The MC Porters

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

This has been a whirlwind past week. I am truly exhausted. It all started two Fridays ago (the Friday before Thanksgiving) with an evening trip down to Tucson for a retirement party for my dad. Finally, hitting 74 made him realize it might be time to take a breath. We stayed the night sans Makenzie (thank you to my wonderful sisters in law for driving her up to Show Low and letting her stay in your bed with you) and saw Breaking Dawn. Yes, I was one of those people that saw it opening night, with my 6 week old...and my husband! There were a few times he couldn't help himself and busted out laughing. Saturday morning we hit the road early and headed to Show Low for my nephew Tate's baptism. It took us FOREVER to get there. That night we got a phone call stating that Matt's grandpa took a turn for the worse (battling 6 weeks of lung cancer) and was now in a coma. We all packed up and headed back to Mesa. Sunday was spent in and out of grandpa's house and full of family. Grandpa passed away Sunday. I don't even remember Monday, but Tuesday I headed back to Tucson with the girls. I was OUT OF MY MIND thinking I could make the journey with a 2.5 and 6 week old, but I survived. Ashlynn cried for about 75% of the time. I helped my dad do our annual turkeys in the pit Wed and headed back up to Mesa wed evening after baths. Thursday, Thanksgiving. Friday, more family and Grandpa's viewing. Saturday funeral, burial and luncheon. Sunday, church, then off to my brother's house to meet their new little guy Owen. Now, it is Monday and I can finally, I hope, catch my breath. I love the holidays, but always forget how tired they make me. It was a great Thanksgiving, full of family and being reminded of how wonderful the gospel and Plan of Salvation is. I hope yours was just a great. Here are a few little snapshots of the whirlwind.

Who doesn't love postpartum family pictures.

Baby Ashlynn at 6 weeks old, and getting cuter everyday.

Makenzie and her cousin Emery seriously have a sister relationship. One minute they are playing great and then next not so much. Luckily I caught the great minute.

I WISH I could claim her as mine! My niece Paige, what a freakin DOLL!!! Look at those eyes and eyelashes - killer.

Kenz insisted on a picture, even right after slamming her finger in the door. Why do I take these pictures, they are not the most flattering angle.

Just the kids at the Porter Thanksgiving shindig. It was fun and crazy! Welcome Holidays.

Beautiful Heartbreak

2011-10-27T14:16:00.001-07:00

This is awesome. Brought me to tears. I am so grateful for my family, my wonderful husband and children. Life is great.

Ashlynn's Newborn Pictures

2011-10-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to my sister in law, Erin and her awesome talents for Erin Wilkes Photography!!! She totally captured our little girl and the precious being about her. She is as sweet and loving as she looks and is such a welcomed addition to our family.

They don't come much cuter than this!!!

Ashlynn Reda

2011-10-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

So, after a little rest and bonding time, I can now update the blog with the newest addition to the Porter family.

Ashlynn Reda Porter joined us on Friday, October 7th in the early afternoon. I had a scheduled C-section planned for Thursday, but as we were pulling up to the hospital - we got a phone call stating the inn was full and they could not house us and to come back tomorrow. Oh my gosh....talk about your all time let down.

Friday still came and we could not be more thrilled to have her here. She is a joy and a great little baby. Makenzie loves baby sister and likes to be as close as possible to her at.all.times - literally.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride baby girl!!!!!

Big Lake Camping - Porter Style

2011-09-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we wanted to get the H#@* out of Phoenix and the heat - what better way than to camp! Last summer we bought a pop up camper, best purchase to date. So, we met up with our friends Dan, Kisha and their very cute two little boys - Lincoln and Owen and off we went. It usually takes about 4 hours to get up to Big Lake, which is just past ShowLow. Well, it took us 7 hours!!! Why did it take us almost twice as long as it should have? Keep reading....

We had to get gas and treats - extra 30 min.

We had to stop and eat at DQ in Heber - extra 45 min.

We blew a tire (of course) - extra 30 min

The whole purpose of going to Big Lake was to hit up Annie's favorite camping spot - off in the woods up a mountain. Well, as we started up the mountain we didn't make it far. Due to the huge fire this year - the road was blocked. This was NOT going to stop Matt or his GPS from finding another route. So, off we went in the other direction....road block number #2!!! Man...these people did not want us up there. Did we stop and turn around - NOPE! We tried yet a third way around the mountain to get us there. This route almost put me into early labor, no joke. About 40 minutes of shaking baby in belly syndrome and we hit this....

SERIOUSLY!!!! Trees blocking the road. Well I thought, we will just turn around and head back to a different spot. WRONG AGAIN!!! Matt moved the trees out of the road and off we went.

By this time, I was having massive contractions and I was N-O-T enjoying our "adventure" as Matt so positively put it.

Bump after bump we ended up back on the same road we started on. We never passed go, never collected $200, never hit ANNIE's SPOT. A nice drive around a burned, flooded, rock fallen, mud slide mountain and we were back at square one!! Awesome. Turns out, we got to camp somewhere in this!! Beautiful and worth the extra 3 hours it took to get us there.

The first night was spend playing what we thought was mud...Nope - it was charcoal from the dead trees. They were so dirty.

Day one was spent on the 50 and picking flowers. Makenzie LOVES riding te 50 wtih Matt and would probably do so all day if she could. This is her trying to give a thumbs up! Funny little girl.

Kenzie practicing her photography skills :)

Picking lots and lots of flowers and smelling them!

Night number 2 was rainy. Matt "maned" the fire in the rain while I sat in the nice warm camper.

Day number 2 was spent calling and looking for elk with a handmade device!!

So this is Makenzie's pretty smile when you ask her to say cheese. Good thing we have a few years before school pictures start.

The boys went fishing while we....

Threw lots and lots of rocks in the lake.

Lincoln - he was so fun to be around!

Favorite picture of the weekend. She is getting so big and just looks so dang cute.

Never forget to look at little fish in the lake.

Love this one.

LOVE LOVE this one. Favorite picture tied with the one before of the week!!

Ok, I know that I was totally camera happy. However, there were sooo many good pictures to choose from and I have not taken very many updated ones of Kenz. Needless to say it was an awesome, fun trip and we had one very tired, dirty little girl!!! I love camping with Matt and our little family.

It's a good day

2011-08-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

When you get to play at your cousin's house with their new kitten and hide in the cabinets.

No complaining tonight

2011-08-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will not roll my eyes when Makenzie wakes up twice in the night because she wasnts to sleep next to me or fall asleep on me in the rocking chair. I will not take for granted that when the day is over and the crunched cereal in the carpet is cleaned up, the crayons on the couch are magically erased out, and all her (8) strawberry shortcakes have their clothes on again - according to Kenz they are not allowed to take a shower with them on - because I get to be her mom. I am given the gift of seeing her sleepy face in the morning as we crawl back into bed together for another hour of sleep while cuddling together. I am reminded of this as I buy a bow for Ruby....a sweet child of God who has been given a higher calling back home. To these parents, Ani and Matt, my prayers are with you and your eternal family.

Dear Makenzie Sue....

2011-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

As your dad and I head off to San Fran for the weekend, please be nice to your cousins and Aunt Annie while we are away. Eat good, sleep good and give lots of kisses and hugs.

Remember most, though, that we LOVE you dearly!!! We hope you have a fun time with your cousins. See you Sunday.

Lots of Love, Hugs and Kisses -
Dad and Mom

summer adventures with ducks

2011-06-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Two days in a row with posts....I am doing great! I hate to think of wasting the summer away in front of the TV. We have been going on lots of adventures. This one was with cousin Em and Paige. We went to feed the ducks, always a good time.

