field trip with one of my classes at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City. There are so many of Courtney because we could bring one model and I brought her. It was kind of funny - she ended up being the model for the whole class because my teacher loved her. Anyways - here are some of the ones I really loved.

This one of Court is my absolute favorite!

I've had so much fun with these 2 hobbies. I'm always open for suggestions and help - I know so many of you out there are pro at these things. But it's been a blast to find things that I love to do.

Blast from the past - Crew's birth from 2009

2011-01-09T23:27:00.011-07:00

I know, it's now January 2011 but I'm finally posting my pictures from Crew's birth from 2009. The biggest event in my life since I last posted. Crew Grant Isom was actually born on his due date on Oct. 6th, 2009. He was born at 6:40 p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 9 oz. I was in labor nearly 24 hours and did it NATURALLY with much help from my wonderful husband, sister in law Emily and my mom. Words cannot express what I went through - but I did it! (Don't know if I will ever do that again!!!)

When Crew was born the connection was immediate. It felt like - where have you been my whole life?

Here is Porter and I in the Labor and Delivery room before all heck broke loose! I'm still smiling here.
Here's my sister-in-law Emily who came and literally held my hand through the whole thing. (Sorry if I broke any bones Emily). She was so great to have there and give me the encouragement and help that I really needed. (Thanks Em - you're the best!)

Me and my mom! My mom wasn't so sure of this natural thing - I think she thought I was crazy and she was probably right. I don't think parents like to see their kids in pain.

Whew........Crew finally made it. The whole fam!

1st bath....Courtney Jake and Tanner helped. They were so excited to have a new brother.

Home from the hospital.

Crew is now 15 months old. He has long, blond, slightly curly hair. We call him "mini-Tan" -Tanner and Crew could be twins. He can be quite a handful....they talk about the terrible 2's.........I think he started it about 6 months and is still going through it! We all love him very much.

Porter and Steph's trip

2009-05-19T09:25:00.010-06:00

Porter was going on a trip with Chris, his boss, and I got to tag along. It was so nice of them to invite me. We had such a great time!!! We went to Washington D.C., Grand Cayman and to New Orleans. It was a great break from everything - but I was also excited to get home. My wonderful mother watched the kids for me so I was able to go. Here a some pictures from our trip.

This is Chris and Porter in Nebraska where we stopped for gas on our way to D.C.

This is after we landed in D.C. We visited my cousin Mindy and her husband Ricky at their apartment in D.C. It was really fun to see her.

Here we are visiting some of the sites in D.C. There is soooo much to see. We only had a day and a half - so it wasn't too much time - but we saw as much as we could. I swear we walked like 15 miles a day -okay maybe not that much - but I started having contractions and cramping. You would need a month or more to see all of the monuments and museums there. We had a great time with just the two of us.

Natural History museum:

Here are some pictures of all the monuments we went to.

This is the White House.

This is at the World War II monument.

Washington Monument

We are at the WWII monument with the Lincoln Memorial behind us.

After about a mile or so walk, we made it to the Lincoln Memorial.

Vietnam memorial

One of the coolest things we did was go to Arlington Cemetery. We saw the changing of the guard and some other really cool things.

There is an endless sea of headstones.

Here we are at the Capital Building, I was surprised at how close you can get to it. Although, you have to be careful there are armed guards with AK-47's everywhere. I wanted to get my picture next to one of them but I was too afraid to ask.

This is the sunset over Cuba on our way to the Caymans. I was a little nervous flying over Cuba, I didn't want to get shot down!!!

The first day on the Caymans we all went on Chris's boat and he showed us the island. It was a blast!!! It is such a beautiful place. He took us down Dinosaur Ally where these huge Iguana's are swimming in the ocean, he took us snorkeling, we went to this great little restaurant on the other side of the island and he took us to Stingray City. Stingray City is this sandbar far out in the ocean where people can feed stingray's. I guess people have been doing it for 30 years, so everyday 100's of stingray's come and wait on this sandbar. I didn't get any pictures there, but it was amazing!!! I was totally freaked out at first - these huge stingray's 4-6 feet across come up to you and want food. You feed them squid and they suck it right out of your hand. They chase you if they think you have food and swim along your body and in between your legs - creepy! But is was amazing to be so close and touch these huge animals. The female ones were really aggressive, the males were a lot smaller - I even stepped on one - but it didn't sting me.

