Chased by girls

Here’s a quick update on a funny exchange I had with Porter the other day…

A few days ago I was talking with Porter and checking to see how his day had been. I typically ask the kids, “What did you learn at school today?” This seems to get a more thought-out response than when I ask, “What did you do today?” When I simply ask what the kids have done during the day I usually get the response, “oh, nothing.”

As I asked Porter what he had learned he pondered for a moment and then said, “I don’t know.” Trying to get some additional response I then asked, “Well, what did you do today?” His eye lit-up and he got a wide grin across his face and he said, “I got chased by girls today!” He was so excited when he said it; not because he was proud about how cute he must be because the girls were chasing him — it was more like he’d discovered new and amazing thing that he never knew existed. It was the same expression a child gets when they write their own name for the first time and they are so excited at their accomplishment.

We’re just hoping that his desire to run from the girls lasts a good, long time!

Porter

Posted under Family, Porter

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
November 19, 2009

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Fasting

Ok — we all know what fasting is, right?  Going without food for a while… it builds inner-strength, has some good health benefits, and is a means to increased spiritual and religious enlightenment.  Well, somtimes kids don’t understand the meaning of words they don’t know; so, they determine the meaning from the context in which they’ve heard it used.  Saturday, as we were about to have an afternoon snack with the kids, Porter pulled up his stool to the counter and looked at his food with wide-eyes  then loudly said, “(whew) I’m fasting!”  It was a little out of place… so I asked, “Porter, do you know what fasting means?”  He quickly replied, “YES, It means you’re really hungry!”  I guess he’s heard his siblings complain a lot about being hungry during their fasting attemts.  All I can say is that it’s pretty funny hearing a 4-year-old announce that he’s “fasting” as he digs into his Saturday nachos!

Posted under Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
March 28, 2009

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Christmas 2008 Update

Here’s a little insight into our family and all that has happened this past year…

porterPorter is now 4 and is a very easy-going, fun-loving kid. He’s very enthusiastic about everything he does and often lets out an involuntary “whoo-hoo” when doing things he likes; like jumping off the stairs, hitting or kicking a ball, or whacking a sibling with a light-saber!

 

emmaEmma (7) has sprouted like a weed and put on some serious vertical this year. She loves crafts and is constantly drawing pictures and coloring. I think she keeps Crayola in business! She loves school and going to the bus each day with Eli. She thoroughly enjoys the “artistic” stuff she learns at school and has really improved with her reading skills. She also enjoys piano, dance, and swimming lessons.
 
eliEli (10) has had a fun year being the “big brother” to Emma in elementary school. He’s about the friendliest kid around (his teacher sometimes wishes Eli was less friendly) and is just fun to be around. He has a mind like a steel-trap, memorizing minute details and facts from school lessons and educational TV shows; however, his steel-trap-mind gets distracted easily! This causes no-end of frustration for his parents and teachers alike. Eli has also excelled at piano and magic — just ask him and he can pull of several different magic tricks right before your eyes! I think Eli might be the best singer in the family too; the other day I overheard him singing Broadway-style in his room, “would you rather wish on a staaaar….” He has a great little voice – I was impressed!
 
thane1Thane (13) looks like he might be our tall one. He looks like he’s been on the “rack” getting stretched out. He’s loving Jr. High school and, just like previous years, he doesn’t find many of his classes challenging. We are always asking what homework he has and his reply is always, “its already done.” He tried out for a percussion role with the school Jazz band and made it – so we’ve enjoyed seeing him perform in his concerts. He also got a drum set this year that has kept him busy practicing — thank goodness for basements!
 
davisDavis (15) is definitely a teenager — he’s a great kid and usually very happy-go-lucky (although there are the occasional “teenager” episodes where he isn’t so happy). He is VERY busy with a tough high school class load and his extra activities – the wrestling team and varsity ballroom dance. He puts in long days and he arrives early and comes home late just about every day. Even with his busy schedule he still gets almost perfect grades. Soon Davis will be driving… that makes us feel old! One highlight for Davis was a few weeks ago when he got to drive home from church (we hit a deer with our car and so we had a rental… so we figured he could practice with that car).
 
Natalie (29) is always busy! Between dance, piano, swimming, wrestling, band, and all the other activities the kids do she puts a lot of miles on the car. That $4+ gasoline was a killer; thankfully gas prices are much better now. Natalie now serves as the Relief Society President and that has kept her busy too. Even with all the demands on her time Natalie was able to arrange a very big SURPRISE birthday party for me (Paul) this summer – I turned 40 and Natalie managed to organize a HUGE party in total secrecy!
 
Paul (old). I am feeling my age but in an effort to “appear” youthful I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane for my 40th birthday (with Natalie’s encouragement). It was quite a rush for a guy who doesn’t like the “high dive” at the pool. 2008 had many business challenges but it was also filled with many wonderful family memories — especially from the four trips to Lake Powell and other trips to Moab, Zions (The Subway), Goblin Valley, Disneyland, and others. I was recently made the Scoutmaster in our ward and am looking forward to all the camping and other activities with the boys.
 