Love hanging out with cousin Em. Em and Paige are usually the first thing Kenzie asks for in the morning. :)

First Ice Cream Cone

2011-06-08T15:35:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love ice cream cones, seriously!!!

Splash Pad

2011-06-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

What a better Saturday activity than to run amuck at a splash pad??!!!! We went with Lauren, Kaden and met her friend Liz and her two kids over in Tempe. The splash pad was fun. Kenz loved it for about the first 45 min, then the last 45 min she just wanted to be attached to me - in true Kenzie Sue fashion. Anybody know a cure for pure "mommy-itis?" I love these pictures b/c it really shows how big she is getting.

2011-05-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

Today - I got to take a shower with my mom and she let me stay in for an extra 20 minutes after she got out!!!! I love to play in the shower.

And the jury says....

2011-05-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's a GIRL!!!!

Baby girl number two is well on her way. We are very excited to bring more pink, more tutu's, more dolls, more drama, more painted fingers and toes into our house. Sorry Matt - you are WAY out numbered now. Just make sure the trophey truck is pink! More importantly, however, I am at peace to know we have a HEALTHY girl growing. Grow baby grow!!!

While the Mom is Away....the Dad draws

2011-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

So, we were down to our last diaper. No good. I went to Target to get diapers, and regain my sanity from the long afternoon. Then, I came home to this...

A cute little kitten....AND...

A ferocious monkey. She is not crying in this picture, but is rather giving you her new "pretty" smile. So, I turned right around to go get ice cream. Pregnant women LOVE ice cream and I came home to this...

Reading her favorite book by Richard Scarry, The Buggy Book, or "Cars, Trucks and Things That Go." It is the best book ever. There is a little yellow bug hidden on every page. I am amazed at how fast Kenz finds it.

A birthday present for mom and dad

2011-03-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Makenzie decided she wanted to give us a present for her birthday and started climbing out of her crib. We are talking 10 times in an hour people. We decided it was time for a big girl bed. The sheets and quilt were bought...and our first night was last night!!!

You want to know how it went - AMAZING. I thought for sure we were going to be up all night with her coming in and out of her room. To our surprise, she did for about 40 min then all was quiet. She actually fell asleep in front of her door. I had to wake her up this morning at 8:30!!!! What a good girl. I think she got up sometime in the night as one of her blankets was by the door, but she never came out and never cried. Somehow, she made it back to her bed.

First nap this afternoon in big girl bed - alot like last night. She came in and out for about 40 min. It was so cute, "mom a song," "momma sit, momma sit." Fell asleep in bed this time.

Night #2 - came out once!!!!! All is quiet right now. I have not checked on her so I don't know where she fell asleep :) I am so grateful this has not been as hard as I had thought or had nightmares about. Good thing too b/c momma is not feeling all too well these days :)

Makenzie Sue turns 2!!!

2011-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is a little late coming, but Makenzie turned two on the 20th. I can't believe she is two!!!! She brings energy, life, happiness and lots of drama to our lives. She is talking up a storm. She loves to say, "it's dark in here" "a dada's car" for every white car, among lots of others. We love her so much.

xxoo's

You want some mame?

2011-02-08T18:31:00.001-08:00

Kenzie has LOVED edemame (did I spell that right?) lately. Today, she decided that her babies LOVED edemame also. Very cute how she loves her little babies. Did you notice the baby on the right has a diaper on?!!!

Use your feet as a table

2011-01-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

Makenzie likes to sit in the Bumbo and play with puzzles. However, when she sits in it she can't reach the puzzles. Today she figured out her feet also serve as a ready made table to hold the puzzles up! I tried to get a picture, but this is the best I got. Sure love this little girl!!!

One small tooth + One big head = ONE BIG MESS

2011-01-24T14:02:00.001-08:00

Makenzie wanted some chapstick and was on grandma's bed. She decided to jump to me, who wasn't paying attention. As a result her tooth went into my head, causing blood and a nice big headache for me this afternoon!

"Why I can't stop reading Mormon Housewife Blogs..."

2011-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am not near this kind of woman, wish I was, admire who they are, and think it is great that "others" find "our breed" so fascinating and to quote "uplifting." Read this article here to see what I mean!

Monster Supercross

2011-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

I love and look forward to date nights with Matt. In November, I got Matt tickets to SuperCross, which was last night! It was so fun and crazy. We had great seats, 25 rows up right in front of a huge jump. When we sat down and turned around to scoop out the audience sitting with us, we noticed that Matt's cousins, Nate and Kate - from Kingman, were sitting 2 rows up behind us. Out of the entire stadium and they were right there! Funny. Anyways, these two pictures were taken from my cell phone - forgot the camera. Not too good quality as I have an old school, get the job done, phone. Great night. Not to mention we went to Oreganos to begin with. I love that place.

Anybody else notice how awesome that girl's blonde hair is in the first picture?!!

"Harry...you have that crazy look in your eyes..."

2011-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Who wants "eye keem" say me, "weeee"!!!

That was mine and Makenzie's converstaion last night. The girl can down a fudge bar in 5 flat! World Record? Probably not. Fun to watch? Yes.

The aftermath :)

Happy Anniversay...

2010-12-29T20:06:00.001-08:00

3 years ago yesterday - my life got better, alot better. Filled with camping trips, grilled cheese, off roading adventures, big burly man beards, goodnight kisses, and tons more....Life is good. Life is great. Life is even perfect when you have someone by your side walking the same path you are. Sometimes he is pushing me, sometimes he is carrying me, but we are always on that path - together. Living and sharing dreams. I sure love him - alot!

The past few weeks

2010-12-28T13:05:00.001-08:00

The Holiday season is always so busy, but wonderful. Here are a few snapshots of what we have been up to this Thanksgiving, Christmas season. We hope yours was just a fun filled.

"What I did over the Holiday Season" By Makenzie Sue Porter

I got to babysit my mom's Diet Coke while she was doing the BBQ pit at the Wilkes house. This year they did over 35 pieces of meat. I wonder if she will notice if I have half of it?

We had our Thanksgiving over at Uncle Chris's house. They have this really big slide that I was too scared to go down. PS....There is no better way to get snot off your lip than to just lick it off.

My Aunt Aubry had us make really cute Turkeys out of cups and feathers. My mom helped me.

I got to be a "big" kid at the little kid table for dinner. I even used my own spoon instead of my hands. Big accomplishment!

My first taste of Pumpkin Pie. Yummmm...I ate my mom's piece too!

I helped my mom make sugar cookies. I loved playing with the flour and had it all over the floor. I really like the raw dough and wanted more and more and more. I even shared it with my baby. She didn't eat it though.

For the annual Porter Party, I got to play in the leaves with my cousins. It was so much fun.

My life motto: If you are too tired, just pull up your skirt and sit down. No one can resist my smile!

Uncle Trever, why is your hand on Aunt Annie's bum???

I got to fly really high in the sky with me daddy. It made my Grandpa's hands sweat. I was not scarred, I knew my dad would catch me. He is my hero.

I got to play house with my cousins. Em makes a really good mud and sand soup...you should try it.

I opened my first Christmas gifts with my mom. She is pretty :) We also went down to Tucson to have the Wilkes party with Grandpa and Grandma Wilkes. I got a barbie and a purse! I don't have any pictures though b/c my mom and dad didn't take any. We sure like going to Tucson though. I get to sleep in the closet!!

