"I laugh in the face of Danger, Haha, Ha, Ha!" -Lion King

So let me begin by just saying that while I tell this story I am guaranteed to laugh...but ONLY because it turned out fine, and nothing terrible happened! At the time, it wasnt funny, and it took me a little but to make light of the situation, but now that its been 24 hours, I can honestly say...Its just another one of those stories I am going to have to blog about, so that Porter and his future wife can know what they are in for. As the story goes--Your kids will give you 10 times the grief you gave your parents! With that said, it makes me feel sorry for Porter (and mostly his wife)...and all I can hope is he marries a girl who was a complete Angel!

Anyone who knows sweet little Porter, or has followed my blog long enough, knows that Porter can be...we'll call it a Handful! He has always had this amazing zest for adventure, his curiosity gets the best of him, and he has the craziest imagination. But more then that...this kid is SMART!! Dangerously so! And he NEVER stops. Ask anyone who has babysat, watched, taught, or even observed him. If I could bottle up that energy, I could make a TON of money. I know a few people that seem to think my children were delivered in a basket, wrapped in a bow, and labeled "EASY". This really irks me. My kids arent easy. Maybe the way I handle them, or my patience makes it appear that way. But my kids are NOT easy. They are anything BUT easy. I just like to think that I had a little bit to do with making them easy going happy kids. Maybe I'm tootin my own horn on that one...but whatever, with everything thats on my plate on a daily basis...I think I handle things quite well. So TOOT TOOT!!

So Sunday afternoon rolls around, and I am quite tired. I am NOT a napper usually (I actually just tried to nap, and it was a no go...which led to blogging while the rest of the house naps!) but decided that I needed one this particular day. I got the kids to bed, and Kameron and I fell fast asleep. About an hour after getting what can only be described as amazingly restful sleep, we hear the doorbell. I layed there thinking Kameron may get up. Nope. I wasnt getting up, so I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep, annoyed that someone had the gull to ring my doorbell on a Sunday afternoon. PEOPLE NAP on Sundays!! After about 2 minutes passed...the doorbell rings...AGAIN!! At this point I am really annoyed. So I get up this time...mainly to shut the dog who is barking like a lunatic up! I walk to the front door and peep out the peep hole and window...only to see NOTHING!! Almost walking away, I decided to just open the door...dont ask me why. This is not my normal reaction. Imagine my surprise, when I open my front door and low and behond....PORTER GRANT LEE was the culprit ringing my doorbell. WHAT?!! Stunned I stood there for what seemed like years...but in reality was all of 2 seconds before Porter says to me..."Hi Mom! I need my Buzz Lightyear!" Really kid?! Is that all you have to say to me?! After hurrying him into the house, all I could say was "Porter, how did you get outside?!! What were you doing? Why did you go outside by yourself? How did you get out of your room?!" I did a quick scan of the road and neighborhood out front...silent. No one within view...no cars...nothing. Thank GOODNESS!!

You see, right before Anastyn was born we moved his room and gave him a toddler bed. Which led to him eating all sorts of goodies at 6am from the freezer...ice cream, popsicles, waffles, chicken nuggets...the list goes on and on. So we went through 4 different knob locks in order to keep him in his room...which then led me to duct tape the final knob on because every one on the market was child proof, but not Porter-Proof! So I knew he didnt get through his door...AND the front door.

So as I proceed to ask questions as I rush to his room to find his window, WIDE OPEN!! The stinkin kid pushed his table over to the window, unlocked it, used his freakish strength to push the window UP, KICKED out the screen, and climbed out the window. This brought a whole 'nother boatload of panic!! What if he hadnt rang the doorbell, what if someone took him, what if he wandered into the street and been hit by a car...what if I had walked into his room after nap, and he be GONE and the window open?!! I would have completely WIGGED!! Sinking feelings overcame me and even as I write this it makes me sick all the things that COULD have happened, but luckily DIDNT!

I closed the window, locked it, and then went into the kitchen and removed the safety lock from that window (an easier one to break into) and put it on his window. Its a thingy that goes over the frame...thats the technical term...and then screws in so the window cannot slide up. Then I put the fear in Porter. After I swatted his toosh (diaper padded, and its me..it probably didnt even hurt) I threatened him. haha. I dont want to scare him, but he needed to understand what could have happened. We talked about what would happen if someone took him, and if he got hit by a car...and so on. It seemed to scare him enough. I told him to go lay down and take a nap. Some one should get one...we all know I am not sleeping after that!

