A Tree Falls at the Porters

Last night it was windy! Last night it was very windy! The fence is still standing--one half of the tree is not! I'm afraid it will have to get warmer before we can chop up the fallen tree into smaller pieces to clean up the yard. Hey, the tree on the side of the house is still weathering the storm.

Christmas 2009

Quite ironically, I just finished watching The Ultimate Gift. It really sets many things into perspective for me. Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It's a wonderful time for families. As an update on our 2009 happenings, I am including our family Christmas newsletter. Here goes:

We welcomed Adelle in early July
She's "Sweetie Madelle" in big sister's eyes.
A cute, little sweetheart, she smiles and she coos
Brandon and Danielle love all that she does!

Trent and Sarah have traveled; they've had lots of fun
But with Rowan's arrival, their family's begun!
If anyone's talking, Rowan wants to join in
Always laughing and squealing, he has a friendly grin!

Carden's the baby in theTrever Porter clan
He keeps everyone laughing, whenever he can.
He comes in with big hugs, then leaves with a wave
He follows his siblings, being quite brave!
In no hurry to talk, yet expressing his wants
He maintains rapid action as Jentrie he taunts.

Laneah wears glasses, her articulation is great
She has very good manners, but sometimes licks her plate
Laneah goes to Joy School; she's a princess divine
She loves to play dress up with costumes of any kind!
She loves playing restaurant, cook a surprise
She loves dates with Brandon and eating his fries!

Jentrie is a sweetheart; she likes to help clean
She mothers "Baby Carden"; she's seldom ever mean!
Doing puzzle's a talent she's definitely got
Keeping up with her siblings, she's learned quite a lot!
Jentrie is dancing, her bootie she shakes
She likes things picked up, few messes she makes!

Kindergarten is great--Just ask Analyse
She reads really well and helps keep the peace
Very complimentary, she'll add a kind word
But just get her laughing, she's the funniest heard!
She dances and tumbles--even breaking her arm
Yet she still likes to laugh and turns on her charm!

Bryson is growing, he's always on top
With math and with reading, he just doesn't stop!
He loves the computer, Club Penguin is great
He catches on quickly, he's always first rate!
Bryson was baptized early this spring
He plays soccer and b-ball--a champ at all things!

When it comes to Sarah, talents abound
Life is never boring when she is around.
Awarded her masters for studying teens
As YoungWomen's President, she learns many things!
She's still an RA and now teaching's a part
With USU faculty--an excellent start!
Eyes on a doctorate, her education grows
Sarah has no limits, we've all come to know!

Studying finance and economics, too
Mike has a business mind; he's got calculus through!
A Utah State Aggie, he makes Sarah's life fun
Going riding and shooting and fishing a ton!
With America First, an officer fair
When not busy with Sarah, he's usually there!
Checking on memberships, keeping a count
As the ward clerk on Sunday, Mike's always found!

Being a mom fits Danielle to a "T"
Making things pleasant for her family!
Organizing's essential to keep things in line
Danielle holds the keys to make their living divine!
She sews and she cooks; she scrapbooks and reads
Plays games with her girls, meeting all of their needs!
Teaching the children when Primary meets
Danielle's enthusiasm just can't be beat!

A seminary teacher, Brandon's first rate
The students all love him and so does his mate!
A diligent teacher, the Young Men he serves
Working with teens takes lots of nerve!
He's getting his masters; he's studying hard
He writes lots of papers and read lots of words!
A wonderful father, a really fun Dad
He loves his three girls; he seldom gets mad!

Sarahlo is a runner--the Tri and 5K
She keeps Trent in shape; they run everyday!
Rowan's her sweetie; she teaches him tons
She makes life exciting; she's surrounded by fun!
Musical talents, scrapbooking, too
Sarah's creative, always trying things new!
Making new friends wherever she goes
Caring for her boys, brings the Sarahlo glow!

Trent loves being Daddy--To Rowan he's king
He keeps Rowan laughing and teaches him things!
Executive Secretary of a good Phoenix ward
Keeping everything scheduled wasn't too hard!
Then in November he and Sarah were brave
They moved to Las Vegas, giving good friends a wave!
With an Allegiant Air job, on a management team
He's knee deep in finance--his rating's supreme!

Carah is busy with so much to do
There's soccer and crafts and raising her crew!
Her garden is tops; her canning is great
Preparing things healthy makes her storage first rate!
One day a week she still goes to work
As a GI lab nurse, her job she won't shirk!
A Primary teacher for those Jentrie's age
She's also up to scrapping many a page!!