Porter in heaven - anything that has big engines and goes really fast is right up his ally!

This is where we ate lunch. Porter living it up!

It is paradise there.

Dinosaur Ally - the Iguanas sunbathe on this wall and then jump in and swim to the grove trees on the other side.

We ate at the best restaurants!!! Chris and Melody go there all the time - so they know many of the locals and the best places to eat and shop.

This is Chris and Melody. They were so nice to invite me and so wonderful to us on the trip.

This is looking south - I think- from where we stayed. We are right on 7 mile beach.

This is the Ritz, where we stayed!

This is looking North - I think.

There are two towers at the Ritz Carlton that are homes -or I guess condo's -that people own. Chris and Melody own almost the whole 2nd floor on this tower. You can see the balcony on the very right of this picture and about the next 4 balconies that go back on the left - that is their home. It is beautiful and they were so kind to let us stay there with them.

Porter took this picture for posterity! This is the first time in my life that I ordered seafood at a restaurant. He couldn't believe it. He ordered tuna the night before and it was so good the next night I ordered my own.

This is everyone at dinner for Chris's 50th bday party. There is Porter, me, Melody, Chris, Stephanie and Steve (they are Melody and Chris's best friends that were on the whole trip with us - great people) and Penny and Rafe (Rafe is Chris's cousin that lives on the island and Penny is his wife - also great people).

Leaving the Caymans :(

You can see 7 mile beach where we stayed.

We made a stop in New Orleans on the way home. This is on Bourbon street- I don' recommend going there. It was interesting to see, but not a place I would ever want to go back.

It was a whirlwind of a trip but it was so fun to spend time with Porter. I missed my kids and it was so great to pick them up and hug them when I got back.

Hmm....Where to begin?

2009-05-08T10:13:00.004-06:00

The biggest news is we are pregnant!!! I am just over 18 weeks and due on October 7th. I have been VERY sick but it is finally starting to ease just a bit. I can at least get off the couch and 1/2 way function. We were hoping for a girl - but it's a boy. Porter told me from day one it would be a boy - I kept hoping for a girl - but it was very clear on ultrasound that it's a boy. I think Heavenly Father knew I could only handle the drama from one girl. :) But we are so excited!!!

These ultrasound pictures are from 15 weeks.

The bum shot!

So, I only had a girl named picked out - of course - so if anyone has any good suggestions - I need help!!!

Let's see, what else has been happening...... Courtney was able to go to state in swimming. She's been doing so well, it is so fun to watch her swim.

Swimming the butterfly

Here she is with one of her coaches and her relay team.
Jake is still playing soccer and busy with all of his friends. Tanner has started soccer and is so excited. He's watched Courtney and Jake do all of their things - and now it's finally his turn to play. He's pretty clueless out there - but he loves it. He gets ready at for soccer at 8 a.m. - even when his game is at 6:30 at night. Courtney was able to go to Florida for almost a week with Grandma Cynde for her birthday. She had a blast! Lucky girl.

Porter and I just got back from a whirlwind trip that was awesome! I was able to tag along on one of his work trips from Washington D.C. to the Caymans to New Orleans and back to California for a week. I will have to post pics in a new post because my computer is being weird and won't let me move the pictures around. My parents watched the kids - bless them- and we had a great trip.

Hopefull I will keep blogging - this preganacy thing is not for me. Sometimes I wish I were a polar bear - sleep through the whole thing!

Porter's Adventures.........okay so who wouldn't be a little jealous?

2008-11-14T23:01:00.011-07:00

Yes, I admit it.....sometimes I am green with envy when it comes to Porter's "job". Sometimes - well okay a lot of the time - it just sounds so nice to stay in the nicest resorts, eat at the nicest restaurants (meaning no cooking and more importantly no cleaning up), doing whatever you want - when you want, maid service, seeing the world, and doing some pretty cool things. Okay, I must be really lonely. Porter texted me tonight from Scottsdale, AZ - AS HE WAS EATING AT FLEMMINGS no less - and it just made me feel a little sad. He's gone for another week and a half and I just miss him. :( I'm sure it's a real sacrifice (I just can't see it tonight as I look at all these pictures) that he has to be gone all the time and I'm sure if it was me that had to travel all the time - I wouldn't trade it for what I am doing. But.............. it's sure nice to dream and live vicariously through him. Seriously if you don't believe me - look where he has been - and these are only a few of the places.