Then I call my mom to tell her what happened, and do the whole "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH THIS CHILD?!!" routine. Of course they think its hilarious and my Dad offers to pay for therapy. Seriously...a few more episodes like that I may need a shrink!

All joking aside, as entertaining as this story is..I am so grateful that nothing happened. I am grateful that he is so disgustingly obsessed with Toy Story, that the thought of not having his Buzz Lightyear to play with made him ring the doorbell. And I am so grateful that he is MINE! I know what you are thinking...You are glad he belongs to me and not you! Dont worry, I get that a lot! Even though he does these things that make me seriously consider writing a book called "Surviving Porter", he is the sweetest little man I know. He constantly give me loves, and tells me he loves me. I'll be honest and say that being a parent is the best most guilt ridden job around. This stage of screaming fits, timeouts, and defiance has me questioning on a nightly basis if I am screwing up my child. I pray for more patience, a loving heart, and move on to the next day's tasks. I just want to be a good mom. I hope and pray that I am. But for now, we are surviving, and as long as I can raise him to adulthood, with him knowing I love him, and him loving his Heavenly Father...then I will be one happy Momma!

And if you are feeling the need...send a few prayers my way...I'll probably need them!

I love you my little Space Ranger!!

DPS Officer's are Daddies, too!

We ask our Dad to "Light 'em up"
Before he leaves the drive.
Flashing Blue and Red and White,
Sparkling in our eyes.

We watch him leave, with waving hand.
We shout thinking he'll hear.
"Love you Daddy...Love you Dad!"
"Be safe and please take care."

We turn to go, but not until
his car's completely gone.
Making sure we've seen as much
til next time he is home.

We write him notes, and make him things.
With pride we sign our names.
Waiting for the chance we'll get,
to see his face again.

We wear his shirts to bed at night
when he cant tuck us in.
Pictures rest upon our stand.
Our Daddy is our friend.

When he gets home he comes upstairs
to kiss us on the cheek.
We're asleep, but still we feel
a wave of great relief.

A little treat he leaves for us,
so we wont feel alone.
An origami horse or dog,
or special Daddy note.

He's off to bed at 3am,
poor Daddy needs his sleep.
He was out while it was dark,
safetying the streets.

We wake up and play quietly.
We listen for his door.
Are those his footsteps in the hall?
We race across the floor.

Our faces bright, we call out loud.
"Dad! Yay! Dad's awake!"
"Play with us. Come play with us."
"Before it gets too late."

He asks what we would like to play,
then bolts across the tile.
We run and dodge and laugh so hard
till daddy says he's tired.

We watch him dress up in his gear,
while Mommy packs his food.
We chase his taser's laser beam
like puppies 'round the room.

We watch him rush about to leave.
We carry out his snacks.
We hug and kiss and say good-bye
til next time he comes back.

With noisy keys jingling loud,
he climbs into his car.
We hope he knows that as he leaves
he takes with him our hearts.

We go inside and live our day.
He calls from time to time.
We go about our daily lives
with Daddy on our minds.

We know there's danger in this world.
We've seen our Mommy cry.
We know she tries to hide her fear
When Daddy's gone from sight.

We hear of those who've lost their Dad,
their husband and their son.
We feel such pain and sadness
at what cannot be undone.

We go on hikes and hand out hearts
to help their memories last.
We stand up tall and brave and proud
to honor those who've passed.

We take the lessons that we've learned.
We scream them strong and true.
Take none for granted, let them know
how much they mean to you.

We make sure Daddy knows he's loved.
We say it everyday.
From hugs and winks to joy-filled smiles,
Our Daddy knows he's great!

Author: Barbara Nowlan


I love this poem. There may be bad cops in the world, but most of them are what this poem is about. A father, husband, family man. Making a living for his family and protecting his community. So when you are mad about getting pulled over...think of the life behind the boots and uniform, and take a second to maybe think what this poem is about. They are regular men and women with regular lives...with people that love them.

Happt Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy in the World! I know you think you have the best Dad...but I'm sorry you are mistaken. My Kids have the best Dad! (Feel free to disagree, I know you will! =) haha)
A Daddy sandwich as we call it! This was last summer, they just love their Daddy!