Serving ward elders; always wearing a smile
Trever helps those in need--he goes the extra mile!
A new job and promotion, still at McKay Dee
As Director of Finance, holding an administrative key!
His top roll is Daddy--just ask his kids
They're so enthusiastic to tell what he did!
Always ready to help; he cooks and he reads
He does all he can to meet his family's needs!

Dennis loves accounting; number crunching's his thing
Working for Wood Richards makes his heart sing!
Keeping appointments for Stake Presidency men
Maintaining the schedules, the phone is his friend!
The Pa eo has died; the blue car so old
Dennis wanted a funeral, but it was too cold!

Joyce enjoys tending the small Porter clan
At least once a week, more. . .when she can!
Teaching at Weber; learning so many things
She sometimes gets weary seeing computer screens!
Volunteering with co-op brings Saturday fun
Delivering veggies and fruits from Arizona's sun!

The new year's approaching; we send you our best
We all love the Gospel; its truth we attest!
Be good to your neighbors; be kind to your kin
Enjoy every minute of whatever you're in!

Merry Christmas from Joyce and Dennis

The Ultimate Gift

One of the special gifts we received for Christmas was the DVD of the Ultimate Gift. When all the holiday hoopla subsided, Dennis and I sat down to watch it. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It finished off our holidays with a special, deep meaning of just what giving is all about.

No matter how you look at it 2008 was great!

Our newest family member arrived on March the ten
He grins just like his Daddy--Again, again, again!
Carden Kael is the name Carah & Trever chose
He’s just a happy baby, He seldom shares his woes
He thinks he should be walking he stands up to every chair
But then he’s quick at crawling you find him everywhere

Jentrie Kate is 3 years old she’s sweet as she can be
Saying words her special way, her name is Shentarie
She loves to cuddle up and hear, a favorite story read
She shares a room with Sissy, they’re sharing new twin beds
Jentrie loves to paint, she also loves to dance
She’ll shake her booty any time that she can get a chance

Analyse Kiara is the next in line
She is always ready to have a real good time
She loves to sing her own sweet words
She creates new lyrics no one else has ever heard
Dancing’s a favorite with lessons each week
She’s mastered a cartwheel, her wisdom’s unique

Bryson Kyle Porter is seven already
He’s at the top of his class; he holds that spot steady.
He reads and he writes on the computer he’s great
Math is a favorite at games he’s top-rate
He scores goals in soccer; shooting baskets is fun
A super Big Brother he keeps all on the run!

Carah loves canning; She loves raising her clan
She still loves her crafting whenever she can
Working one day out of each week
Gives her the out that all of us seek
Serving young women keeps her busy at church
Still playing soccer--Hope she doesn’t get hurt!

Trever’s fantastic at his fatherly skills
He’s gentle and patient with messes and spills
Working in finance he’s designing new ways
To streamline the process hospital budgets relay!
An Elder’s quorum counselor his service doesn’t quit
Then Basketball and Soccer keep him running and fit

The middle of April will bring more than the bunny
Trent will be a dad--We all think that’s funny
A baby is coming; a boy so we’ve heard
They won’t share a name--Nary a word

Sarahlo’s keeping busy taking care of our Trent
Then with work at Verizon her time is well spent
She ran the race in Boston; she & Trent traveled far
Hawaii and Ireland--Air travel beats cars
Playing piano at Primary Sarah’s heart always sings
Her crazy antics teach Trent many things

Trent advanced in the airlines to a management slot
His job keeps him thinking and busy a lot
He did a triathalon in November in Phoenix
He loves traveling the world; He’s found it quite scenic

Laneah’s a cutie; She’s definitely two
She keeps Danielle busy finding plenty to do
She had her eyes straightened; They still sparkle with fun
She’s in and out of everything; There’s little she’s not done

Danielle’s an organizer; She keeps Brandon's life straight
She loves cooking healthy with recipes great
She loves being momma; it keeps her busy each day
She’s the best momma ever, Laneah’s sure to say
Teaching the 5 year olds expands her knowledge at church
She loves reading and yoga; And for bargains she’ll search

Brother Porter is loved by students each day
With his special way of teaching, he knows just what to say
He leads the young men in his ward to the top
His influence on youth will never really stop!
Being a fun daddy, a kind husband, too
Keeps Brandon busy every day through
Working on his masters, he’s making top grades
He studies and studies; He loves the life they’ve made

Sarah Shalese became Sarah Tulane
One bright day in May; She likes her new name
She’s going to school at Utah State U
She’s a TA, an RA, and she works at the Credit U

Mike’s a new addition; we love him like a son
He takes good care of Sarah; He thinks she’s number One!
A credit union worker, a loan officer first rate
He’s ready for fun and enjoys Utah State
He and Sarah live in Logan; They teach the 5 year olds
They’re learning to be patient with these youngsters so bold

