A Good Grandma

I saw this picture my brother-in-law took of my mom and Conner, my nephew, and I loved it.  My mother has 22 grandkids and if you asked any one of them, they would know Grandma loves them.  She is so good and making each one feel important, and I know I would never be able to keep up with 22 like she does.  She always remembers birthdays, special occasions, and shows her love and support at any opportunity.  Just yesterday an envelope of Valentines arrived in our mail for my kids.  Nothing fancy, just cards to show her love and succors to enjoy.  She is even Facebook smart, and I see her sweet notes she writes to the kids that are on Facebook.  She is an example I strive for.  I don't think 22 grandkids are in my future, but I know for the ones I do have, I hope to be as good of a grandma as she is. 

Family

Most of us.  I didn't get a picture with everyone, darn. 

I have been blessed in my life with amazing family.  My parents and siblings are all very supportive and loving, Tom's family is the same, and my children and Tom are amazing also.  We all get the short end of the stick at times in our lives, but my family, thankfully, is not my short end.   Along with being super awesome, my family loves to spend time together.  We get along great and just tend to gravitate to one another.  Typically if one family mentions they are doing something, the rest usually tag along.   This New Years, they all gravitated to our house in Pacifica, all 33 of us. 

It is always hectic and crazy with a group this size.  Everything is a little more challenging, carpooling take patience, there are a lot of mouths to feed, bodies to clean, shoes to find, messes to clean, but it really is all worth it.  When I hear my kids talk about their cousins and the fun things they did weeks later, I am reminded it is necessary, and so valuable.    

While they were here, we hit up Anyo Nuevo.  A fun time seeing elephant seals, but not the best choice for the younger ones.  We got a guide that loved to talk more then he loved to show the seals and our little ones, and the teens got antsy.  I don't think we will do this one again anytime soon.  The good news is no matter what we are doing, we bring our own entertainment. 

This was group 2 at Anyo Nuevo.  Somehow we put all the loud boys in the group with Grandma and Grandpa.  Intentional, you decide. 

Awe, my group.   All the cute little ones and adorable girls.  Lots of kid carrying but way more mellow then the other group I am sure. 

 The second day we hit up Fisherman's Warf, the Chocolate Factory, and Hyde St. Pier.  This Pier never disappoints and the boats for my kids never get old.  We go here a lot and unlike the Golden Gate Bridge, they never complain about going again.

It was another successful adventure with the Scholz group.   I am sure there will be many more... at least I hope so. 

Christmas

This Christmas for me seemed a little on the quieter side.  We still did all of our favorite family traditions, In-n-Out for Christmas Eve, reading of Luke 2, sang Christmas Carols, baked a ton of cookies to share, and of course, opened our Christmas Pajamas.  

They loved them this year, really.  So happy to have them on they refused to show their faces. 

Tom and I got in a run Christmas morning, which was a first for me.  Typically he gets one in but it is harder for me to get away.  This year, we left the kids watching a new movie and headed out the door.  It was fun, and I felt a little on the guilty side (that mom guilt will get you every time) but it felt like a mid-morning date that we haven't had in a while.  Perhaps this needs to be a new tradition.

We didn't book a cabin this year in Tahoe, regretfully at first.  I was just dragging my feet this year but turns out it was for the best.  There is NO snow in Tahoe, sadly.   We did make it up for one day and a few of the resorts were making enough snow to enjoy the smaller runs.  Tom took Sean to the kids area and Andrew and I hung out on this run.   I am glad Andrew hasn't decided he won't hang out with me yet.  Either he is still young enough or I am cool enough that it all works out ok. 

Hopefully some snow will come soon so we can take a few days and make a fun trip out of it.  Perhaps in February?

Andrew's Basketball

Andrew has been busy as well, with of course basketball.  With both Sean and Andrew playing, I found myself at 4 games a week, and I guess you can say I am becoming a fan.  Andrew is playing for his middle school this year, IBL and loves playing with all of his friends.  

Here he is my stud of a 12 year old, #12. 

Here is a video of him dropping a 3, not too long after making a free throw.  Love this boy. 

Kira's Winter Concert

This years winter concert was spectacular.  The band played amazingly well, and there was a huge surprise.  The band received a grant of over $38,000 from the Mazza Foundation which means a new timpani, a trumpet, low brass, marching drums, a vibraphone and other new instruments.  Amazing!