This is the resort he stayed at last week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico . See what I mean about spoiled!!!!

Beautiful sunset.

He took this picture out on a catamaran trip. Way cool rock, there were a bunch of seals on it

Here he is scuba diving while in Mexico. The sea lions would come right up to him.

Another trip to West Palm Beach, Florida. He went deep sea fishing.

He caught a barracuda.
YIKES!!!!! And I thought sharks were scary.

This is in Bellingham, Washington. It looks so beautiful.

Grand Cayman Island. He gets to hang out here a lot! He's going again next week.

One of his many trips to San Francisco.

This is on the private Island called St. Simmons off the coast of Georgia.

New York, New York. I've never been to NY city - someday :)

Washington, D.C.

Do you see what I mean? I know it's his job and all - but for the love!!! I think I'm just jealous because I want to travel the world so so so so bad. I guess my time will come someday. By then, he'll probably just want to stay home. Oh well - such is life. I will just be thankful for what I have.

Skittles

2008-11-10T21:17:00.003-07:00

Jake and Tanner's conversation Sunday morning:

(Tanner had just opened a large package of Skittles from his Halloween candy and was sorting them into colors.)

Jake: " Hey Tanner, can I have some of your yellow ones?"

Tanner: "No you can't, I'm sick." (Tanner had strep last week)

Jake: "Oh come on, you haven't even touched all of them yet."

Tanner: "Touch, touch, touch, touch........" (As Tanner touched everyone of his skittles in front of Jake - so he couldn't have any. He was so proud of himself. In the end - Jake didn't get any.)

Halloween

2008-11-02T07:27:00.012-07:00

Here are my SCARY Halloween creatures.

Courtney was a cute vampire - if vampires are cute.

Jake was a ninja. Very appropriate for him. :)

Tanner was Ironman. He's worn his costume everyday for a week since he got it. The little chest even lights up.

Ready for trick-or-treating with their friends the Antonelli's.

Last Sunday, we had a family Halloween party that Courtney planned. It was really cute - we played games, had some Halloween food, and even had a costume contest.

Here is my costume: "soccer mom".

My mom looks really good in goth or "emo" - I think that's what they call it.

Brent's a sexy pregnant woman - love the purple tights!

Brenda's costume was really fun - she won the contest.

Lila just laughed at her funny grandma! Witches brew

These were my kids favorite - mini carmel apples.

Courtney played this really fun game. She blindfolded you and had you feel all these different things and then guess what they were. It was harder than I thought it would be. These were toes made out of string cheese and almonds.

This is brains - she glued a bunch of gummy worms together.

Fingers - Courtney carved them out of carrots.

Eyeballs - they felt so gross when you didn't know what they were.
This one is thyroid made out of tomato. Nobody guessed this one right.

blood vessels out of sprouts

heart out of chicken breast

Last but not least - intestines out of noodles.

I know.....it's shocking!!!

2008-10-24T13:07:00.009-06:00

Okay, yes I know it's very shocking - but I am actually blogging. I figured it was time to start up again. I just needed a break from blogging - I don't know if anyone else ever gets that way? Plus 3 kids keeps me super busy - as all of you moms know.

So, here's the update: we are still in Utah and trying to keep it that way - CA is super over priced plus the schools aren't very good.
Porter is still flying for his boss out of San Jose and commutes there when he needs to fly - although he is not near as busy as he was. Yah!
I am still working my 1 shift a week at the surgical center and doing what mom's do: shopping, cleaning, cooking, carpooling, homework, counseling, bed-tucker-inner and a million and one other things.
Courtney is in 4th grade and loving it - she has some really cute friends. She is also on a swim team and trains several hours a day 4-5 times a week - and she's doing great!
Jake is Jake! He is in 2nd grade, still playing soccer and he is my collector. He collects anything and everything. Rocks, cool little do-dad's, money, shoelaces, or whatever he can find. Every time I turn around Jake has a little pile somewhere.
Tanner is almost 4 - I can't believe it - and in pre-school. He loves to do everything Courtney and Jake do - but he is our entertainer. You never know what funny thing is going to come out of his mouth!