Posted under Christmas, Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
December 25, 2008

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Quilting for Christmas Update

The activity was a big success!  Thanks to everyone who came by and helped out.

Here are some pictures of the quilts and hats in the making… they were later delivered to a shelter in Provo.

Posted under Christmas, Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
December 25, 2008

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Quilting for Christmas

In early December our family met to discuss how we could bring more of the true Spirit of Christmas to this holiday season. As we talked about it the kids had lots of great ideas that revolved around helping other and giving service to others. We finally decided that we would tie quilts and donate them to local Utah groups that provide for those in need.

We will be holding a “quilting open house” on Saturday, December 20th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All who would like to join with us are invited — this is a family event so bring your kids and everyone can help out with tying, sewing, etc. Come for as much or as little time as you can. If possible, bring scissors and any material or batting that you’d like to donate to the cause.

If you have any questions, please call or email (ppearson@yahoo.com).

Posted under Christmas, Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
December 15, 2008

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Night of the Long Knives

Well, it’s time again for carving pumpkins – lots if fun for the kids but a lot of work for the adults. Thankfully Davis and Thane are old enough to handle a knife and can carve their own or help the little kids with theirs.

This year the pumpkins were extra special because the kids got to pick their very own from Grandma Smith’s garden! The little kids were amazed that pumpkins actually “grow” rather than just appear at the grocery store.

  

  

Posted under Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
October 27, 2008

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Moab trip for UEA

I have a lot of great memories from UEA trips of years past. One memorable trip was when I was in high school and some friends and I went camping on Skyline Drive in the mountains above Centerville. It was cold and snowy but we had a blast sitting by the fire, eating pizza delivered from the valley by one friend, and shooting Roman candles at each other.

This year we enjoyed wonderful weather and the company of good friends in Moab, UT. We stayed at an awesome place called the Moab Wilderness House. It is an eco-friendly home located in a remote canyon about 10 miles southwest of Moab. Reaching the home requires an SUV as you travel moderately rough dirt roads and cross two streams.  The setting was spectacular and the remote location provided a real getaway.

During our trip we rode ATVs (thank you Olpins and Tolds), went mountain biking and did some hikes. The kids also enjoyed the brisk water in the pool and alternated between the pool and the hot tub to stay warm.

For me, the best part of the trip was just getting away to a remote location that was peaceful and so scenic. Each evening the sun would set the canyon ablaze with brilliant orange, red and yellow colors. The changing aspens were a nice contrast to the beautiful red cliffs. From the patio we had a spectacular view of the entire canyon.

One funny part of the trip was when the kids were playing music from their iPods and Porter decided he would show us his dance moves — can’t really describe it, you just need to watch.  Pretty good for a 4-year-old!

 

Posted under Family, Recreation

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
October 13, 2008

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S’mores

This past week has been very difficult.  Some friends in our neighborhood lost their 17-year-old son, Tyler.  We’ve spent the week grieving with them and trying to lend help where possible.  Yesterday we attended the wonderful, uplifting and inspiring funeral.  Our hearts go out to Traci and Rob during this difficult time.

Reflecting on the week we realized just how little we’ve been together as a family and how worn out we were (mostly Natalie).  We decided our family needed a low-key outing so we could reconnect a little bit.  So, we headed up American Fork Canyon for a picnic dinner and then we made s’mores over a fire.  The canyon was beautiful with the autum leaves changing and a few fallen leaves swirling across the road.  The temperature was just perfect too; just a hint of crisp, cool air letting us know that Fall has begun and Summer is definitely over.  We were the only people in the camping/picnic area and it was good for everybody to forget about scool, work, church, etc. and just relax.  I’m just thankful for wonderful kids and the good memories we made today.

Posted under Family, Recreation

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
October 2, 2008

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Shakes for peace

I love shakes. Not only are they yummy but I think they could promote world peace! Think about it… after you have a good shake you’re pretty much one of the most agreeable people on the planet. We went for shakes after FHE tonight and it was great. The kids get so excited to order what they want and then when they get their shake they start to spill and make a mess but they also they make those funny pucker faces while they try and suck Oreo chunks through a straw. I love shakes!

I thinkt the all-time best shake flavor has to be Oreo & Carmel. Anyone, anyone?! What is your favorite flavor? Leave a comment and let us know!

Posted under Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
September 22, 2008

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Face Melter!

Wow, I just got this little app called “Face Melter” for my iPhone and it is awesome!  Now you can waste hours on your iPhone making your friends and family wish they have never let you take their picture!  Here are some I did of my family.  Hope you laugh as hard as we did!

Posted under Entertainment, Family

This post was written by Paul Pearson on
September 19, 2008

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