Sarah couldn’t be happier in any other place
She loves being married and decorating their place

Dennis keeps busy, but he wants a new job
He works in accounting; He likes the financial mob
As the Stake Exec Sec he’s busy on the phone
He knows with Joyce’s talking he is never alone

Joyce is the Grandma--There’s no better name
She loves her little chickens; She’s ready to play a game
At the college she’s teaching, on both PC’s and MAC’s
Sometimes running in circles; She has to stop in her tracks
Being at home is her favorite place to be
Baking cookies and cakes is her sweet reverie

Our family went stand by for Florida’s fun
We loved the adventure; We didn’t find the sun!
We waded in water; We laughed and we cheered
Dressed in matching shirts, people thought we were weird
But we loved the adventure; We would do it again
Just ask the grandkids they want to know when

Our family’s into blogging; We each have a site
Here are the addresses--Take a gander tonight
That way our news will be kept up to date
You’ll know what we’re doing, you won’t have to wait!
Dennis and Joyce
http://www.portertowncrier.blogspot.com/
Trever and Carah (Private)
Trent and Sarah
http://www.theporterhousesizzle.blogspot.com/
Brandon and Danielle
http://porterfam.blogspot.com/
Mike and Sarah
http://thetulanes.blogspot.com/

A Wonderful Holiday Season

The holidays were spelled FAMILY for the Dennis Porter Family. That is F (fun), A (anticipation–Every time Bryson, Analyse, Jentrie, and Carden came over, Analyse could give an exact count of when Santa would be coming.), M (memories in the making), I (imagination), L (love), Y (yearning for more).

When I refer to family, I am referring to our four children, their perfect spouses, and terrific grandchildren. For a few activities we were all together–for a few of the activities a few were missing (and greatly missed).

The holiday season began with Thanksgiving. Everyone contributed to a perfect meal and lots of fun. The little ones had their own special table and decor. Bryson did a great job reading off the thankful feathers everyone had composed. The little girls decorated the turkey with the feathers. Two days prior to Thanksgiving, Trent and Sarah announced that their new addition will be a little boy–he’ll be arriving in April. Woo! Hoo!

That evening we kept up Momma Joyce’s tradition of putting up the Christmas tree. With everyone assisting, it was wonderful and it was beautiful. Each child looked for their special ornaments–sure hope they all fit on the tree in future years. Laneah loved setting out the little teddy bears.

The day after Thanksgiving Trent helped clean some boxes up in the garage. I found the box of Sarah's old dance costumes. That started the dress up fun for the little girls:

Between the special sealing of Evan, Cindee, Peyton, and Kaylee (We’re so glad we got to be a part of it) and a Kurt Bestor weekend, the second weekend of December was very active.

Sunday dinners with the family were so much fun, enlightening too. That’s where Sissy explained to us that when you are in Primary, you get treats in class on Slow Sundays–just not on Fast ones. Somehow Trever or Carah can always be found at the sink doing the Sunday dishes! WOW! After one of those dinners, Carden worked extra hard on his walking. He’s watched everyone run around and wants to be a part of the action.

When it came time for Christmas, things simply moved too fast. Christmas Eve we loved spending with the Gary Porter clan. Everyone brought yummy food–I think I’m still wearing it! We played a game of family feud–but it was more like family fun. The kids had lots of activities. What a terrific tradition! What a terrific family to have as cousins!

Christmas Eve Brandon, Danielle, and Laneah stayed with us. They made for a very memorable Christmas morning. A child is what Christmas is all about. I loved calling Laneah “Cinderella” and having her tell me she was “Aurora.”

Christmas Day was unbelievable. By 3:30 all the family had arrived. The house was alive. Grandma Joyce received a Wii! I have never been in favor of a single player in front of the TV with video games, but I totally love the family involvement with this one. The big kids were little; the little kids were big. When we were all bowling, Bryson explained it best: “The little kids and the old people are doing better than the others.” I think Grandpa and Grandma were the “old” people. When I asked Jentrie if Santa had come to her house, she said, “Not yet.” Then she proceeded to tell me what Santa had given her. However, I think she was expecting Santa to knock on the door and come in for a visit.

Brandon and Danielle announced that Laneah is going to be a big sister. It’s so exciting to be able to welcome a new little one to the family–this one will arrive in early July. The girls of the family all combined their scrapbooking talents and put together a treasured album of the year’s happenings for each family. Additions are promised for each coming year.