Porter was just a few days old here. These boys have the sweetest bond. Dad is by FAR his favorite, way over Mommy! Which I am 1-million% happy with. There is no better man to look up to then his Daddy! I would be the happiest Mommy in the world is he turned out just like his Daddy! (minus the badge...i dont want to spend my ENTIRE life worrying!)

I love this picture! Can you not just see Kameron's heart melting over his little girl?!! There is nothing like a little princess to melt a Daddy's heart. This girl has had him wrapped around her little pinkie from day 1!

Porter hangin out with Daddy. He always wants to do whatever Kameron is doing! Here they are waiting for their turn to ride the dirt bike.

And of course just one more picture of Kameron doing what he does best. Playing and loving his babies! I love you Kameron, thank you for allowing me to bring your children into this world, and thank YOU for being the Father to my sweet angels! I love you!


And of course I had to add this picture of MY dad! He is hilarious. He just rebuilt his first car (not the exact one, but one just like it) and he just LOOOVES it. He treats it like his child. haha.
While we were in Sierra Vista last week, I wanted him to take me for a spin. So when he pulled out of the garage, I busted up laughing because yes...he is wearing a barre(sp) type of hat. I took a picture so I can remember how goofy he is. He has always been the best Dad. So supportive and giving. They never miss a thing, and want to be there for every new step or stage of their grandchildren. Not only is he the best Dad, but the best Tata too! Porter absolutely LOOOVES my dad. He lights up when he gets to see him, and my dad throws him on the 4-wheeler, or whatever toy he has, and takes him for rides. I am very blessed to have such great men in my life. I also have the best Father in Law. I sometimes feel like I married a younger version of him. Kameron is so much like his Dad when it comes to his charitable, and personable attributes. You will never meet someone who knows these men...and doesnt like them. We are so blessed! Happy Father's Day. We love you all!!!

Love-Gina, Porter, and Anastyn!

It's SUMMERTIME!!

...Which means its SWIMMING and SPLASH PAD season!! Luckily we have an amazing recreational area in our development, so we headed on down so we could take the kids for the first time this summer.

Anastyn wasnt a huge fan of the water...but in her defense...neither was I! It was freeeeezing. This pool is gimongous, so it takes a couple months for it to get warm. Dont believe me?! Come take a dip and let me prove you wrong!


So we swam for a little bit, but then decided watching the kids run around in the Splash Pad sounded like a better idea. More relaxing for the parents...its gated off, which equals no drowning option!
Porter and Wes running crazy!

Goofball! I couldnt hardly get any pictures of this boy. And this rings true all the time. He is just way too busy "Racing" to stop and smile for all of 2 seconds. Oh the life of a 3 year old boy!!

Anastyn loved the water as well. As long as it didnt hit her in the face!

Porter however...doesnt mind that at all!!

Bear crawl!! We are so close to her walking full time...she could, she just doesnt want to!

Why is this adorable on her and not me?!! Not fair. Things are much more simple when you are a baby! =)

And look who decided the bear crawl took too much effort!! This picture makes me sad...my baby is no longer a baby. WHAT????

Ooops, she sprung a leak!

I love this one. She was trying to catch the water. I have the cutest kids! =)

After all the playing she decided she was cold and tired. Which meant I got some snuggles...always a plus for Mommy!! I love summer for all the fun things you can do...but NOT excited for the heat. Well I guess that means we will be spending alot of time at the splash pad to cool down!

"One" fun Party!!

This past week Porter and Anastyn's little buddies Ryken and Cy turned 3 and 1! So we celebrated with them in one big party! It was at a place called Pump it Up! SOO FUN! I think the adults had as much fun...or maybe even more then the kids! Here is adorable little Cy guy in his "1" shirt!
Love the Mohawk!!

Anastyn had fun making faces when she was inside the bounce houses.

Love her!!!

Here is Porter playing the baseball game.


Cy aparently not happy to be sitting next to Anastyn. haha.

They had a Boxing Bounce house, and as soon as I put the gloves and helmet on Porter...he was OFF! He wouldnt even stop attacking Kameron long enough for me to get a picture of his face. Silly boy!!

After Porter got Daddy!

Thats right ladies, this is my man! Ohhh yeah!! hahaha

Ryken and Porter going down one of the many slides.

Kameron took Anastyn down a few times, and she didnt hate it...but she wasnt in love with it either.