So that's the low down on us Isom's! I've decided there is so much to blog that I will go back and give the highlights of the past few months. But I wanted to start with our family trip to Yellowstone in September. This is the first time just Porter and I have taken our kids on a vacation. We usually go with my family or his, so it was really fun to go with just us. The kids loved Yellowstone! It was a really fun family trip. :)

Mammoth Hot Springs

Isn't that amazing? This picture does it no justice. This elk was huge!

This is one of my favorite pictures.

You can see where everything burned in the big fire 20 years ago.

Out to eat. YUM YUM

Swimming at the hotel.

This is at a bear preserve in West Yellowstone. Courtney and Jake got to go into the bears enclosure (when they weren't in there) and hide food for them. Then the bears would come out and find the food. It was so cool .

They had wolves there too, we even got to hear all of them howling.

We spent lots of time driving in the car.

You got to hit Old Faithful. She still is faithful.

Yellowstone Lake. It was pretty chilly - It even snowed for a few minutes.

Porter encouraging Jake to break the rules! (No....not Porter)

Yellowstone Lake - it was so pretty.

Tanner called them bufflers or mufflers.

This is what they call the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Hopefully very soon, I will give the highlights of the past few months.

Courney's 9th & Jake's 7th Bday

2008-07-09T16:53:00.008-06:00

Courtney's 9th bday (way back in May)!!! She just had a few friends over - they had their hair and make-up done at Sweet-n-Sassy then came back to our house for cake and ice cream. It was really fun. :) I think Courtney had a good bday.

Courtney and Nicole - they have been friends since 5 years old!

Courtney and Lilly; she was a good friend to Courtney at school.
Brynne, Court, Nicole, Allie and Lilly. Cute girls!

Jake's 7th bday party. Boys are so different than girls!!! They were like animals running around crazy in our house. I had to send them outside. Most of them were from his 1st grade class - I don't know how is school teacher lasted a whole year.

We had a guy come and bring some cool insects and animals. It was the coolest party we have ever had for Jake! Everyone just sat down and soaked in everything the guy said. It was really cool - I highly recommend this party. It would even be so much fun for adults.

This is a chinchilla, it was super soft.

Legless lizard - it's not a snakeAfrican millipedesBlack scorpions! These were the coolest - and they did have their stingers. He said they were usually gentle!TarantulasMonitor Lizard. We touched it, but he wouldn't let us hold it. Albino pythonReticulated Python. It weighed around 80 lbs and it was 13 feet long. It stunk!!! This was a really fun party!

Just when life seems settled.......BAM!

2008-06-22T18:37:00.002-06:00

No Kidding!

Some of you may have heard - most of you probably haven't - but Porter got a new job in San Jose, California. California? I don't think I've ever wanted to live there, actually (as Tanner would say) I know I have never wanted to live there. I don't mind visiting to go to Disneyland and Sea World, but to live there? I'm a little unsure of this reality facing me. I'm trying to be excited about it, but the excitement hasn't come yet.

With the way the housing market is going, his boss just can't afford his Lear anymore. But we truly feel blessed - Porter got a very good job offer immediately. It was very sudden though, last Friday he got the job offer and 2 days later, on Father's day, he left for Florida for 2 weeks of training on the new airplane. Can I just say whirlwind? Three weeks ago - I didn't know what was coming.

So, that leaves Porter in Florida training, and me trying to pack and move out of our house by myself. Can I just say I'm a LITTLE stressed. I hate moving. Did I mention I HATE moving? I shouldn't complain, because when you pray for help, Heavenly Father sends you angels. Literally - I had 7 women from my ward show up and helped me pack my whole kitchen, I've had several good friends watch my kids, Cynde (Porter's mom) took Tanner to Wyoming for a few days, we've had several men in our ward show up - more than once- to help move big things out, and of course my family has helped a ton. I feel so blessed.

Porter has 2 months to commute to San Jose, while we find somewhere to live. We are moving all of our stuff into storage and are taking pretty much just our clothes to my mom's house until we move to San Jose.