We spent Christmas day at the Prescott cabin with Grandpa and Grandma Wilkes and Uncle Adam and his family. I didn't even notice their was a power outage at 2 am and that my heater turned off!! I wish my mom would take more pictures. When we came home though, I got to ride my horse that Santa brought me - Woooooo Bessie!!!

New family picture...

2010-12-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

A big thanks, as always, to my sister-in-law Erin. She took another wonderful picture of our family. I can't believe how big Makenzie is looking. She totally looks like a toddler, a mischevious toddler in fact - who likes to get into everything!!!

xxoo!

Christmas Cards....

2010-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again!! If you would like a Christmas Card from the Porter's, leave or email me your updated address.

Many thanks :)

While I wait

2010-11-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

While I wait, at 10:02pm, for my daughter to go to sleep - I will update my blog with an actual update, no crazy hair picture. Kenzie decided she was going to have a huge, massive, stinky poop at 9:45 pm and wake herself from her slumber. Now, I get to hear her practice all her body parts, animal noises, and hear the wonderful symphony of binkies on the crib matched with raspberries on her forearm (who doesn't love to be a mom)!

It has been A L-O-N-G T-I-M-E since I have made a post, besides the one two days ago! I have been busy, who hasn't. For those of you who don't remember, I hung up my Mesquite Wildcat shirts, and traded them in for Arizona Virtual Academy what have you's. Actually, my class name is the Porter Pose!! Cute huh? Anyways, I decided I wanted to be a stay at home mom. I wanted to feedMakenzie breakfast, get her dressed, watch Baby Einstein, feed her lunch, take a nap when she did, and finally be able to do a load of laundry, change it when it is first done, and then fold it while still warm! Reality hit, who was I kidding. After working for 5 straight years, coaching 3 sports, and traveling, I knew it was going to be harder than I thought to NOT work. I also knew that if Matt and I ever wanted to move into a house with an actual backyard, I would probably still need to work. I like to work, I am going to admit it. I like putting the education I worked hard for into action. However, I still wanted to be at home withMakenzie. As grateful as I was, and still am, for my wonderful mother and sisters-in-law for taking care of Makenzie while I was at MHS, having them "raise" her was not something I wanted. So, I got a new job. I teach. From home. In my home office. While Kenzie tears my house apart. Is it what I expected? NO - it is much more work. Plus, add on the WORK being a stay at home mom adds, and I have two full time jobs. I am tired. Do I get to change the laundry right after the washer load ends, then fold while still warm - No (who does that anyways). BUT - I get to feed Makenzie breakfast, watch Baby Einstein, feed her lunch and I am HAPPY to forego my nap when she naps so that Matt can have a little breather when our bank statement comes in the mail. So, that is what I have been doing. Work and Makenzie. Life is great. I am grateful that I am still, at 10:16 pm, hearing the binkies bang on the crib and that when I wake up in the morning, I will have at least 10 emails from parents awaiting me!

Here are the updated pictures of Makenzie - no pictures of Matt and I, sorry. She rocks our world.

Halloween - Our good friends, The Patches, had a greatparty.

Not happy when dad left :(

And a few others for good measure!

New ME...

2010-11-13T13:23:00.001-08:00

8 inches shorter and a whole new me appears! I love it.

Show Low Camping Style with the Lewis Clan

2010-10-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

We decided that Conferenceweekend was the perfect weekend to head up North to see some of our favorite people, the Lewis's. We sure love them. We took the camper, worked beautifully, and headed to their usual camp. Couldn't have been a more perfect overnight than to listen to the rain thud on your camper as you are snuggled next to your sweet man with heaters on. Last time we went camping, Miss Kenz hada rough night sleeping. This time, I am glad to report, was so much better. Even the loud thud of rain (which sounded like popcorn right next to my ear) was no match for her pack n play and three binkies ( I will never admit that shedoes sleep with one binkie in her mouth and one in each hand!). We had yummy foil dinners, topped off with s'mores. Then, in the morning we had the most wonderful, I may dream about them tonight, biscuits and gravy. Trev and Annie rocked those things so well. We spent the morning hanging out, riding quads and50s andlistening to Conference. Great weekend.

Camp.

Teamwork.

Smokin Hot, literally and figuratively.

Bridger boy, you make me want to have another one!!

She seriously could not get enough of this quad and her dad.

Kenzie Sue 18 mo old

2010-10-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, first things first...I have to post some updated pictures of Makenzie, since I know that is the only reason why anyone looks at our blog anyways! I can't believe she is already 18 mo old. Time flies by pretty darn fast. I just love this little girl to pieces. She makes me wish everyday that I had even an ounce of the energy she does. She is talking our ears off, in Chinese of course, and learning new words everyday.

Here is to you Kenzie Sue! We love you!

Introducing...Jaxon Riley Wilkes

2010-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

My twin brother Garrett and his beautiful wife Kathryn welcomed their first child, a sweet sweet little boy, Jaxon, into the world this morningat 3:48 AM!!! He is so dang cute, snuggly, and has great feet!

Congrats Twinny and Kathryn, you guys made a good one!!

I love baby feet and Jaxon has GREAT feet.

Kenzie has developed quite the relationship with my mom, Grandma, this summer spending so much time with her. She loves when Grandma comes to visit.

And she gets to play with Grandma's fun toys.

And make sure she really is IN the bathroom when she says she is.

3 out of 4 weekend getaway

2010-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Matt and I have had the greatest August ever! We have spent the last four weekends off galavanting in far away places. First, we went camping in our new camper. Posted pictures of that already. Next, we went to one of my great friends, Suzie's, wedding in San Diego. This one was sans Makenzie. She got to spend the weekend with her Aunt Amber and cousins in Tucson. By the looks of her blog, fun was always on the to do menu!This past weekend, however, we got to spend in BEAUTIFUL Bend, Oregon with some of my favoritepeople. My wonderful parents own a house in Bend, and let Matt, the peanut and I, along with some fam (to be named later) snuggle in for the weekend. The only thing that would havemade itmore perfectwere if my parents were there. Sadly, we missed them. On the contrary, we very much enjoyed touring the beautiful countryside. It was brisk, cold, and even rainy while we were there. A much needed break from the heat of AZ. Here are some snapshots of our weekend:

Makenzie helped Matt get ready to go down the river!! Yes, she is in just her diaper. She decided she really wanted to perform on the plane and saved her best poop for the landing! Matt had so much fun changing her in the men's room with a size too small diaper b/c ours were all checked and we had to ask strangers for one. Next thing I knew, a baby was running towards me in the airport with just a diaper - WHO IS THIS KID!! I am glad I had a sweatshirt at least.

Driving to hike 1/2 up to some waterfalls. Does the world look anymore beautiful anywhere else? I am not sure.

Em brought out her best pose for the picture. She is so dang cute.

Lauren hoofed her way up to the waterfalls 7 mo preggo! Nice job YaYa!!!

Never too tired for some fun.

Where's Waldo, I mean...Uncle Thos!!! He took some awesome pictures on the trip.

Annie and Bridger came too. This is how he spent the hike...nestled against mom's bossoms. A man's favorite place to be. :)

Don't forget Grandma!!! Glad she came too.

Oh Morgan...

The next day, Sunday, we drove up to Washington to the Columbia River. What a sight. It was a LONG drive, but so worth it. Even more so when I was driving and not getting car sick.

Propped and ready to snap!

We drove by Mt. Hood on the way home. It's August, almost September people and look at that snow! I am pretty sure the thermostat had the temp at a brisk 54.

We stopped at a vary quaint pick your own fruit stand for a picnic. It was so cute, and had a great view of Mt. Hood.

I seriously love that girl!!

