{throwing a tennis ball 101}

As many of you know...I am in school to become a Physical Education teacher. Last semester I had to pass off all the basic skills. You know: throwing, catching, jump rope, hoola hoop, frisbee, tinikling (some sort of foreign weird dance), lummi sticks (banging sticks to rhythm), speed minton, basic basketball, basic volleyball, hitting, striking with racquets...the list goes on and on.
The semester goes by and I pass everything in flying colors...naturally.
SIDE NOTE:
Meet Emily. Emily is from South Carolina and has the cutest southern drawl and of course, is BLONDE. A true steriotypical blonde. Me and one of my fellow classmates always say that if we could bottle her phrases up and then replay them randomly throughout the day, we would. She's on her own little spaceship and soars around and then sometimes will come back down to earth (the classroom) and give us her opinion or input...which usually has us all laughing. Then when we play games she skips around like a little kid. I love her.
Ok, so the last day of class rolls around and I am checking with the teacher to make sure that I have everything passed off. I look down the list:
Jump rope: check
Hitting: check
Juggling: check
Dancing: double check...
you get the idea. Anyway, I get down to "throwing a ball 100 feet" and there is nothing. Blank. Zero. Nada.
Hmmmm...how is it that I passed off EVERYTHING else but somehow missed something as simple as throwing? Not saying that I have a pretty good arm, but I did play a little softball here and there back in the day. (I personally just think the Doc forgot to record my score.)
Emily also did not get it passed off.
We were in the gym because of the cold freezing cold tundra weather of Utah. I grab a tennis ball and do a couple warm up throws with Emily. Then the Doc says, "Alright to pass it off you need to stand at one end of the gym and hit other end high on the wall."
I'm thinking multiple thoughts:
1. I can't believe I have to do this AGAIN.
2. This is cake.
3. I played center field.
4. I can't believe she is making me do this again...and I have to stay late.
SO- I grab the tennis ball. Do a wind-up, a powerful crow hop, and release. Picture perfect...well EXCEPT for the fact that I released WAY to late...which caused the ball to decrease in altitude at an extremely rapid pace.
At this time Emily decides to take a stroll across the court....probably skipping...not realizing that I had just thrown a bullet line drive right at her face.
Point 2 seconds later...WHAM!!! Right square on her glasses which caused the glass lense to pop out and go flying across the gym. She hit the floor like a war vet....moaning.
OH CRAP...what did I just do??? I just knocked Emily out. Me and everyone else that was in class ran over there and she is just laying there, holding her eye, saying OW. I felt like crap....but in my sick humor...once I realized she was OK and not gushing blood everywhere...I started laughing. Luckily she is a REALLY good sport and she laughed it off too.
So now when ever I pick up a tennis ball or talk about throwing or anything remotely close to it...everyone ducks and flinches.
Moral of the story: Stand back when I'm throwing or you could get knocked out. (ha ha...just kidding.)

{Life as the Brodster}

A week or so ago Trace went to Arizona to watch our buds Dustin and Lindsey get sealed AND to watch Nolan wrestle in the Doc Wright Wrestling Tournament. Brody was Trace's traveling buddy...sad to say...they left me behind in Pootah to chill with my lonesome. ANYWAY (that is a different story for a different day). Trace got to spend a lot of time with family and enjoy hanging out. Brody loved being with his Aunt Olivia...as you can see by his half smile and snot-nosed face!

Trace took Brody over to see his Great Grandma Bowers. He loved her cain. Trace said that Brody stole it from her and then took off running. When he went to give it back, she would reach out for it and he would pull it back AND laugh. He teased her for quite sometime.

I guess Brody TRACE Porter is becoming more and more like his daddy everyday.Brody found this pretty fancy woven plastic Gingerbread house thingy. He thought it was a hat. (Please watch the video for a full understanding.)

As you can see...anytime Brody puts anything on his head he thinks it is a hat and he INSTANTLY turns into a cowboy. I must say, that little cowboy has got some moves!!

Trace also took the Brodster over to Nanna and Grandpa Reidhead's house. I'm sure they enjoyed the visit from the Porter boys. Also, on a side note:

Brody has learned a lot of new words lately. I'll just list a few.

Aqua

Leche

Milk
Water

Please

Eat

Sorry

Thank you

I O Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

YeeHaw: that's what a horse says

Moo, Cock-a-doodle-doo...which sounds like Doooo DOOOOO!