To watch a little bit of the concert, go here.  

This was their last song, and I could have listened to them all night.  Amazing job.   I am really proud of Kira's commitment to this.  I always think it is so much time and work, but then the rewards are getting to hear these performances. 

Sean's Basketball Season

This was a first for Sean.  He has been waiting and waiting to be on a team and this fall he got the chance.  We started with the Boys & Girls Club league and at the first practice he cried, and sat by me on the bench, watching.  I wasn't sure if he would ever join the fun, but since he had two friends playing along with him, the shyness wore off and the fun began by the next practice.  He loved every second of playing and looked forward to each game.  He played hard, and most of the time, played the entire game.   Below is a video of his first basket. 

The best part of the season was the last game, played full court, and the trophy that came after.  Honestly, I was worried there wouldn't be a trophy at the end and so relieved.  Sean made it very clear in the car before the last game, if there wasn't a trophy, I would have to go buy him one at the store.  The trophy has been a big hit, going every where that we go, and being held and worshiped at all time.  I have never seen a kid so excited about a trophy before, and I am glad he got one.  

I have a feeling this will be the first trophy of many for this kid.  Andrew is motivated by Money, Sean is motivated by Trophies. 

Getting the Trophy.

Kira's Field Show 2013

Fall for Kira is busy, busy, busy.  Practicing actually starts in the summer and then the competitions begin in the fall.  This years show was "The Giving Tree" and I think it was their best one so far.  If you want to watch the show, go here.   Be sure and notice the Tree in the middle, it was my favorite part, next to the talented alto saxophone player. 

We made it to all the football games again this year and not only loved watching the band, but loved seeing Terra Nova go undefeated.  

Now the anticipation begins for what next years show will be. 

Thanksgiving 2013

This year was another eventful Thanksgiving that included long board skateboards, a trip to the ER and lots of hat making.  Yep, you read that right a trip to the ER.  Most of you will be glad to know that Tom Porter makes dumb mistakes, just like the rest of us.  Many of you, even him, thought he was exempt from doing so, but this Thanksgiving has proven he is just like the rest of us. 

After some peer pressure from my brother, Tom agreed to be towed behind a car on a skateboard.  They took a turn and Tom swung out to meet head on with a parked car.  Here are the results of that collision.  

 Thankfully nothing was broken (other then his ego).  He got to spend the rest of the vacation with his leg up, watching football, while the rest of us catered to his needs.  It has been weeks now and the healing is coming along.  This is what the leg looked like as of last night.  

I think next year, we will play it a little safer with what we choose to do, at least Tom will.

The Healing Brownies

This week I was planning what to make for a cookie exchange for a Relief Society get together.  I was going back and forth and then realized there was only one thing to make.  

Sara King's Brownies

Back in the early 2000's I was in the middle of a heartbreaking divorce and my life was not playing out the way I had always planned.  I had given birth to my son Andrew in 2001, and while he brought a great deal of joy and happiness to my life, there was a cloud of worry and sadness that was overwhelming.  I had two friends Lisa and Sara that surrounded me with fun and laughter, and filled my belly with good food, and brownies.  Sara was a master brownie maker and I think she made them twice a week a times, perhaps more other times.  Lisa and I would hover and salivate over a fresh batch and then fight over who got the edges.  Those brownies not only gave me a few extra pounds, they filled me with hope for better days and helped me feel the love and support that I needed most.  

Sara King passed away this summer after a battle with cancer that no one should have to go through.  Unfortunately, these brownies couldn't heal her, but they healed me many years ago and they are helping me heal from her loss.  Every time I make these I remember her, and I laugh and I cry and I create quite the scene in my kitchen.  I remind myself of Sara's tips, to only use a fork when mixing and never over mix the eggs and sugar.  

I know there are a lot of people out there still missing Sara and trying to heal from her loss.  My pain is not anything worse then the next person, but I can at least share this and hope these brownies help you heal as they are helping me.  

Yours will probably never be as good as her's were, mine are not, but feel free to give it try and you just might find yourself a little more healed each time you make them. 

Happy Birthday Tom!

It is fun getting older, isn't it?  Well for me, at least Tom is always 9 years and 10 months ahead of me and he gets to do it first.
Happy Birthday Tom!

Thank you for being old enough, so you can take care of us in all the ways you do, and for being young enough that you are still willing to ride the tubes behind the boat with me. 