Her facial expressions were so funny. She looked and acted like she was driving the tractor. Notice Mt. Hood in the background!!!

Alright...Em - you take the shifter, Kenz - you steer, and Grandma - you navigate!

Sunday night, our last night, Matt and Thos drove up to Mt. Bachelor, lucky guys! Another beautiful sight. It was a wonderful trip. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for letting us stay at your house. You were right dad in telling us to make sure we had round trip tickets home, b/c we sure didn't want to leave!!

Maiden Voyage

2010-08-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

We bought Matt's dream this past week - a pop up tent trailer! Yep folks the Porter's now have La Palacio Del Porter! We took it on it's maiden voyage on Saturday night up to Strawberry area and had a great old time. We ended up parking and camping in Grandma and Bob's Cabin. Itwas fun.Makenzie, however, thought it was just too much fun and DID NOT want to sleep. That was not fun, AT ALL. We are going to get a lot of use out of this - I hope.

Here she is... La Palacio Del Porter

I promise you that IS water! Like father, like daughter though - she loves those things!!1

I can't get enough of her sweet sweet face.

We took a walk down to the creek, it was beautiful. I love the sound of a running creek, we could hear it from La Palacio.

Very thirst girl, in her new big girl chair. The funny part about this chair is when we bought it, she HAD to carry it herself around the store, and not just carry it, but have it over-her-shoulder carry it!

Sunday morning activities, it was fun to just sit and relax. La Palacio, you did great on your first outing. We look forward to many more adventures.

Kenzie's Pictures

2010-08-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

My sister in law did a great job on Makenzie's pictures. Go check her out: Erin Wilkes Photography. Thanks Erin for the great shots of the peanut!

xxoos!!!

Teaching Manners

2010-07-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

What a lady right? At least she is wearing a dress and pink!! Picture is taken from cell phone, didn't have time to grab the camera. I think she is getting so big.

Erin Wilkes Photography

2010-07-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Erin took Makenzie's 1 yr ish :) (ok 16 mo.) pictures. I have one sneak peak and I am in love!! She did such a wonderful job. She is so talented. I especially love that she is in front of an told truck. She did so well during the pictures! I think she looks way old, and VERY HEALTHY!!!! I am so lucky to have such a cute little girl!!

The "significant other" in Matt's life

2010-07-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

Need I say more!!! I am so grateful that Matt is so handy and that he has a hobby that he enjoys so much. If you go frame by frame, you can see that he gets about 4 feet off the ground. Great jump babe!

Kenzie Sue

2010-07-21T12:22:00.001-07:00

While we were in Prescott, again!, this weekend my mom made Makenzie a very cute skirt. While the picture does not do it justice, due to the very sad little girl, the skirt itself is awesome. Just look at the skirt not the face.

This is one of my favorite pictures to date. A few weeks back we went to the park with some friends. Kenzie is REALLY good friends with Gibson. She just loves to show him how much she cares, and apparently, he LIKES it!! Very cute.

proud owner

2010-07-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

Of a new iMac computer! I love Macs. My 4 years at BYU was spent on an iMac in the McKay School of Education. They are wonderful. I am very excited.

Bear Canyon Lake

2010-07-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

We went on a whim camping this weekend with the Lewis Family, The Pew Family and a few cousin families of the Pew's. Although, in route to our camping spot, we turned one right too soon and got lost from the Pews, so we ended up camping with Annie and Co. I promise we tried and tried to look for you YaYa, Matt busted out the GPS about 10 miles too late into the woods.

However, we got to wake up to this in the morning. Beautiful isn't it? I love camping, it brings back a lot of wonderful childhood memories.

This is where we laid camp. The pack n' play fit PERFECT in the back of the Cruiser - I wish I had a picture of it. I slept on the backseat (I am short) and Matt slept in a hamock just next to the car.

Annie (Matt's sister) made the most delish biscuts and gravy the next morning. Nice job sister!!

We somehow made it to the moutains with only one of Makenzie's shoes. I thought it fell out in the KFC parking lot in Payson. Luckily, we had these flipflops in the car. Needless to say she was one dirty peanut for the day! Funny thing is ... we stopped in the parking lot on the way home for the off chance it was still there - no luck. But, when we pulled into our garage, there it was!!!

Filled with more love, gratitude than I ever have

2010-07-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

It seems like in the past year or two I have had close friends and have had heard even more stories of unkown friends who have had to endure the trial of letting their little angel child go back to our Heavenly Father. My sister-in-law's sisters sister-in-law (you got that!) posted this story on her blog about a little Makenzie. I have a little Makenzie. I will hold her a little tighter today, play with her a little more, kiss her more, LOVE her more, and complain about the messes and fussiness LESS. I truely believe with all my heart these choice spirits are needed elsewhere for the last days. THEY are preparing the way for us, THEY are the stronger, more righteous who are needed up above. Nonetheless, I am grateful for the mommies and daddies who have the courage to say, "Ok Heavenly Father, you can have them back, but take good care of them. We will miss them terribly, but we know their mission in Heaven is an important one." Today I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation, that I know all our families will be whole and together forever.

4th July Festivities

2010-07-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

Part 2: Show Low

Sunday morning we made the Journey to Show Low from Prescott to see the little man Bridger Beau Lewis blessed by his awesome daddy Trever. He did a wonderful job, his prayers are always so powerful. Thanks Trev for inviting the Spirit so strong into your home. It was truely a beautiful blessing. Annie, the hostess, did a fabulous job (as usual). Bridger, you are one lucky little guy to have the family you do. Annie posted a beautiful snapshot of the day. Check out her blog to see more pictures.

Look at all those Priesthood men!

The man of the day!

One of Makenzie's favorite cousins, Emery! Such a doll!

While everyone else left Sunday midafternoon, Matt, little Kenzie Sue, and I decided to extended our vacation through Monday. Who wants to travel the Beeline on Sunday night of a holiday anyway?! There is no better way to beat the mountain heat than to - break out the slip n' slide.

Thanks Lewis family for a great weekend, we sure love ALL of you!

4th July Festivities

2010-07-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a rather lengthy post b/c we had so much fun this weekend. So, we are going to break it up into 2 parts - mainly b/c I am tired tonight and can't stay up all hours posting the great pictures I took.

Part 1: Iron Springs

I made the trek up to Iron Springs in Prescott with my sister, her two kiddos and mother-in-law to start of the Independence weekend. The husbands and my dad joined us Friday night. We had so much fun just hanging out in the newly remoddled Wilkes Weekend Wish the Worries Wayside Place (couldn't think of another W!).

My sister Amber and her sweet baby boy James.

Matt did alot of this.

Grandma and Sariah did a lot of this! Cute huh?

Sariah helped my dad restock the Hummingbird feeders.

We went to this awesome lake.

Ms. Susie was too busy watching her crazy cousin to look at the camera.

Too cute!

Sariah had so much fun playing in the water, only to be FREEZING when it was time to go home.

After the boys spent the morning shooting, the girls spent the afternoon primping. Guess who toes belong to who?

Her first cup of chocolate chips, does life get any sweeter!!

The newly remodeled kitchen. It looks absolutely beautiful and was so much fun. Thanks mom and dad for letting us bunk up for the weekend!

I am in love...

2010-07-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

With this little girl and her daddy who gave her to me!!

After naps

2010-07-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than waking up from a nap, watching Mama Mia, and eating some edemame (did I spell that right - doubtful!). Notice Kenzie's new haircut, she has bangs! I think she pulls them off quite well.