That's my crazy life! So If I don't blog for a while, you know why!

I went SKY DIVING, I went Rocky Mtn climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu

2008-06-09T23:38:00.002-06:00

Okay, If you can believe it - I can actually say I have done 2 out of the 3 things in Tim's song!!!

Holy Crapola! Porter and I went skydiving - yes I said skydiving - today for our 10th anniversary. I'm sure it doesn't surprise anyone that Porter took the plunge - but I really did it too! June 9, 1998 is when our little family began and we sure celebrated it today. :) I guess you could compare getting married to jumping out of a plane - a little crazy, sometimes you feel like your falling fast, exciting, and you just hope and pray for a soft landing!

It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I don't think Porter believed that I would actually do it, but I did! I wasn't even that nervous until we were almost to 18,000 feet and my instructor finished strapping us together. I started freaking out in my mind as I watched 4 people jump before me and we were sliding down the bench to the door. But when we got to the door and I looked out - I wasn't nervous anymore - just so excited! They have you lean forward, backwards, and then you fly out the door as you lean forwards again. I can't even explain the feelings I had. I wasn't scared at all - just overwhelmed with amazement, adrenaline, exhilaration, and excitement. You are falling so fast, but it doesn't really even feel like it. Then they open your parachute and you slowly finish your way down to the earth! AMAZING! I want to go again - I am proud of myself for doing something I didn't think I could.

Here is the group we went with. The second one from the left is one of Porter's best friends from flight school, Brandon Olsen. It was also his bday today and he brought his girlfriend and his brothers.

Right now

2008-05-29T14:07:00.000-06:00

(Okay so I just finished writing a marathon post! I guess I had a lot on my mind. So it may take a few minutes to read.)

Tanner is asleep and Courtney and Jake are at school and I have maybe a 1/2 hour of peace and quiet before all heck breaks loose. So, I was playing a mindless game on the computer (Bejeweled - totally a waste of time but I love the little noises it makes) and I was deep in thought, so I decided I would blog!

Porter comes home late tonight after 16 days of being gone - I can't wait!!!!! I was thinking about taking the kids to the airport about midnight and surprise him - but midnight? Seems a little late! He'd probably love it - but I would pay with onry (sp?) children for the next 3 days. Still might do it.

I just have to say I am so thankful for my family. I honestly don't know what I would do without them. I know people always say that - but I truly mean it. I was thinking I was getting pretty good at basically being a single mom - but it's only because I have great parents and a brother and sister-in-law who help me out a ton!

I'm sure my mom gets sick of me calling to see if she can take Tanner for an hour while I help in Jake's class or have some appointment - but if she's sick of it - she hasn't said anything to me and she's always happy to do it. Like yesterday, It was Courtney's bday and my dad took Tanner most of the day so I could get ready for her party and have the party with just the girls. Totally saved my day! They save my day on a weekly basis!

Just a cute side note- yesterday when my dad took Tanner this is what he said to my dad, "Papa, I have a plan. First, we are going to have a Creamie. Then, we will go plant flowers. Next, we will go on a bike ride then we will play basketball." Tanner had the whole day planned out, and they followed it exactly. At the end of the day, Tanner was so proud because they did his plan.

Thankfully, my boys love working with their grandpa and he's teaching them great things. Usually every week they help him weed his planters and do jobs around the yard. My boys live for it!!! He makes it so fun and is so patient with them, and of course throwing a baseball, playing hoops and a bike ride are usually involved!

So, Courtney turned 9 yesterday! 9????? How old does that make me feel. Way to old. I remember being that age and it doesn't feel like it was too long ago. She is way fun right now! Sometimes a little emotional - but hey she's a girl! She's my little helper - the boys 2nd mom. (Which can be good and bad!) She is almost 5 feet and wears a size 6 1/2 women's shoe. At least I can say she's 9 now -not 8 - because nobody believed me. She's a smart girl - she'll go far in life. Okay - I'm going to brag a little so if you don't want to hear it - just skip to the next paragraph- but I am so proud of her. She scored in the top 10% of the nation in 5/6 categories on the national Iowa test. Way to go Courtney pie!