Hopefully soon, you will start to look your age a little.  I wouldn't want people to start thinking that I am older then you. 

For those who are worried, we did do the regular.  Enchiladas, cake, and same silly grin while wearing the Olympic Movers t-shirt.  Is this ever going to get old?

Counting Your Blessings

This has been my theme, or mantra for the last few months.  It started with a Facebook post from my sister-in-law Cori that stated, ""Count your blessings...name them one by one" (Cori, you probably have no idea how this blessed me).  The post stopped me in my tracks for some reason and made me think.  Shortly after that, an article in the Ensign touch upon blessings and reminded me as well that I should count them.  So I did, and have continued.  My list is up to 507 now, and I am still going. Many of you who read this blog are included in the list, and many who hardly know me are included as well.  You my have done something small that you don't even realized impacted me in a way I won't forget.  The best part about all of this is it is reminding me of the love the Savior has for me and it is helping me remember all the love I have for those in my life.  

I have learned from the scriptures, when I am fearful of what is to come or what challenges arise, I will not receive the blessings promised me, in exchange for my faith. 

D&C 67:3

"...but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive."

D&C 17:20

"And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full." 

Of course at the top of my list is my family.  I am lucky to have each one of them in my life, yes that includes Sean.  Even when he forgets the living room is not a ball field, and spits on the floor. 

Thanks Josie for the picture.

Allergies

There are certainly worse things in the world to have to deal with, but allergies are a bit of on inconvenience.  I am glad we figured out why this boy has not been able to breath well since birth, and we are taking the steps to make our house more Sean friendly.  So far, we have discovered that he is allergic to dust mites, not just a little, but like a lot.  We have been removing what we can in our home that may contain dust mites, as well covering his bed with the right allergy proof bedding.  He is also allergic to cats, dogs, all grass and weeds, cockroaches (thankfully we have none of those) and walnuts.  For now, we have accepted it will be a life of daily Allegra, and I will be doing a lot of hot water laundry.  It is annoying, but I have already seen a difference with just some small changes. 

The biggest change was to our sofa downstairs (yes Jeff, your old one).  We discovered it was high in dust mites and almost sent Sean into an Asma attack every time he sat on the couch to play the Wii.  Now in it's place is an empty room perfect for baseball, football, and anything else the boys want to do in there.  In a few weeks they will be disappointed when a new sofa arrives and interferes with their "ball field". 

Yep, Sean is 5.

September 22, Sean turned 5.  I feel like we got off a little easy as it fell on a Sunday this year.  We took cake pops to primary, then came home to pizza, presents and cup cakes.  Our neighbor friend Patrick came over and played with Sean all afternoon, and it seemed it was just what this 5 year old needed to feel special.  I was worried as we headed out the door for church, when I heard Sean exclaim, "I can do whatever I want today," but I didn't get any bad news about behavior so I think it all went fine. 

 

It is hard to believe it is 5 already, but at the same time he is only 5.  We have many years to go with this kid under our roof.  I sat with my friend Nancy at a football game hearing of her quieter life, and perhaps more trips with her husband, now that her kids are getting older.  I cringed with a bit of jealousy, but then perhaps I will just send Sean to her house to shake things up over there.   We don't want things getting too quiet over at the Hanaike's.

Transitional Kindergarten

Sean and Josh eating lunch at School.

This year we had a choice with Sean and school.  He qualified to start kindergarten this year by 6 days.  We went back and forth on whether or not we should start him, and when I found out our friend Sean missed the cut off by about the same amount of days, it sealed the deal.  Our Sean is a big kid and looks bigger then most kindergartners, but he is young.  He is athletic in every way, but can still become a pile of mush on the floor in social situations.  Waiting one more year felt right. 

 

Our school district was offering a Transitional Kindergarten class for kids that missed the Kindergarten cut off, and turned 5 in the fall.  We tried to get in, but were wait listed, since we could of technically started Kindergarten.  I had resolved in my mind we would continue with our pre-school as we had been doing when I got a great call just 2 weeks ago.  There was room!  Sean was going to enter Transitional Kindergarten that Monday, the 9th.  We were all ecstatic when we found out he would have Kira's old Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Marinas, and would be in a Kindergarten/TK split along with our friend Josh from church.  It couldn't of worked out better for all of us.  Sean is making new friends and enjoying his new school.  We get to carpool with our friend Sean, and the best part is we no longer have to pay for pre-school.  Hooray for all of us!

