I haven't taken time to record many of my own thoughts in the last few months because any time I have to look at the blog I have tried to add in a post about something I missed from the last 9 months. Which was everything!
After I got over grieving that there wasn't a blog-to-book option that I like, I have buckled down and found a way that will hopefully work for us. Every time I post I then copy the text and upload the pictures to a Book Wright program. It takes longer than I would like to format the pages, but hopefully by doing it in small chunks I will actually have a blog book/family history scrapbook to print out sometime next year.
We just finished the rainiest October in Vancouver and Portland history. And that's saying something! It did rain a lot and very steadily for most of the month. We never really made it to a pumpkin patch (along with just about everyone else I know) because the rain never let up. Plus, our Saturdays are crazier than crazy, so it never happened in the traditional way. More on that later. I feel really bad for people I know who have just moved here and who are pretty blown away by the amount of rain. I remember feeling exactly that way when we moved here 10 YEARS AGO (how can it be that long??) and we experienced the rainiest November in history! The last few days that rain lifted and the sun and crisp fall air are just magnificent. I always enjoy and appreciate the sun even more after days of rain. There is a powerful and very true analogy about life in that statement!
What keeps us busy on Saturday? Soccer games for Joseph (usually in the rain), theater practice all day for Aubrey (who is the main female lead in Elf the Musical, to be performed the week after Thanksgiving), and assorted church responsibilities. I only attended my own ward a few times in the last 3 months, as just about every week was a Primary Program or a Ward Conference in a different ward in the stake. I really miss just sitting in classes and learning in my own ward.
I am experiencing travel envy right now. My parents are in Europe for a trip with friends. 3 years ago we traveled to Switzerland, Austria, and Germany with them. It was such a magical trip and I dream about it all the time. I am chomping at the bit to travel somewhere fun again, especially after seeing all of Bailey's pictures from her European study abroad last Spring. Life hasn't allowed for extended trips for the last few years, and we are projecting that it won't be for about another 18 months that a trip will be feasible sans kids. I have always loved traveling. I love seeing new places, people, historical sights, beautiful vistas and interesting buildings . . . really everything about it. So in the meantime I will dream. Plus, I am pulling down pictures in my house and putting up "aspirational art," which is art that depicts places in Europe I want to see!
Things have been humming along really well in the Porter home lately. After some adjustment pains at the beginning of school, everyone is feeling happy and engaged in school and activities. I have been able to look outside of my own home to help some people around me. I have also dived into several home improvement projects. I re-stained the orangey oak wood of our long vanity in the master bath and the cupboards above the toilets in two of our bathrooms. And I have painted about 30 swatches of paint on the walls of the kitchen and family room before deciding on a color. I am waiting for paint to go on sale and some busy things to conclude before starting that project. Dan has been embroiled in big issues at work. But that's what he always does so well. Dan is also really enjoying teaching his Mission Prep class each week. It has been as gratifying as teaching Seminary without the early morning rising and every school day schedule!
We are looking forward to Bailey coming home for Thanksgiving and Bailey, Brandon, and Angela coming home for Christmas! We have a little getaway planned with the entire family over Christmas break.
Happy Friday!
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