This is how Kenz started her nap that day - on her hero! Doesn't happen that often, actually, it she never falls asleep on him (or anyone for that matter) anymore. He ate it up!

15 mo check-up

2010-06-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well Kenzie turned 15 mo. the past Sunday. I can't believe that she is already 15 mo. old. We took her to the dr, I took her to the dr. today for her check-up. She got three shots, but did really well.

Her stats:

weight - 22.7 lbs 42% percentile
height - 31.25 in 72% percentile

While the nurse practitioner was examining her, Ms. Kenz did really well. She just sat there and was trying to put the tounge depresser in the nurse's mouth. She complimented saying, "you know for a 15 mo old, she is being very good." Ha, we had her fooled, if she only knew how mischevious, curious, full of energy and stubborn this peanut really is!! We love her so much for all these qualities.

What Kenzie is doing these days:

* She sleeps for at least 12 hours a night - no joke!

* She climbs on everything and recently climbed/fell out of her crib

* The first thing she does when she wakes up in the morning is lay down and say hi to Tug, our dog

* She LOVES to wrestle with her Dad

* She can say: Boo, Hi, Mom, Dad, Dog, and some form of Thanks!

* When she has to go #2, she hides, usually under our kitchen table

* She has to wave bye bye with her whole arm and hand

* She loves water beit the tub, the pool, the garden hose, Tug's water bowl, etc.

* She has to walk everywhere

* She has to shut the garage door herself when we come home

* And lots lots more, this girl is busy.

These pictures are from my cell phone, so they are a little grainy.

Kenz - you're being a little zooy!

2010-06-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Growing up, when we were out of control hyper, my mom would say we were being zooy. This mostly applied to my brother (not naming which one for confidentiality reasons!!!) Makenzie has found an old friend with a new purpose. I like to think she is exploring her surroundings, but most would say she is being zooy or crazy - whichever you prefer!

Oxnard, CA

2010-06-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

BEWARE - REALLY REALLY long post with LOTS of fun pictures.

Our trip started like this: powdered doughnuts and a happy little peanut.

We spent a week in Oxnard, Ca and had a BLAST. Thank you grandpa and grandma Porter. All 17 I believe grandkids were there (one still baking in the oven), along with all six kids minus one missed spouse! We played on the beach, ate lots of great food, went to Underwood Farm where we picked our own strawberries, visited a Children's Museum and hung out. I look forward to this week everyother year when all the kids get together. This is my second trip with the Porter's, which means I am finally starting to get some history in this family! Enjoy the pictures (more pictures than words cuz I know that's what everyone wants to see anyways.

We burried Ms. Peyton Sue in the sand.

I love her little profile pictures! Yes, she did eat lots of sand.

Mr. Daxton does not get much cuter!

The grandkids had so much fun bunking up together.

The crew minus a few kiddos at Underwood Family Farms.

Gotta love wagon rides, thanks Uncle Morgan.

They had the coolest little catwalk for the goats to walk from pin to pin on.

Awww...( and yes, my hair WAS this frizzy the ENTIRE trip.)

Cousins.

Picking her own strawberries.

Awww...

You mean you are not supposed to eat the green stuff too.

Too cute.

Hot!

Yum.

Corrine and Daisy with their load!

Makenzie had to run (she doesn't really like to walk!) the entire way back...

And run...

And run!

You try walking in the sand.

The Children's Museum.

Yeah baby!

They took a bunch of different sea creatures out and Kenzie with thrilled with all of them.

And our trip ended with this - all 16 grandkids happy as clams! Thanks again grandpa and grandma for the wonderful memories!

xxoo

and we are off...

2010-06-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

We leave bright and early in the am for Oxnard, Californ-I-A! The Porter family takes a family vacation together every other year, thanks to grandma Porter! We will be there Friday to Friday, should be very fun.

I plan on doing a lot of bike riding with the peanut! Wish us luck on the 8 hour journey with a 14 mo. old.

2010-05-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." -John F. Kennedy

"I AM proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I WON'T forget the men who died, who GAVE that right to me." I have had, still do have friends, family and loved ones who have fought or continue to fight for our nation's freedom. THANK YOU and thank you to all those who took a moment to remember.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

We love cousins b/c they -

2010-05-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

let you help them build really tall towers with blocks and don't get mad when you knock them down!

They built it acutally pretty tall and Kenzie actually was helping out the blocks on. I love to see her little mind growing and figuring things out.

Thanks Brandon and Collin for hanging out with us and sorry Collin that you are MIA in the pictures, he was off playing with other toys.

To say goodbye...

2010-05-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here is what I wrote:

Please accept this letter as a grattitude for the opportunity I have had to teach at Mesquite High School as a Special Education teacher. My last day of employment will be May 28, 2010. Thank you so much for my five excellent years I have spent here. I have worked with some wonderful, talented, and inspiring educators and staff personnel. I have been given many opportunities to grow, share my talents and participate in a variety of school activities and functions. I have watched students walk down the graduation aisle with satisfaction knowing they will be contributing members of society. As my family continues to grow, I find it in their best interest to focus my energy there; with hopes to return to the education arena in the future. The memories I have made here will stay with me. I am hopeful that I can stay connected to Mesquite through part time opportunities or tutoring as we work together to figure out what is available and what will fit within my expanding responsibilities to my family. Additionally, I intend to work towards a Master’s degree so that when I am ready to come back full time, my skills are enhanced and students will benefit from my expanded expertise. I am grateful for the flexibility in scheduling that you have provided to me and am very appreciative of all the support I have received from administrators, staff, and my fellow teachers at Mesquite. I thank you sincerely for five wonderful years.

THAT's it folks - as of tomorrow, I am NO longer a GPS employee. I am going to be a full-time mom (like I wasn't already) from HOME!!!! It is going to be a new adventure and a new chapter in our lives, but I am ready. As I drove away today and said my goodbyes and graduation last night, I couldn't help but have mixed emotions. Teaching has been wonderful for me and to me. I love being able to help mold our future generations, but on the contrary, I feel so blessed that I get to stay home with my little girl. I feel so grateful for the wonderful family who have helped Matt and I with Makenzie, so we could put ourselves in a position financially (and let's be honest - emotionally) where I could stay home. She went to Grandma Porter's on Monday; Tuesday, Wednesday AND Friday she went to Aunt Lauren's (YaYa's) and Thursday she went to Aunt Eda's. Words really can't express the peace I felt everyday when Matt or I dropped her off knowing she was going somewhere where she would be loved and really taken care of. I don't know how I will ever repay my in-laws, but we will figure it out! I just have to count my many blessings to be surrounded my such great people who were willing to help us out, and without complaining (at least not to my face!!!) :) I know that I complained way more having to go to work then they ever did having to watch a little peanut who I am sure tore their house apart on multiple occasions.

THANK YOU PORTERS, PEWS, and CLARKSONS!

Bridger Beau Lewis...

2010-05-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yay for the Lewis family. My sister in law, Annie, had her baby boy this morning at 6:16 am. Bridger Beau Lewis weighed in at 6 lbs. 4 oz. - little guy.

Congrats to the Lewis family. We love you.

Disclaimer, this picture was sent via email, so the quality is not the best.

Oh the places we go

2010-05-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

We ventured up to Prescott this past weekend, well Saturday till early Sunday morning. Why you ask? Our little peanut decided she didn't want to sleep Saturday night, and was up at 5:15 am Sunday - so at 6:30 we decided to just come home.