Dinosaur- I promise, he really does.

Stetson (by the way, Stetson is living with us again...Brody LOVES him.)

Ouch, Hat, Teeth, Eyes, Nose, Teeth, Ear, Toes, Fish, Animals

$hit (I promise I didn't teach him that...I blame it on his Uncle Rustin)

....just kidding...he really doesn't say that.

There are a LOT of words that he is learning. He is so smart. He impresses me everyday! I love that little boy.

Alright, peace out homie g's. Word to your mother.

PS. Nolan did amazing in the tourny. First place and Most Outstanding Wrestler Award. I'm so proud.

Hello 2009.

Ok, so maybe I'm a little late posting this. Get off me.

In 2009

{Trace will...}

Take 21 credits in the Spring Semester, 10 in the summer, and 18 next fall.
He'll work extra hard and tone down his sarcasm level 1.5 notches so that he can get the manager's job at UPS. (Crossing my fingers.)
But he must continue to use sarcasm and laughter to brighten up my life.
Take Brody to the zoo or on some adventurous vacation.
Run a marathon...ok, that's a lie.
Turn 26.
Do at least 10 jumping jacks per diem.
Play with and tickle (to almost the point of torchure) his son....and wife.
Go to church, fulfil his callings, honor his priesthood.
Be the best dad and husband in a hundred mile radius.

{Taralee will...}

sleep, eat, school, work, sleep, eat, school, work, eat, sleep...
(Ok, probably a little more detailed than that.)
Make Brody and Trace laugh as much as I can.
Love Trace like he just got home from the war.
Take 18 credits in the Spring, 15 in the summer, and 18 next fall. I plan to graduate NEXT year.
Continue to make my house a home.
Control my temper...or at least attempt to.
Swim across the Atlantic. (Not really, just making sure you're awake.)
Turn 26- that honestly sounds so old.
Spend more time in the great outdoors.
Make more crafts, quilts, and home decor.
Go to Enrichment...seriously, you heard me...Go to Enrichment.
Live life to the fullest and love those around me....especially my TWO boys.

{Brody will...}

Continue to make his parent's laugh...a lot.
Develop his vocabulary.
Learn to say, "I love you" clearly...we are ALMOST there.
Be healthy, happy, and full of energy.
Continue to be the cutest, most handsome, redhead that I know.
Enjoy being a kid.

Happy New Years! Hope yours will be as good as ours!

Christmas and what not...

Season Greetings peeps. We had a wonderful holiday break. It consisted of many great adventures and experiences. We had an early Utah Christmas because we didn't want to have to pack everything down to Arizona and back. Brody LOVED opening his presents....and ours. He kept saying "more, more, more." As you can tell in the below picture....Trace also enjoyed it.We got Brody some new kicks. He likes his new nikes. Right when he saw them he wanted me to put them on. I'm sure he'll be able to run faster, jump higher, and kick harder now.We left on the 23rd and drove ALL night to get to Arizona. I'm so glad that we were able to get there in time to see my mom like this...ha ha. I love her fancy little red poinsetta suit with the jewels. Back in 1990-something she wore the outfit out in public...and to work. :o) I'm hoping that I'm on the will to inheret that fine piece sew-man-ship. Please, oh, please. I also got to spend some time with Rustin. He cracks me up. He is also so kind and giving. He had our name for Christmas and TOTALLY hooked us up. THANK YOU so much for everything.

He's also hilarious. For instance:

1. It was time for Brody to hit the hay so I asked Rustin if he would help me set up the pack n' play in my mom and dad's closet. (Don't judge me cause I made Brody sleep in a closet.) Well, after multiple efforts and words mumbled under my breathe, a couple pinched fingers, and feeling like a complete idiot...we figured out that you have to click the side bars up first and THEN lock the bottom in. DUH. I was laughing so hard....my silent shaking laugh with tears.

2. On our way out of Show Low to the valley of the sun we RAN OFF THE ROAD. It was very tragic.

Actually, no it wasn't...it was freakin hilarious. We pulled out of our driveway and went to turn on the main road and slide off the road into a ice covered, 2 inch ditch. Rustin tried to push us out...but wasn't quite strong enough. We called my mom and dad...who were .2 seconds away...to come rescue us. 5 minutes later we were still sitting there. LUCKILY, the 65 year old Mr. Birdman Skipper (my 8th grade science teacher) came to our rescue. He and Rustin were able to push us out. Thank goodness.