The day after Christmas, some of the kids got up and went to the Athletic Club by invitation from Sarahlo and Trent. They had a great time. OOOPS! Brandon came home feeling yucky! It’s hard to even have big kids get sick. His family sat out on the afternoon activities–as did Trent and Sarah. Grandpa and Grandma went with Trever’s family to see Bedtime Stories. After the movie we were back at the house for pizza and Wii games. Trever helped with Grandma’s other crazy tradition–taking the tree down. His help was immensely appreciated.

The Porter Bed and Breakfast Inn was in service throughout the holidays (and anytime the kids want to come and stay). We loved having different families stay a night or two–and then come back again. Brandon and Danielle stayed an extra night to assist with cleaning–it was great. Every time Mike and Sarah could break away from work, they would come and stay–even then I put them to work here.

December 30 Bryson came for his long-awaited sleepover. Too many activities in December caused it to be delayed. We had fun playing an old game called Take Two. Bryson was the master. Then Bryson showed Grandma some Wii details so that she can get Wii Fit. He was a real trooper running errands with Grandma for a part of the day.

New Year’s Eve we enjoyed playing games with Mike, Sarah, Brandon and Danielle. We made yummy hoagie sandwiches. We played Wii, Disney Scene It, and Loaded Questions. Brandon got us laughing to the point of tears. They all stayed over for New Year’s Day. Sarah and Mike had to leave mid morning due to other commitments. Afternoon brought Trever’s family over. Brandon’s family and Trever’s family, sans Carden, went sleigh riding. Lots of fun! Then they all came back for a casual dinner and tons of Wii fun! It was so neat watching them get so deeply into the games that the ice cream almost melted.

Wait! The holidays aren’t over yet. On Saturday, January 3, Dennis and I had a delightful visit from the Mark Blanscett family–all of them. They are terrific! It’s so neat to have them share their beautiful family with us–the kind of family everyone would emulate. Lots of fun and laughter–cute grandkids, too.

Shop, Shop, Shop...Shop 'Til You Drop!

It was time for the Layers semi annual sale, that same store that brought you such items as Sarah's engagement pictures shirt, Sarah's bridesmaids dresses, and the shirt Sarah is wearing today. So Carah, Sarah, Joyce, Danielle, and Laneah all drove down (very early in the morning) to the Layers warehouse. The line went out the door, down to the end of the parking lot, wrapped around, and went down the other side of the parking lot and curved over to the adjacent lot where our car was parked. The doors opened and then it was just chaos! Women grabbing clothes left and right. Within 20 minutes the sale item bins were practically empty!! Not to mention the heat. It was around 186 degrees (rough estimate) in there because there were a lot of people in a confined space and no central air.

The line was SOOOO long to check out, so Danielle, Carah, and I tried on clothes, went splunking for more clothes, and then came back and tried on more clothes. Laneah even joined in our trying on clothes escapade. There were no mirrors, so we took turns taking pictures of each other in the clothes to see how they looked.

I think this last picture of Laneah captures perfectly how a morning of intense shopping makes most people feel!!

Joyce's Three Obsessions/Collections
1) Dishes--even if they only cost 33cents--I love collecting dishes. When food costs get extremely high, setting a pretty table--even for a tuna fish sandwich--makes it taste better.
2) Cookbooks--the best novels ever--and yes, I do try out many new recipes. I'd have to say I prefer cookbooks to internet recipe sites. However, I do have many internet recipes I have printed and used--some back from 1997 even.
3) Children's story books--I love the fact the each of the kids and grandkids loves to look at books. It's neat to see Bryson get excited about reading.

Three Random Facts About Joyce
1) I actually am an organized person, even though to many of you I may appear totally unorganized. Some of my projects are in a transition to becoming organized. I love having the house totally clean. When the kids were small, I have been known to call Dennis and say, "I wish you could run home right now and see that the house is totally clean. I know it's a temporary state but for one minute it could be spotless."
2) I am basically a quiet individual--it just depends how you look at it. I love to sit a watch people; they are fascinating things to watch.
3) I love to do things and go places. Yet at the same time, I love being at home. Hey, I guess I just simply love being the person I am and being able to enjoy all of the things and people around me.

Joyce's Three Goals
1) To actually get each of my four kids from childhood to adulthood--in the history book format. I get very behind and would love the time to work on them.
2) To spend a complete day or two sewing. I have tons of "projects" to tackle and finish. It would be fun to be "grounded" to getting to do whatever I want to do in the house.
3) To loose these extra pounds I cart around. I guess I've learned the hard way that stress can hinder the loss weight. Whoever came up with that idea knew what they were talking about.

Greatest Fears
1) Being left alone in the world. I enjoy my independence; I love being needed to help anyone in our family.