 

Kira and Andrew have also been back in school, no pictures this year.  Kira is a Junior, and Andrew is in 7th grade.  Back to the routine of early morning seminary, homework, tests, band, and flag football.  Is it horrible that I am already counting down until summer?  For some reason, this year, I was not excited for the school routines to begin again, when in the past I have loved it.  It was a great summer this past year, and I just hated for it to come to an end.

 

Here we go, off to the races for 2013-2014.

Lately...

these two have been my running buddies.  I have been trying to make fitness more of a priority and since I am not willing to get up at 5am and run with Tom, it really only leaves the evenings.  Just as dinner is finished, and the tiredness of the day kicks in, Sean seems to perk up and want a bike ride with Tom.  They race me to the ocean and cheer me on, sometimes quite loudly.  It is just what I need to keep me moving, and I am grateful to have it.  I am hoping this will last at least until Day Light Savings, and then I am moving back inside on the treadmill.  There is just something in me that hates to be out in the dark. 

As if...

being 12 wasn't hard enough?

He had to have a metal contraption put in his mouth to widen the roof.  Each night, for 2 weeks, I have a "key" that I get to use to crank it wider.  It is moments like this in my children's lives that I am so thankful I am grown adult.

Hang in there Andrew.

River Rafting

 During the reunion Vern and Cori arranged for us to River Raft down the Payette River.  I channeled my inner Meryl Streep from River Wild, and jumped in for a fun time.  A wise, and experienced woman (thanks Amy) told me the front was the best, and well...it was.  Thankfully I didn't fall out of the boat.  My ears were ringing from Andrew's high pitched screams, but I was in tact by the end and so excited to do this more.  I think I have found a new fun hobby, and more trips as a family will happen.  

The crew.

There were some lulls in between the class 2 and 3 rapids, and that meant opportunities for wrestling people out of the boats.  Thankfully no one drowned. 

The take off.  Unfortunately we didn't take any photos of the finish or a picture of Ryan's orange soda shower. 

Jeannie, thanks for watching Sean so I could go.  He still asks about his grasshoppers and thinks they are in your care in Washington.  I was sure you took them home with you. 

Porter Reunion, 2013

This reunion took place in McCall, Idaho, just north of Boise and it was Vern and Cori's turn to host.   We all piled into an amazing house and braced ourselves for a week of closeness, boating, river rafting and lots of eating.  It was a smaller group this year, but so fun as always and difficult to say goodbye at the end.  With mostly adults, and a few teenagers, 4 year old Sean became entertainment for most.  He was thrilled to be surrounded by people willing to watch him show off all he's got and was pretty disappointed when we came home, and all of the sudden no one cared any more.   

Bless her heart, Grandma Porter got on the banana (as if Dan gave her a choice).

Hanging beach side at the lake. 

Really, Andrew is driving the boat.  Watch out.

Knee Boarding... and he didn't loose his glasses.  

Sean Showing his skills.  

The banana rides were a blast.  Andrew is with Ryan and Rachel.  We loved seeing Rachel right before she left on her mission to Alabama (entered the MTC on the 21st of August). 

Sometimes, my family is a little embarrassing.  Usually, with Tom as the leader. 

Bye Porters - until 2015 or sooner, if I have something to say about it. 

Andrew Turned 12, July 31st.

It took me a few days to do this post, honestly because I have been reflecting on Andrew and his life so far, and I just cry.  I can't believe he is 12, and I am loving the young man he is becoming.  Soon he will be ordained a Deacon, and receive the Priesthood, and he is ready for all that comes with that.  

He is smart, funny, very helpful, an excellent bike rider, and very compassionate.  He is one of the people that I am drawn to, and I want to be around him as much as possible. 

For his birthday this year, we were in Hanford so we celebrated and none other then Superior Dairy.  It was very crowded and we had to wait for booths (we needed 3) but when his SOS came out, the entire restaurant burst into song.  It is one of the few times I have seen Andrew get really embarrassed.  We topped off the day swimming with cousins, which is always a good time.  

Happy Birthday Andrew, I am lucky your my son.  

Beach Day

It was a rare warm summer day here on the coast so we hit up Montera beach while the weather was good. 

Typical Kira.  After a short surfing lesson, this is how she spent the rest of the day.