Anyways, my parents cabin is so much fun. They are doing a bunch of construction, which is almost done. We went up to help them unpack some furniture and to get some things organized. The boys, meaning my dad, Matt and twinny (Garrett) did ALOT of moving and unpacking - so did my mom! What did I do - let's take a look:

I took crazy pictures with Makenzie -

I walked up the stairs about 15 times

My hands sweat -

I walked down the stairs about 15 times -

I watched Kenz play with Uncle Garrett

I watched Kenz climb up a side table -

And somehow made a new little friend, I think this picture is awesome!!

I promise in there while Kenzie was sleeping, I unloaded my mom's car. It went by quick, we did alot of work, but it was very fun. I look forward to many memories up there.

Bath Time

2010-05-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

What is it about bath time that kids love? I just love these pictures of sweet little Makenzie Sue. You can't tell me that she is not one of the cutest babies you have ever seen!!! This is how she spends her baths...stacking letters.

Looks like fun huh?

So annoyed...

2010-05-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Really Makenzie Sue! At least I have figured out how to send text messages to your dad via email until my new phone comes in. What a headache!

All in favor say ...

2010-05-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

I WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU FOLD YOUR LAUNDRY!!!!

While SHEEEE is sleeping,

IIII am doing this. When do the roles get to switch?

Prescott

2010-05-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend. We went up to Prescott to hang with the Porter extended family for Nanny's 80th birthday. I have never met Nanny before and alot of the extended family, so it was fun to meet the crew. We went up Friday night and spent the night at Brett's (Matt's cousin) rustic cabin. We are talking no electricity, light and stove on propane people! It was great. It was freezing. It was dirty. The pictures tell it all.

*** Disclaimer - yes, Makenzie is still in her pj's for the morning of playing outside. I thought she would fit the cabin! Truth - only one outfit for Saturday and it needed to stay clean for the party!

Lilly caught a baby lizzard!

Daxton just makes my day!

I think she saw a cheeto on the ground!!

"Wait daddy, I want to go!"

Priceless :)

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE.

"I walked today where Jesus walked..."

2010-04-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

This was the theme of our primary activity day. It was awesome. We had the kids dress up as if they were in Jesus' time. We had four different stories.

The kids first walked in to a huge pop-up-tent. We had footsteps cut out all over the church building showing the way. The first place was to the Sermon on the Mount. Next stop the Temple. After that, Jesus among the Nephites. Then we all ended up near the water where Jesus fed the 5,000. We had rolls and sweedish fish for a snack.

We asked 4 members of our ward to act like they were there with Jesus. It was phenominal the way they each differently portrayed their parts using the scriptures. The spirit was so strong. I got teary eyed as we were opening singing the song, "I Know my Savoior Loves Me." The kids were asking questions and giving insight too. I think they really enjoyed it as much as I did.

Sermon on the Mount

The Temple

The Temple with visitors!

Jesus among the Nephites

34th Ward Primary

What a day and what an experience.

Easter T-Town Style

2010-04-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Porter Crew had a great Easter weekend. No school on Friday, lots of shopping, spending saturday at Great Grandma's helping her clean up the house, and Sunday a trip down to Tucson and General Conference. Great! We woke up Sunday morning, packed up the Cruiser and took off. Makenzie handled the trip only because she got to watch Mama Mia the whole way down.

We spend the day at Chris and Aubry's house. All Wilkes' minus Adam and associates (hope you guys had a great Easter too). It all started off when my mom had my dad go through his tie collection - yep collection. He got a new tie rack that holds 64 ties. He picked his favorite 59, and was giving the rest away. I am not kidding you all, there were at least another 60 ties to choose from! I guess when you wear a tie 6 days a week, you need a lot to choose from! I love my dad.

Then, we played around outside in the gorgeous weather until we ate then had the Easter egg hunt. Not going to lie when I was a little sad that Makenzie wasn't more into it. She found her one egg with candy and just wanted to sit down and eat that candy. She is too cute.

I am ony lucky girl!!

1st Bday Party

2010-03-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

A week late, but we celebrated Makenzie's birthday on Saturday. It was also Tatum's, my brother-in-law little girl, birthday - she turned 7 - so we threw a double party. Lots of fun. I attempted to make each girl their own flower cake, turned out ok. I also make them shirts, I think those turned out really cute. The weather was great, it was really low key, and everyone seemed to have a great time. My sister-in-law made a really awesome DVD of Makenzie, and Emery, that sums up their friendship, love, awe, and inseperability (a word?) with each other. Thanks YaYa! My mom and dad drove up from Tucson, which was really nice to have them there. They actually stayed at the Porters' while Matt, the babe and I came home and took a nap. It is wonderful that my mom and my mom-in-law get along so well. Then again, maybe not! Enjoy the pictures.

Birthday girl #1

Birthday girl #2

We love cousins!

Yum - first attemp.

What happens after your dad smashes your face into your cake.

Two awesome grandmas!

Starfish

2010-03-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Makenzie jumped right into her first swim lesson last night at Evo swim school. Her current placement is a Starfish - hopefully soon to be Pufferfish! Cute huh? She did great. She never really cried, although when the instructor dunked her head under water then sent her to me like a torpedo, that made her whimper a little. I can't wait to see her turn into a little fish.

Cutest little Starfish I have ever seen! Does anyone know why ALL my pictures I take with my new Nikon have the black shadow in the bottom right corner? Food for thought!

1 year old

2010-03-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Gosh, one year ago today I was sitting in a hospital bed thinking if this baby was ever going to come out. 21 hours and one C-section later, Makenzie Sue Porter jumped, ran, skipped, hopped, squirmed (you pick your action adjective) into our lives. She has made our lives more entertaining, more exciting, more blessed and more joyful. I seriously just love this little girl to pieces. Happy Birthday

Kenzie Sue.

Now look at you - with your crazy hair and climbing on EVERYTHIN! Life gets better with you in it Susie!

Fresh flowers make me happy

2010-03-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks Trader Joes!

Kumquat

2010-03-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Our little Kumquat tree has fruit!

Last Day of Spring Break

2010-03-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my week of rest, get things done and catch up is over. However, today was a very productive day. Matt got off work early today - Yay. We planted our garden: zucchini, yellow squash, green peppers, and tomatos. Yum! Hope we have a good year. Matt also cleaned up the backyard and front yard. Pulled weeds, trimed trees and racked leaves. Good day.

Oh, the places WE go

2010-03-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Lauren, Emery, Makenzie and I decided it would be fun to head to the Phoenix Zoo today. We thought, " you know, we need to do some more stuff for our girls, things they would enjoy." Of course, we know they LOVE target, Costco, Home Goods, the usuall, but why not try something new - the ZOO. Who wouldn't love the smells, the people, the animals, the cost of an adult ticket?! Well, little did we know the ENTIRE city of Phoenix had the same idea we did - Hey, it's Spring Break, the weather's kind of nice - Zoo!

We got up, not early by any means - thanks Kenz, and packed our bags. When we got to the Zoo, the party started in the parking lot. Holy Cow, well maybe no holy cows, but alot of people. There was no parking anywhere. I wish I would have taken a picture. We parked in like the 5th over flow lot. We paid our dues at the counter, good thing peanuts are free, oh, and little Kenzie Sues too!

Take a journey with us through our morning at the Zoo, I'll narrate for you from the girls:

Kenz: "I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready...I j--u-s-t c-a-n-t-w-a-i-t!"

Em: "Dude, relax, we get in when we get in! Thanks mom for the sunscreen."

Kenz: "What, you mean the animal with a giant neck is real? No way."

Em: "Mom, that Giraffe is so cool, wonder if I can get inside..hmm...nah, I am too comfortable here."

