Tuxedo Park Apartments #106

When I look at picture, I sometimes try to remember what our home looked like at the time of the picture. This time, before I packed up a room, I took pictures. I know this matters very little to most people, but in the future, I think I will be glad I did this. Sooo.. here it goes, our home in Portland looked like this..















The boy's room was my favorite....



The stuffed animals are all things they got in the hospital (or right when they got home). Elephant: Chandler's, Peguin: from Chandler to Sterling, Polar Bear: from Adam to me.

Dear Portland,

Dear Portland,

It's not secret. You and me, we don't always get along. You probably shouldn't follow my facebook page because, I sometimes say not nic

e things about you. Sorry. I have lived here with my family for 1,138 days. You have made sure that we didn't see the sun for at least 742 days of those days. That's 65.2% no sunshine. Pretty rude, Portland, pretty rude.

But, like the annoying kid who lived down the street. I'll miss you Portland, I will.

Our friends have been like family here. We've been surrounded, built up, and supported through three years of constant school and tests, . I'm confident that we won't ever again have a friend structure like the one we have. Not because we won't have good friends in other places. But because, never again, will there be so many people who are doing the exact same things we are; all of us in the same stage of life, striving towards very similar goals living in the same ward and most of us in the same apartment complex.

What you lack in Sunshine, Portland, you make up for in ward members. Hartley Park Ward is jam packed with friends and memories. You know the term "ward family"? That's what this ward has. I am blessed that these people are so willing to accept students into their family over and over again. They love and give with no reservation of us leaving in three years time. I would bore you, but you can read about my love affair with my calling here. Both of our callings have given us the opportunity to work with and build relationships with people we probably wouldn't have known well otherwise. Amazing people, who I love.

Together, we've trudged through 11 finals weeks, potty training, morning sickness, heat waves, "Arctic Blast 2010", midnight feedings, carpet cleanings, temper tantrums, and disappointment.

We shared with you celebrations, elation, graduation, Christmases, zoo trips, birthday parties, first steps, and excitement mixed with anxiety.

So much, you are our home; our first real permenent location. I remember so vidily the first time I walked into our apartment. The sunlight shined through the sliding glass door, and hit the grey carpet, showing it's brown color. And I knew, that's where we would live. Just 3 days ago, the sight of the rooms so empty made my chest tight, and my eyes fill.

For always, Portland, you will hold a very special place in our hearts. I really believe when it's all done, we'll look back and these past three years will be three of the best years of our lives.

Farwell, Portland. We love you.

Sterling Plays with Ducks

Remember when we went wild in Washington? I said Sterling played with some ducks, but I would post later. Okay, I know you don't remember anything about Ducks, because you only read my blog to see if we are going to move to Kentucky. This is that post anyways.









This is my favorite...


At one point one was so close it tripped over Sterling's leg.

Can I tell you a secret?

Kentucky, those doctors there, that made me miserable... they never called back.

Seriously.

So, we're moving to Las Vegas.

We are very excited.

True story.

Faith for Kentucky

I've been struggling, worrying, and crying a fair deal (poor Brandon).

"I don't want to move to Kentucky...waaaaa!"

Life has been a little in disarray. Things have been fuzzy. This morning I lay in bed after my husband left. Sterling was sleeping, and downstairs I could hear the soft hum of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Chandler's spoon hitting his cereal bowl.

And I felt at peace.

I wish I could say I have come to a conclusion, and have the faith adequate to go anywhere (like Kentucky). Brandon is a better than I. Maybe I'll let you know Monday.

I'm pretty sure they have Mickey Mouse Clubhouse there.

Wild in Washington

Grandpa Dickson (my mom's dad) turned 90! So we made the trip up to Seattle to say happy birthday and do some partying of our own.

His first "birthday party" was at the stake center, and was kind of reception-y. Everyone from the small town was there, mostly because they are all related to him. It was sweet. His big brother got up and said some stuff I couldn't understand. I asked Adam if he would talk about me at my 90th party, and he said he would be dead. Most everyone talked about tractor accidents, and farming mishaps. It reminded me that mom came from that world, no matter how suburbanized she is now. I didn't take any pictures at the first party.

His second party was at Kayak point. Yep, when you're 90 you get 2 parties. Haven't been there? Go. So gorgeous.







Then after we were bored of the Dicksons, we went to hang out with more Tates (or Toborgs). We did all kinds of wild and crazy things.

Here's us at this adorable little beach town, where we saw some cool sand sculptures..







We drove out the peninsula, we might have stopped in forks, but I don't want to talk about that. Brandon, "I don't want anyone to know I was here." The beach was amazing.










This is one of favorites. I like feet, okay?

We spent the night in these little cabins. I don't love "camping", but cabins aren't so bad, and the camp ground was really nice.



Also, Sterling played with some ducks, but I am going to post separately about that.

Camping included a little hiking. I can't remember the name of this place, but it was beautiful, and there was snow. Which was pretty exciting for Chandler.







Overall, it was a wonderful time. You can see the rest of the pictures here on the facebook.

Dear Benson

Benson moved it is very sad. Chandler is still a little confused, and especially confused because Davy moved, but came back to visit. Chandler says, "Benson will be gone for a long time, and then he will just come back."

They were adorable little tiny toddlers when we moved here. It has been such a blessing for Chandler to have a great friend while we were here.


January 2009


June 2011

This is the day before Benson moved back to Canada:


Canada better be pretty awesome, or you'll have to come be homeless with us in San Diego. Or maybe just visit.

Love you Benson.