Three people I am tagging for input:
Trever and/or Carah (that means blogging would being important)
Dennis
Mike

Hurrah! Hurrah! Today's Our Day

It's hard to imagine, but 32 years ago on Sunday, June 22, 1976 Dennis and Joyce were hitched. Our dreams, our hopes, our potentials were combined. (Hey, it wasn't a Sunday then)

The Best Invitation Ever

On Saturday, March 3, Trever called to see how Grandma's trip to Orlando went. Bryson wanted to talk with Grandma. He asked when the next sleepover would be. I told him we would try from next Friday night. I said I would have to check on a few things first and he remembered it was Sissy's turn. Then he said, "Grandma I want to have the sleepover. When can you come to my house for a sleepover?" Trever was standing by and told him that they didn't have a bed for Grandma to sleep in. Bryson replied, "But Grandma can sleep in my sleeping bag!"

Jentrie goes to the Wedding Reception with Bumpa and Grandma

Jentrie loved story time with Grandpa---she enjoyed it with Grandma, too. Oh wait, Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed the story times.
Jentrie loved playing with the manger scene. She probably knows all of the characters now!
Sitting very pretty. Answering a phone call from Grandpa.


Aunt Sarah did Jentrie's hair. Grandma dressed her in one of Aunt Sarah's velvet outfits. Jentrie looked very pretty to go to the wedding reception. She loved the attention and even the treats. We laughed, sang, and clapped beats to the music all the way to Layton and back.

Jentrie Comes to Grandma and Grandpa's House

When Grandma and Grandpa were watching the news, Jentrie went in the bathroom. She came back out carrying the hairbrush, so Grandma took out her piggy tails and brushed her hair. Then she went back into the bathroom. All was quiet. When Grandma walked in to see what was happening, Jentrie was removing the tissues from the Kleenex box, tearing each in pieces, and neatly throwing them away. When Grandma said something to her, she looked so innocent. Then she turned, grabbed the toilet paper, and threw some of it away also.

Jentrie has mastered the Tic Tac Tony game. She can throw the disks as well as any of us!

One January day, Sarah came with Grandma, Sissy, Bryson and Jentrie to the Treehouse. Bryson was extremely excited about beating Sarah on the chess board. I think Sarah even had fun with us that day! A good way to spend Martin Luther King Day!

Bryson and Sissy had lots of fun on our special play days when Mom and Dad head over to the hospital for what they call work!

January 2007 more

Tubing fun--hey! it's in Grandma and Grandpa Porter's front yard.

January 2007

Dad loves his IPod--it's his constant companion. While listening to music, he is frequently seen playing with his electronic SuDoKu.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Funny Sarah and Grandma Joyce decide to take these three little trick or treaters to Weber State to do some early trick or treating last week. Silly Trever was very frightened by Bryson's choice of costumes. Apparently Bryson was supposed to be a baseball, football, and soccer player from B Y U. Ha! Ha! Silly Trever was very scared.

You will never guess who showed up at Grandma Joyce's and Funny Grandpa's house on Halloween. None other than Napoleon Dynamite (GOSH!) with his "Vote for Pedro" T-shirt on, Pedro, Uncle Rico, Pretty Princess and a little Strawberry. What a terrific idea Bryson had to dress up like the characters from Napoleon Dynamite. However, I don't recall the Pretty Princess and the little Strawberry having major roles in the movie. I could have missed something there though.

Napoleon Dynamite said Funny Grandpa's costume didn't count as a real costume because it was just a T-shirt with Elmo's face on it. Funny Grandpa was able to catch the little Strawberry after she had climbed up on the table by herself and before she grabbed the 7 layer dip off of the table. She settled for the cell phone instead.

Hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween. Grandma Joyce has her candy strategy already figured out for next year. Always planning ahead.

Hmmm - Now it would appear as though Pedro may have some unusual feelings for Uncle Rico - now that would explain a lot of things.

PORTER TOWN CRIER

The Rest of the Pictures from the Treehouse

PORTER TOWN CRIER

PORTER TOWN CRIER

The Chess Champion
Monday, October 30, 2006, Bryson, Sissy, Jentrie and Grandma went to the Treehouse Children's Museum. Wow! Bryson headed to the chess board. There at the chess board sat Mrs. Carol Thornock, of T. O. Smith Chess fame. Bryson wanted to play. Grandma asked Carol if she would play Bryson. She said she could tell who his daddy was and she would be glad to play him. She was surprised at how well he could play. He was winning! She had to go over to the children singing for a second and had her daughter finish the game off. Bryson was the winner!!!!!! Way to go Bryson. During the game, Carol wanted a full report on all of you! You know she got a good one from Grandma!