Em: "Mom, are you kidding me. You mean, you want me, ME, to pet that thing. Look at it, just look at it."

Em: "Hey, it's actually kind of cute, but don't let go mom."

Kenz: "MOM, MOM, stop, stop...It is going to eat me, are you crazy!"

Kenz: "Well, as long as I have the best death grip ever on your shirt, I guess I will enjoy the goats from afar."

Kenz: "Hey mom, mom, look at this one, over here, it is going poop. I hear they are called smart pills, oh wait - maybe thats rabbits."

Em: "I am so cute, I am so, C-U-T-E. Hey, my mom is so cute too!"

Kenz: "Ahem, Mr. Cow, could you please point me in the right direction to get a diet coke?"

Em: "Yeah, with lots of ice and a small straw, that would be awesome."

Em: "Dude, my mom needs to put some sunscreen on you too, you are so red! Bet you can't get me from here!"

Em: "Can we take five right next to this huge horse, I am beat."

Kenz: "Hmm, I wonder if Em will trade me sippy cups?"

Em and Kenz: "Look moms, look, ducks. Look moms, I can point to them too."

Kenz: "Yeah, I missed my morning nap for this, catch ya'll later, I am OUT."

Em: "My cousin is a light weight, at least I can wait till I get IN the car before I turn out the lights."

We had a great time!!

Swim Lessons?

2010-03-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

I want to get Kenzie into swim lessons this summer? Anyone know of anyone who does it and can give me a recommendation? Much appreciated?!

Mental Health...

2010-02-26T10:50:00.001-08:00

Have you ever taken a day off work just b/c? I have - lots of them, I admit it. The students at Mesquite High School wear me out. Today was the perfect day to regain my composure, remember why I love living in AZ, and take a deep breath.

The weather could not be more perfect right now - I feel Spring in the air, it's coming. My flowers are ready for it!

Aren't Tulips the best ever? If this is what staying at home in like - count me in!! Great day.

Playing, playing, playing

2010-02-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

I get the great priviledge to watch my next door neighbor - Lauren Patch - baby Kaden ever so often. Lauren watches Kenzie once a week - she is awesome! The two babes love to play together.

Two cabinets = endless entertainment :)

11 months old

2010-02-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Kenzie Sue is 11 months old this week. I seriously just love her.

Classic Makenzie face.

Don't get used to those low cut shirts girlfriend!

Pick me up at 7?

Piggies!

2010-02-16T15:02:00.001-08:00

Thanks YAYA for my first pigtails!

LOVE LOVE those blue eyes!

2010-02-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

We LOVE Show Low..

2010-02-01T13:16:00.001-08:00

Thursday night, Matt , peanut and I make the treck up to the mountains to visit our wonderful sister Annie. We didn't leave till 8 that night - it was an exciting drive up there. The fog was really bad and even worse were the snow banks on the side of the road. I took some pictures on my cell of it, I'll upload them later.

For now - here is what takes us up there:

Lots of playing and hanging out in our undies and pj's!

Mastering up and down on the stairs - tasting on the way.

Crazy pictures with mom.

Being serenaded by Brooks, Annie and Kenz.

We are home!

2010-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

We are finally home from our week long vacation to the Carribean. We had a blast. There were 10 people all together - 4 couples and 2 single guys. Work related, but also all happened to be family related, somehow! Cousins, brothers, or a brother-in-law. It was really fun. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale, got in a midnight and stayed in a hotel. Drove to Miami - I'm going to Miama - Monday morning, boarded our ship and headed straight for the buffet. Feels like we spent a lot of time eating on this cruise, as in any cruise.

Our boat - the Celebrity Century.

My sweet, sweet husband and bunkmate!!

First stop - Key West. We rented scooters and drove around the Island.

Matt and I.

Morgan and Lauren.

Dallin and Melissa

Jake and Rex - both single ladies and ladies!

We visited Hemmingway's home.

Climbed a lighthouse - debated if there were actually 88 steps as told.

Made our way to the southern most point in the continental US.

And ate lots of great food along the way.

Second stop - Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

We snorkled

Hung out at the beach

And went to Hell and back!!

Hell was a fun place! You could send a postcard postmarked Hell. Basically, it is a plot of land that used to be under water, the water resided and left a bunch of coral that is weird and kinda crazy looking.

We even made a friend in Hell.

Everyday on the ship, we slept in took a nap and just enjoyed being alone together. It was so relaxing and nice to be able to relax knowing our little peanut was having a great time with her Aunt Annie.

Some other random pics:

We went to a cemetary in Key West. There was a little area for the Porters!

The boys :0

The girls - HOT!!

What a great week!!

Cruise

2010-01-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Matt's boss decided for a year end bonus to send his employees on a cruise to the Carribean, wonderful. I am so excited, we leave on Sunday - without our little girl.

What am I going to do not seeing this adorable face?

No really though - can she be any sweeter? Even after devouring beans from Cafe Rio?!!!

We found the Wilkes in her...

2010-01-01T19:43:00.000-08:00

People tell me on a daily basis how much Makenzie looks like her dad or that she is definetely a Porter. I like to think that somewhere deep inside lies some Wilkes traits. The other day - I found one.

Eating tugs dog food - this goes deep into the Wilkes' genes, originating with Uncle Adam!

Caught RED handed..Who me -

The result - baracaded in her own house!

Wahoo...

2010-01-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to me! My wonderful husband got me a new camera - just in time for our cruise. The way he gave it to me is priceless. We only do stocking stuffers for Christmas each year. Well, he came home with my stuffers already wrapped and went to put them in my stocking when he noticed the pump to the lotion he always gets me was broken. Oh well, we have other pumps. We spent Christmas up in ShowLow this year, tons of fun Trever and Annie. Christmas morning, he gave me my stocking to open. He told me to check and see if the pump was really broken, it was, or so I thought. When I proceeded to unwrap the lotion, it came in a black case. Hmmm, I wondered. As I was examining the little black case, I noticed on the bottom it said Nikon - Wahoo!!! Great job being sneaky babe.

That is a picture of our cute little Makenzie playing with the tree on Christmas morning!

The BIG 2!!

2009-12-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

Today = 2 years of marriage. Can you believe it has only been two years? In a good way of course. Nonetheless, after two years of marriage, Matt and I have conquered some, with much more to come! We have a beautiful little 9 mo. old girl who keeps us on our toes everyday. I have always heard people say that the first year of marriage is the hardest - I have yet to see that in the 2 years we have been married. Matt brings so much love, joy, happiness and peace into my life. Happy 2 years!!

Big Girl!!

2009-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

Doing my part of the family chores!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-15T15:45:00.001-08:00

I love this time of year where the holidays are about us. Everything in the air is different - it's wonderful.

Family Picture

2009-10-09T14:15:00.001-07:00

My very talented sister-in-law Erin in maximinzing her talents!! She took our first family picture, which turned out pretty cute. Check out her website, erinwilkesphotography.blogspot.com and have her take your family picture as well :)

PORTERS 2009

Contemplating Life...

2009-09-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

Shoud I poop now or later? :)

Bountiful Basket

2009-09-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, so three posts in one night. Who would have thought! There is a place online called Bountiful Baskets. You order everyother Tuesday night. Then that Saturday, you take a laundry basket to the nearest drop off point and fill it to the rim with fresh veggies and fruit - all for $15. It is awesome and really good stuff too. Just look at it.

I am so so tired...