So - for my sanity I am taking a quilting class every Tuesday night. I love it! I have the cutest babysitter come and I get to leave!!! I think when my quilting class is done - I am still going to have her come so I can do something for just me. Learn something new each week so my brain doesn't turn to mush. Anyone want to join me or know of any fun classes???? Or girls night every Tuesday?

Jake, Jake, Jake - he's my little superstar. He's so sweet and happy. Things roll off of him like butter - maybe that's just part of being a boy. (Do things even actually roll off butter?) Anyways, he's happy go lucky! He just wants a ball - baseball, soccer ball, basketball - and he's happy. If you want Jake to know that you love him, just spend an hour playing 1-on-1 with him! And sad but true - it happened (Emily you know what I'm talking about) -the other day, I reached for his hand - like always - and he dodged it, smiled a little embarrassed and asked me if he could just not hold my hand. :(

My Tanner boy had his last day of pre-school today! I can't believe it's been a whole year. He is my little angel. There could be nobody cooler to hang out with all day. I love it - every time we ride in the car, he asks me, "What do you want to talk about?" He loves to be a big boy and play with Courtney and Jake and their friends. He is also riding Jake's old bike with training wheels on. He could probably do it without them, but they are for my peace of mind. He also dribbles a ball like nobody's business!

So this was long and sentimental, but I haven't blogged one of these in a while. So if anyone made it all the way to the end - thanks for listening!

Florida continued.......

2008-05-21T08:50:00.001-06:00

Here we are at the Magic Kingdom. Disney world is huge! There are 4 parks in Disney world and it is as big as the Salt Lake Valley. Who Knew? We had so much fun. It wasn't really busy -luckily we didn't have to wait too long for anything. It was so much fun to spend time with everyone.

Jake would not stay out of the water! I don't blame him - it was hot. Especially when you go from snow to 90 degree weather on a 4 hour plane ride.

This is at Tom Sayer's Island. The kids loved it there - there were fun caves, bridges and this cool fort.

You can't go to Disney world without riding in the tea cups!
We spent an afternoon at Daytona Beach. The kids loved playing in the waves. The day we were there - several miles down the beach - a 6 year old boy was attacked by a shark in a foot of water. Crazy!!! I'm sure glad it wasn't Jake - he was in way deeper than a foot!

Brenda celebrated her 33rd bday while we were there. Brenda is 6 days older than Porter and he's so happy he's not the oldest anymore. This cake was absolutely amazing. My mom ordered it from a place called Sprinkles - I guess the guy who made it is pretty famous for his cakes. He is on the food channel and has won a bunch of those cake contests. Brenda loves cakes - so it was really fun! It was the best cake I've ever had.This is the pool at the house we stayed. It was so great - everyday after we got back from a park the kids would run to the pool. They spent hours and hours in here.

Here we are at Epcot Center. This was my favorite park. They have some fun rides, but the best part was all of the countries. They have about 11 countries represented. They have the coolest things to do and learn in each one. The best part was the different country stores - they were so fun to look at!They had the coolest Nemo ride, part of it was a big tube through a huge aquarium with dolphins, sharks, turtles and tons of fish. Bruce!

This is in the Norway store. I got some of the best perfume I've ever smelled here. China. The gardens were amazing.

Jake is the year of the snake, good thing since he's "Jake the snake"MexicoItalyJapan. So, so beautiful!

MoroccoUmmm......num.........she........bob...................Um.. what am I supposed to do?

We had a great time! It was nice to get away from everyday life for a while. Then you get home and reality hits - but it was so much fun while it lasted. Vacations always go way to fast!

Portirats

2008-05-17T07:25:00.000-06:00

I had pictures taken of my kids this week at Le Gardin in Sandy. My friend Kris took the pictures and did an AWESOME job! You can go to her blog to view a few of them. Her website is www.kdportraits.com then click on her blog.

We are in.........

2008-05-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

FLORIDA!!!!! We've been in Florida for almost a week now and we are having a blast! We've been to Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Daytona Beach, and still have several places left to go. The weather has been amazing - we've gone from Utah snow to Florida sun. A day lying on the beach is what I needed! Louis and Alice (my brother and sister in law), who live near Miami came up and went to Animal Kingdom with us too! Here are just some of our pictures so far.