Kameron and Porter going through the Obstacle Course. HILARIOUS to watch grown men do it!!

Then Cara and I had our turns being kids. This slide was fast!

This picture everything looks JUST fine...but it was snapped just seconds before disaster broke loose. Cara burned her fingers, paths crossed, hands were twisted and bent in ways that can only be described as painful...only for us to land on top of eachother in laughter. haha. My hand still hurts come to think of it...

After all the bouncing we worked up an appetite, so we headed over to Peter Piper for some lunch! Cy and Anastyn both are their weight in pizza, and were so funny to watch. They kept touching eachother like they were aliens from another planet.

Seriously, how adorable are these two?! Love them both.

Since we drove straight from Sierra Vista to get to the Party, there was very limited time for naps. So literally minutes after leaving Peter Piper, Anastyn was completely tuckered out. And Porter was wired and wide awake as usual. What a fun Party. Big thanks to the Buchberger's for allowing us to take part in celebrating Ryken and Cy's birthdays!! Here's to many more years of friendship and birthday parties!!

There's No Place Like Home!

This week we were able to go to Sierra Vista to visit my parents, and escape the horrid heat. I was so glad to finally make it back there. Its been a much awaited trip. As usual the kids had a blast with Grammy and Tata, and Kameron and I loved the great weather and beautiful scenery! Without a doubt, whether we go to St Johns, Sierra Vista, or the Cabin, Porter is sure to ride a 4-wheeler, and we are bound to get a bobble head picture!


And it never gets old! He is adorable every time!! And I just realized...check out his feet. He is very large footed! What 3 year old wears size 10?! Amazing!

Porter loved the little trampoline my parents had in their garage.

Tata taking Porter for a ride up the Canyon! Porter never wants to get off, and always asks to go FASTER!!

Then it was my turn to take my first ride in my Dad's newly remodeled car. He completely rebuilt the entire thing, inside and out. Love the color and stripes!! Kameron said when I got back that it was obvious that I love good ol' American Muscle!! haha.

Then at dinner Anastyn felt comfortable enough to keep her feet on the table. Goofy girl!!


Then there was the part of the trip that I loved the most! My daily run! I cant believe I am actually going to say this....but I am LOVING running. Ok...I think hell just froze over! There is just something about putting my favorite music in my ears, getting away from kids pulling on my pants, climbing on me, diapers changing, and fits. Its just me...and the road! I will say that running here made me completely sad though. Every lap I made around Miller Canyon, I wanted so much for this to be my home. Its just beautiful...so here are some pictures to prove it...
this is actually a little down the street from my parents, but the sun was setting and I thought it was so pretty!

This is leaving my parents house...that is the hill I ran down to start me runs!

Okay, so these pictures got our of order...but this is the base of the mountain that overlooks a big part of Sierra Vista and Hereford.

This is at the top of that hill (the picture before is at the bottom of this street) This was my favorite stretch!! Over looking the valley with a cool breeze, was so relaxing. This was also the downhill slope where I got my rest before I had to run up this bad boy.....

My parents live all the way up this road. Looking at it doesnt even do it justice. None of the pictures do. Its much prettier....AND steeper in person. 3 miles in these mountains kicked my butt, yet I loved every minute of it. And those 3 miles consisted of my climbing this road 3 times. I know what you are thinking...yes I am sore, and slightly crazy. Kameron and I went for a walk one night because it was so nice out, and we walked one lap of what I ran...and he was even saying that walking up this hill made him tired. haha. KAMERON, of all people. Made me feel like I actually accomplished something. Then after we got back from our walk, we went to the back of my parents property, and sat in the swing to just watch the sun set...and we had a few little visitors run right in front of us...
Do you see the 3 sets of eyes...those were deer running down the creek that runs behind my parents house. Seriously, love it.

It was a great trip, very relaxing, and so much fun. Thanks to my parents for lots of yummy food, and for letting my kids ransack their house. Now...its back to life as usual...

Dont you LOVE it...

...when you discover that your baby can reach things on the table....
...just a little too late?!!

I do! Apparently Porter needs to learn to finish his yogurt, and put it in the trash!

But look how happy she is! I mean, you cant buy that kind of happiness. I dont know what it is, maybe the fact that they dont happen very often...but its just too dang cute when she makes a mess. When you make a mess, do it while looking completely adorable is her Motto!