2009-09-15T19:29:00.003-07:00

On the way home from Prescott, Makenzie was so tired that she feel asleep holding her binkie the wrong way. She is just too cute! :)

Prescott Cabin

2009-09-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

Over the Labor Day weekend, Matt, the peanut and I had the leisure of heading up to Prescott to hang out at the new Wilkes' cabin. It was awesome. We had a huge rainstorm on Saturday. Matt has been waiting for a storm like that all monsoon season. He finally got it. We did a lot of relaxing, eating, and playing around. The Franklins, The Adam Wilkes Family, The Garrett Wilkes family and my parents were all up there. Crowded? Yes. Too crowded? No. I love hanging out with my family.

Boy that Zebra sure is good!

I am pretty sure that Matt won HORSE!! Way to go babe!

What a cute family!

The view from my parents cabin and the storm that rolled in. If you look closely, you can see that clouds also came in and make it look really dreery. Awesome!

Just hanging out!

Look Mom... NO hands

2009-08-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

Makenzie is a big girl now. She is sitting up and reaching for toys. I just love how everyday is something new and exciting. 5 months old and growing everyday.

I just love it

2009-08-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Makenzie Sue had her first taste of rice cereal today. The dr. told us a few weeks ago we could start giving it to her, but we have just not gotten around to it. We have the goods: the rice cereal, the bibs, the spoons and bowls; just not the time to start. Well, our good friends Travis and Lauren watched Kenzie today while I was at work. It was time. Lauren gave her the first taste. When the bowl was empty, Makenzie wasn't and wanted more. I just love this little girl. 5 months old and growing everday.

Lost Camera

2009-08-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Matt and I misplaced our camera for the past little while. We finally found it in my purse! I tend to not carry a purse these days. A baby, a diaperbag, and myself is already too much. Thus, we lose the keys, the phone and the camera ALOT.

This is my last weekend before I go back to school. :( Well, I went back last week, but the kids come back tomorrow. It is very bittersweet, more bitter than sweet. There is nothing like dropping your baby off in the morning, still asleep, still in her PJs and off to work. But, at the same time - you do what you have to in order to survive. I am so lucky, Matt is so lucky; moreover, Makenzie is so lucky to have family and friends (thanks Britt) to watch her during the work week. She will bounce around with her cousin Emery to different houses while I am at Mesquite. I feel so blessed to have in-laws who are excited at the opportunity to watch her, love her, and see her grow. I know she is in the best hands possible (besides mine).

On this last hoo-rah of a weekend, we went up to Show Low to escape this heat. Matt, Dave, Morgan, and Thos decided it would be fun to go to Sunrise, take the ski lift up, and mountain bike down - 6 times! Luckily, no one was injured. Makenize and I, on the other hand, took the opportunity to hang out. We went to Lamell's, as usual, and took almost a 3 hour nap together. What a wonderful life we live.

Thanks Annie and Trever for a wonderful weekend and lots of fun.

3 months old

2009-06-28T18:17:00.001-07:00

We are so close to laughing, rolling over and sleeping soundly through the night. Makenzie is the sweetest, most cuddly, and definetely most smiley baby I have seen of had (ha- first baby)!! I just love the way she recognizes Matt and I. We just love this little girl.

Blessing Day!

2009-06-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

I have never felt so complete, or blessed in my life than I did today. Today, I watched as my sweet husband, 3 brothers, 5 brothers-in-law, 2 grandpas, and one great-grandpa (I hope I got everyone!), give my little peanut a name and a blessing. What a great sight to see as all these wonderful priesthood holders lay their hands on Makenzie. She was a star. She had her eyes closed through the whole prayer, only to open them as Matt was saying amen. We have taught her well :) What was even more special, was that Makenzie was blessed in the same dress I was blessed in 26 years ago and was made by my mother. I could not be more happy to have my family all drive up from Tucson to enjoy the blessing with us. Everyone was there!

I am one sassy peanut

2009-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

With the whole Porter crew in town for Maddy's baptism and the awful summer heat, a swim is just what the dr. ordered. We broke out Makenzie's swimsuit and she is ready to go!!!

Isn't she lovely..isn't she wonderful...

2009-05-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

7 weeks old and lovin' every minute of it!!

Can a 6 week old...

2009-04-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

SMILE....YES YES YES :)

Whoever said babies only smile when they have gas needs to look at these pictures. Grandma LaReda got the best out of this little peanut just after a catnap. Makes all the sleepless nights worth it.

Pretty Easter Dress!

2009-04-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

We had our first photo shoot today with Makenzie! I think she is looking so big and so old, she is the big 3 weeks old now. We fall more and more in love with this little girl everyday.

No longer a new born...

2009-04-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our little Makenzie is growing up so fast! She lost her embilical cord stump today!! The days just fly by :) In order to celebrate the joyous occasion of no longer folding diapers and wipe-me-downs, we gave her - Grandma Porter - got to give her a first bath. She loved it. She did not cry once. What did make her cry was the rub me down of lotion afterwards.

2 week checkup

2009-04-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

We went and saw the dr. yesterday and here are her current stats:

When we left the hospital, Kenzie weighed 7.1 lbs. When we were at the dr. at her one week checkup, she weighed 7.1 lbs. When we left the dr. yesterday, she weighed 7.15 lbs!!! Yay for really good mom's milk :) She was 20 in. too. The dr. said that we officially have a perfect baby - we agreed with him. I could not love her more!

Kenz

2009-03-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Makenzie Sue Porter

March 20, 2009

6:25 pm

7 lbs. 8 oz.

19.5 in.

Sweet as can be!!

Makenzie Sue Porter

2009-03-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

The time has finally arrived for our little precious girl to enter this mortal world. The induction date has been set, the car seat has been put in the car, and family is all in town from Tucson, (minus 2 brothers).

We went to Banner Gateway hospital at 8:00 pm on Thursday, March, 19 to be induced. They placed some blue gel to help "ripen" me from 10-2. Then, 2 rolled around and they started me on pitcoin. 9 o'clock came and my dr. came in to break my water. That was the experience, let me tell you. The nurse told me I won the award for most water this month. I figured as much when I heard her tell the other nurses, "we need some towels - we are gonna need more towels!!" Time ticked as we waited and hoped for progression. It was fun to have family in there keeping us company and I watched her little heart rate and contractions. Three times her heart rate dropped, making it as low as 46. That is enough the make you start to cry and feel anxious, worried and pleadful all at once.

My dr. came back at 5:30 just to find out that I went from an 8 backwards to a 5. Apparently I have a small pelvis, which would not be big enough for our Kenzie. Her pressure caused me to swell and digress backwards. We then knew a c-section was in store.

After 21 hours of labor, Matt changed into his little blue scrubs outfit and we were rolled into surgery. Not before a much heartfelt prayer was said by my much worried husband, and daddy first. I have to admit that I was very nervous and almost in shock that I had to have a c-section. At 6:25, little Makenize Sue made her apperance. All is well.

I guess while we were recovering, myself shaking uncontrollably for a good hour, we had an entourage outside pacing the hallways, maybe making some nurses a little on the "who are these people" side. When we were rolled back into our room, the scene of 18 people awaiting us in the hallway was undescribable. All of Matt's brothers and sisters and spoused were there, all 4 grandparents, and most of my brothers and sisters all welcomed this little bundle of joy into the world. All I could think about was how grateful I was, and am, for family, for the support this little girl will have her entire life.

We are so grateful you are here safe, and healthy

Makenzie Sue.

Family Picture

2008-12-02T17:34:00.001-08:00

Have you ever felt that no matter the angle, you always have a double chin? Lauren and Morgan were gracious enough to drive out to Bulldog and take our family picture. We decided to take tug, since he is obviously part of the family. Hope you like the belly!