Daytona Beach Sunday after church on Sunday. We were just going to go see it - but Jake lasted about 2 seconds before his shirt was off and he was soaked.

Alice, Louis, and Baylee came up and stayed Sunday night and went to the Animal Kingdom with us. It was so much fun to see them.

This is Monday at the Animal Kingdom.
It's almost 1 a.m. here in Florida - so if any of this doesn't make sense you will know why. It's so good to get away and just spend time with the kids, Porter and my fam.

Easter

2008-04-16T21:59:00.000-06:00

Courtney's broken arm - she fell off the monkey bars! This is her 3rd broken arm.

Easter morning trying to get pictures of the kids. Tanner was not to happy. :)

Porter made it home just in time to jump in some pictures.

Saturday before Easter at Thanksgiving Point. I think this is about our 4th year attending their Easter egg hunt. The kids love it - they have several big hunts, games, rides, face painting and the best brunch. Sunday afternoon Easter egg hunt at my mom's house. Jake loves Hershey bars!

I'm alive

2008-04-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a really long time since I have blogged. My life has been very interesting lately - taking unexpected turns and filled with some disappointment. I guess life doesn't always turn out the way you want it to. It's been hard to do some of the normal things - like blogging - but I guess everything happens in life for a reason. I've come to realize that when things get really hard, you find out what kind of person you really are. I truly hope there is light at the end of this tunnel, it has been dark for far too long.

Let's see.......it's been a month since I have blogged and I know some things must have happened! Yes... Courtney broke her arm - again - I just hope 3's a charm! Soccer is back in full swing and I have attended many practices and games. Courtney and Jake are doing awesome and Tanner can't wait until he is old enough to play. Jake is playing coach pitch baseball again and loving it. My grandpa wants to be his agent and "make lots of money" with him. I'm still working my token 4 shifts a month! Porter is flying like a mad man - I think he will be home a total of about 6 days this whole month. So that is life at the Isom home!

My grandpa's

2008-03-10T20:39:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Hawkins & Grandpa Nielsen ("Grumps")

These are my 2 grandpa's who I love very much. They were both at my moms house for Sunday dinner. Grumps (my moms dad) comes every Sunday for dinner and it is so fun. We always get to hear fun stories and I love that my kids know him so well. He is very famous for wearing red socks - with everything - and my little Tanner loves to wear red socks just like Grumps! My grandpa Hawkins lives in Vernal so we don't get to see him very much. He is staying with my aunt because he is fighting colon cancer but came to my parents house for the weekend. I am so grateful for my wonderful grandpa's and the families they raised.

My kids are pretty lucky - they have 6 great-grandparents still alive.

Good photo op! Here are my kids with Grumps:

Here they are with Grandpa Hawkins:

This was our Sunday dinner. My mom always makes the BEST food! I love getting together with everyone on Sunday to eat good food, talk, play games and chill!
Cute Brent and Brenda! She's having a GIRL! We can't wait!!!!!Porter and Tan jumping on the tramp. It was a beautiful day!

Tanner is so so funny. Whenever anyone leaves he has to give you a kiss and a love. If you leave before he kisses and hugs you he has a complete melt down. So here he is giving his great-grandpa's their loves!

My kids are going to need therapy....

2008-03-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Okay - so Courtney and Jake have been off track for 3 weeks now! They have been able to do a lot of fun things this time. They did an off track camp for a week, we made it to the aquarium, we went to Washington to visit my aunt and uncle and their 11 kids on a huge cherry and apple farm, Courtney took skiing and Jake took snowboarding lessons for the first time (which they absolutely loved) and they were able to spend some time visiting Porter's parents in Wyoming! So they have had a really fun 3 weeks!!!

So, Porter and I got a call from his mom this week while they were up there and I just had to share this story - mostly because I don't want to forget it! As many of you know - my kids love going up to Wyoming to visit! Courtney and Jake love helping Grandad at his vet clinic with all the animals. So they had just finished watching him neuter a dog and the testicles were sitting there in a little thing........ so my kids start dissecting them (yes, this is why they will need therapy)!!! Hey, it's educational, right? (Saves me some explaining later in life)!!!! Anyways, Courtney says to Jan (one of the ladies who has worked there forever), "this looks like a brain" and Jan says back to Courtney, "It pretty much is!"