Anyway- we got back in the car and called my mom and asked them what they were doing...perhaps they were packing a lunch or putting their snowboots on...I'm not so sure. We got a kick out of that little experience.
I also got to spend a little time with Danica. We have a great time teasing her and we sure do love her.

My mamma and her red headed Brody.We went down to my Grandma and Papa Reidhead's house for the annual Christmas Eve Party. It was hoppin, as usual. It was great to see everyone. Most of them commented on how "husky" Brody is. Here's Danica and Cody sitting on the mantle.Of course we had all the kiddo's act out the nativity scene. I'm sad cause Rustin, Kari, Kristen, and I didn't get to sing our Christmas Quartet. Maybe we could sing that one song when Grandma gets ran over by the reindeer....what's it called again?We did Christmas morning at my parent's house. It was so wonderful. I just love the feeling of being home and walking around the corner and seeing the lights and the stuffed stalkings and the Santa presents all laid out. We were truely spoiled and definately hooked up. My mom and dad always are so giving. My mom and dad made me some cute crafty decorations stuff. She is very talented. And of course they spoiled their favorite grandbaby.
My mom and dad have worked so hard remodeling and fixing up their house. It looks great. You guys did such a good job. I didn't get a good picture of my mom's tree. But it sure it pretty. Someday I want to have like 5 Christmas trees....decorated and lit up like crazy. Oh someday...We also watched A LOT of sporting events over the holidays. Did I say A LOT?? I meant a mucho grande freaking TON of sports. You name the game and I'll tell you all about it. Suns, Cardinals, BYU, all bowl games, NHL, College Basketball...seriously. It was so great. This is us at the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey game. We were right on the ice.We also got to spend time with the Porters. Trace got to go quail hunting with his brothers. We all went out to dinner and a movie. Fun times were had by all.

Oh and we left Brody there for a week, which I previously stated. When we met them in Blanding my mom and Brody wore their matching sweaters. CUTE...I know right? (Brody was laughing at my dad cause he was mooing like a cow.) My mom and dad taught him a lot of new things. He can "moo" and "cock-a-doodle-doo" and pant like a dog. He is getting so smart and will be talking in sentences in no time. It seems like everything is starting to click. I love that little boy.

Alright, well Trace and I are back in school now. He's taking 21 credits and I'm taking 18....just shoot me now. It will be fine though. The sooner we get done the better! I can't wait. Trace got me a spa package and I went and indulged today....it was wonderful. Although yesterday I had to get 5 cavities fixed and 1 crown and cap....so today was WAY better than yesterday.

Until next time....peace out.

Arizona Cowboy...

The Brodster got this little pony and hat for Christmas...a couple of his many gifts. He loves riding it...BUT he must have his "HA" (hat) on. I tried to get him to say "YEE HAW"...but he'll only say "YEE", it's close enough. Anyway, my little buck-a-roo is in Arizona for the week. Nanna and Grandpa decided it would be a good idea if he stayed with them again. I'm sure he is LOVING it and is being very spoiled. Once again though...I miss him. However, Trace and I slept in past 9 two days in a row (awesome), we went out for an Anniversary Brunch at Magelby's Fresh, we played Ping-pong with no interuptions, we plan on going to a movie and out to dinner, I may get my hair cut, and maybe, if I get crazy, will shampoo the carpets. Brody will be gone until the 3rd...not nearly as long as the 11 days in the summer. I miss him mucho much but I'm sure he's enjoying the chickens, dogs, snow, food, and grandparents!

What's everyone's plans for the New Year? Anybody want to come to Provo, Pootah and play some ping pong and other games and eat junk food? If so, come on over!

{3 years}

3 years ago today...

I woke up feeling excited, nervous, anxious, and border line scared.

I did my make-up, curled my hair, and packed my bag.

I drove to the Snowflake Temple...radio off, just thinking. A million plus things ran through my mind.

I put on a fluffy white dress, a pretty necklace, and my mom's diamond earings.

I walked out and saw my lover boy standing in the hall.

He was handsome...and almost as nervous as me.

We smiled at eachother and the nerves went out the window.

He told me I looked beautiful and kissed my forehead.

We walked down the hall together, holding hands.

Today is the 29th of December...

3 years ago today I said "YES".