Oh, the lessons of life you can learn at a vet clinic! I'm sure Court didn't get it - but someday I'll share this with her again! So if anyone needs help teaching their kids sex ed - just send them up to WY.

10 Things Tag

2008-02-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

10 Things Tag
A new tag! I think this tag is interesting. I always like getting recommendations from people. It's fun to see what you use or love.

Name 10 things in each category that you use daily and/or love:

In your fridge/kitchen:

1. yogart - my kids go through the stuff like candy
2. cereal every morning
3. Clorox kitchen clean up - It's hard to see stuff on my counter - so I make sure it's sanitized
4. 2-3 new dishrags everyday
5. my broom and mop
6. skinny cow icecream sandwiches - a must have
7. for Porter - it would be ranch dressing and habanero sauce - he puts it on everything
8. gallons and gallons of 1% milk (Porter needs something to rinse the habanero sauce down with)
9. IKEA's colorful plastic cups, bowls, spoons and plates - they are like $1 for a package of 6 - and they are the best - I highly recommend a trip to IKEA just for them
10. my kitchen scissors - I have like 3 pairs - you never know when they will get dirty or go missing

In your bathroom:

1. my flat iron - I don't think I could function without this - well I could but I would look freaky
2. my boars head bristle 3" round brush - another must have
3. my boars head bristle ratting brush (Yes Anne - you know the one, if I get you again for next Christmas I will see if I can get you one from my hairdresser - I don't know where you can buy them) - and yes this is a MUST HAVE
4. biosilk
5. really good shampoo and conditioner - I hate the cheap stuff - right now I'm using Joico
6. my MAC foundation stick
7. Venus razor
8. Dove soap
9. Versace bright crystal perfume - it's light and fresh so you can wear it everyday
10. Mac creamwash- for my face

In your house:

1. my gym bag - Porter got the guy to throw it in when we signed up for our membership and it's like a hundred bucks - and it's the best bag I've ever had
2. my van (the garage is part of the house)
3. my vacume (Jacqui - I'm so jealous you have a dyson - that's the one I want - so yes I am coveting)
4. my T.V. - I love to watch the news and sometimes be really lazy and sit in front of it after my kids go to bed
5. my front loading washer and dryer - they are the best - you can load so much stuff in them - like 2 normal loads
6. my house phone and my blackberry - or should I say 'crackberry'
7. Porter's laptop
8. our fireplace
9. cross-cut shredder - I hate junk mail and credit card applications - you think they could save all of the forests if they banned junk mail
10. the toilet

On your bookshelf/bedside table

1. Stephanie Myer's collection of books: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse
2. the new book I'm reading: Three Cups Of Tea
3. a smelly candle - you never know when that comes in handy
4. a loaded gun - just kidding - just seeing if anyone is still awake
5. Jane Austen's collection of books
6. all of my earrings I wear on a regular basis - which is only like 3 pairs
7. Our sunday school lesson book - Porter and I teach the 15/16 sunday school class
8. The Book Of Mormon Made Easier book by David J. Ridges - It is an awesome book - very helpful with my lessons
9. My camera and videocamera
(there's only 9 - I can't think of anymore things)

With the kids:

1. their coats or jackets
2. their bookbags
3. Tanner takes a zip lock bag of a collection of about 5-6 toys everywhere he goes - and the toys change on a daily basis
4. Jake takes his pocket knife with him - and leaves it in the car when he goes to school - and carries it with him most other places - and puts it on his dresser every night
5. kleenex
6. luckily I don't need any diapers - I've been diaper free for over a year and I don't think I can go back
7. Courtney usually brings a book with her
8. I always bring a book with me so I have something to do during practices
9. something to do with soccer - balls, bags, uniforms, socks, water bottles......
10. a lot of times Darby goes where the kids go - carpooling for school, soccer practices, the park, grandma's house

Well, that took me a lot longer than I thought it would!!! I tag anyone that wants to do it: Anne, Emily, Alice, Skip, Angie, Elizabeth - a few suggestions (I think everyone else has all ready been tagged by Jacqui). Don't feel pressure - actually it was kind of fun to think about it and it gave me something to blog about - I've been out of ideas lately!