I love every minute of being married. I love the hugs, kisses, debates, journeys, adventures, baby-making (wink, wink), and all the other joys that come along with the "Marriage" title. I love it all. Bring on the years...I'm more than ready to spend them with my lover boy.

Here's to an Eternity of love and laughter.

Happy Anniversary!

obsession & "rough housing"

My little monster is obsessed with socks. He loves them. He'll steal yours if you let him. He puts them on his hands, tries to put them on his feet, and as you see below...even tries to put them on his head. Once he gets it on his hand he says, "WOAR" and chases you around with arm fully extended. He cracks me up. Also check out his 80's 24 month onesie....two words "thunder thighs". Now that it is winter and the snow is falling and it is -23 degrees in this frozen tundra land that I live in...what do you do to keep the kids entertained? Here are some ideas I came up with...
1. Indoor sledding. Get a nylon old school sleeping bag. Line the bottom of the stairs with pillows or couch cushions. Go to the top of the stairs. Have friend or loved one hold on to the sleeping bag. Carefully climb on top of it. Pull the end of it over your feet. Count to 3 and hang on for dear life. Hours of fun. Variences = go face forward, have someone give you a HARD push, go backwards, blindfolded.
2. Cowboys and Indians. Get a deck of cards. Say, "You be the Cowboy, I'll be the Indian." Grab the cards and skatter them around the room...flinging sparatically works best...and say "Round um' up cowboy. Yeehaw!" Hint: it's more fun if you are the Indian.
3. Secret Fortress: Get all pillows, couch cushions, sheets, and blankets. Get at least two yard sticks. Something heavy to *anchor the sides down. Stretch the fort from on side of the family room to the next. Sheets = the roof. Cushions = the walls. Yard sticks = proper-up-ers. Make sure that there is no walk way and that the only way through is to crawl. Let your imagination run wild!
*Note: glass objects DO NOT make good anchors.
4. Couch jumping. Place couches facing eachother. Jump from one couch to the next. Each time moving one of the couches a little further back. Make sure you have sturdy couches...or just don't watch your kids do it. (What mamma doesn't know, doesn't hurt her...right?)
5. Leap frog. Place couch cushions, pillows, and other fluffy objects around on the floor throughout the house. Make a varying path...some close, some further away. Jump from cushion to cushion to pillow etc. Pillows and whatnot = lilly pads.
6. Rodeo. Get a big pillow and a big belt. Have the oldest child (works best if he is a husky young lad) get on all fours. Put the pillow on his back and secure it with the belt. Have another child climb on. Another kid holds the stop watch. The "horse/bull" proceeds to buck. "Lane Frost" holds on with white knuckles clenching the belt. 8 seconds = a GOOD ride.

Anway- those are just some ideas from my childhood. Rough housing wasn't normally allowed. These activities usually occurred when mother was not looking. No, we were not raised in a barn.

OH and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Hope you all have a great Holiday season!
Love to all.

{my mom's day}

To my Mama, Tammy (Trace calls her that), and Nanna:

NOTE: This little passage does not nearly suffice for all the wonderful memories I have of my mom but I wanted to write a few random ones down.)
Do you remember when you gave birth to a 9 lb some odd ounce baby 15 days PAST her due date during the heat wave of summer with NO epideral? I don't....I'm sure you do...but thank you! I'm glad you did. I was your first little girl. FINALLY pinks and purples and dresses and bows and dolls.
Do you remember when I was like 5 and we would watch Days of Our Lives and eat guacamole with LOTS of salt OR lemons with LOTS of salt? I have a vague recollection of that memory. Maybe it happened, maybe it didn't...but I swear it did.
Do you remember braiding my LONG, THICK hair EVERYDAY? And I wouldn't let anyone else do it because they couldn't do it as good OR as quick as you. You always did it. You never said no...and I have a very hard head because of it!
Remember when you taught me how to bake cookies? One time I didn't leave them in the oven long enough and they all turned to mush. You told me that if I was going to use ALL of that ingredients then I better cook them for the right time and make sure they turn out. And now, I must say, I make some killer cookies.
Do you remember how you would made those little tithing folders and they were in the bottom drawer of dresser and you would make me put 10% of any money that I made in it. You taught me the importance of paying my tithing and that the Lord will bless me if I do.
Remember how you use to sew me all sorts of dresses? Me and Danica would match. (Aw, cute.) You were a very talented seamstress and taught me how to sew patchwork pillows and pajama pants. I haven't progressed much in that department, but at least I know how to follow a pattern and make one or two things.
Remember all our fun family vacations and what a good job you did in planning them. It seems we always had a good time. Even through the "oh hell" moments of taking the wrong exit...3 times in a row. Or running out of gas in the middle of the night. Or having 3 teenagers in the car at once. We always had a great time and you made sure of it. You were always willing and ready to have fun...as long as you weren't hungry! :)
Do you remember working full time and somehow you were able to come to most all of my Jr. High through High School ball games. I was a year-round athlete and you were at almost every game...including away games. I really appreciated that. I might not have SHOWED it at the time, but I really did. Sorry my temper was really bad and my actions imbarrased you. I know NOW how you felt. (Ever been to a wrestling match with Trace?...oh my helloooooo...things get a LITTLE crazy.)
Do you remember being my Young Women's leader and getting to go to Girls Camp with me. Those were fun days. I think you came up with the cute theme of "Camp-o-lot" (like Lanceolaut)...[HOLY COW...I CAN'T SPELL, just sound it out people.] It was a lot of fun. You were a great leader and set an example to many, many girls.
Do you remember when I had just barely moved down to Mesa and I had locked my keys in my truck 5 times that week, got my truck broken into and almost stolen, had a flat tire, got locked out of my apartment and had to sleep by the pool, and I was working at Mimi's Cafe and you came by to visit me. You were with Chris Whipple. I missed you so much. I'm not a very emotional girl, but I think I even cried when you left. You taught me how to be tuff though and smile through my troubles and life's difficulties.
Remember when you came to the valley for some meetings and you took me out shopping and bought me some new pants and shirts and a little Valentine bear? It was so thoughtful. You always make me feel special. You were always doing small things for me....always.
I have many, many, MANY more memories of you. Like how we could hear your voice all the way down at the church yelling for us to come home, how you played church songs every Sunday on the piano, how you helped me with countless school projects, all our camping trips to Brown Creek, all the Family Home Evening activities you planned, seeing you pray at the side of your bed...knowing that you were praying for me, your LAUGH, your inability to stay awake through an entire movie, your LOVE for Brody and how excited you get to see him, how you used to let us kids tear up your living room so that we could build a HUGE fort, how you were so selfless and always willing to serve others, and the list goes on and on.
I love you mom. I hope you have a GREAT birthday. You are a very special lady...

Love,
Me, the 9 lb baby you delivered.

It happened...

So I always see all these pictures of everyone's kids falling asleep while they are eating. I always thought, "Hmmmm...there is NO way Brody would do that. He loves food WAY too much." Well, it happened. Not on my watch...but I'm very happy that Trace got a picture of it. It may be a once in a lifetime happening. However, notice that ALL of his food is gone-minus all the ketchup smeared everywhere.

Also, I made a bunch of cards for a Christmas present for my work Christmas gift exchange thing. It was A LOT more time consuming than I thought it would be. Yet, I do think most of them turned out cute. I have a couple favorites...and of course my not so favorite ones.
Also, we are finished with this semester. Hooray for Christmas break. I'm excited to be with family. Eat lots of yummy food. Shop. Wrap gifts. Give gifts. Open gifts. Play in the snow. Look at Christmas lights. Give my house an extreme cleaning (not really "excited" about it, but I'll be excited to have a sparkling house again.) Hang out with friends...and everything else that comes with the holiday season.

On a side note:

Brody has this new thing where he puts things on his arms....like bowls, cups, water pitchers, and basically anything that he can put his arm in...and then he goes around and yells "woar, WOOOOOAR!!" (= roar, ROOOOOAR). It is hilarious. He also says "hi" and "bye" really clearly. I am SO excited for him to start talking. I'm curious to know what is going on in that crazy little mind of his.

{My little Grover}

Ok, so the other day a lady in our ward, bless her heart, brought the Brodster some "new" clothes. Some (eh hem, MOST) of them are hilarious. We are talking about denim overalls, acid washed jeans with tappered leg, pants with plaid patches sewed on them, matching top and bottom sweat suits, pants with PLEATS, knit sweaters with buildings and snow (you know, the itchy kind from the 80s), and all varieties of other 80s attire. Love them...I really need to do a "fashion" show. I put Brody in this.....And couldn't help but notice the resemblance to this...And this...
So funny.