Disneyland Part 3 (the end, I promise)

Here are a few more (a fraction really) pictures from our time in Disneyland. 

Tip: If you go to Disneyland and your kids want mouse ears. buy them at a gas station outside the park for $4.99 instead of paying $30 in the park. You're Welcome. 

Uncle Lynn reading to Hallie in our hotel room. He is a good sport-- she really wanted him to read her a bunch of books and so he did. 

Another tip: Go to the Toy Story ride at California Adventure FOR SURE. It was amazing. Definitely a favorite.

Ryen was just adorable with Hallie. She loved holding her hand, sharing her things, and helping me take care of her. I think I need someone like her around here...

Minnie's house!

Daisy's boat

Love these kids

Another tip: I recommend that everyone also have a Hailie if possible. She is so great with the kids and they all love her.

At the Disney Jr. Live on Stage play. So cute.

At one point during the above said play, they asked all the dads to stand up and do their best princess pose. I got this gem out of Devin. Love it.

Some of the IF crowd at the airport. Everyone from Idaho traveled together.

I basically have very few pictures of Max, but here he is! He and Sadie (and Hals) are really close in age, so it's fun to have them play together from time to time.

He must be the most photogenic child ever. Jealous. 

Mari came PREPARED for Splash Mountain. She doesn't mess around.

Tip about the teacups: Try your hardest to not allow your child to have a blowout in the middle of this ride. Because if they do, well, it isn't pretty. Let's just say I speak from experience. A really disgusting experience.

I am sure this was a self-portrait. Our favorite.

BFFs

Jennifer and Steve were kind enough to cart both girls around most of the time in their single stroller. I'm sure that was no easy feat...

Having a little rest in a plastic chair

Some of the kids at the World of Color. Tip: Go see World of Color. So amazing.

So long Disney. Perhaps we will see you again sometime (we hope at least!).

It's Official

Yep, Yep. I busted out my favorite title of all time.

While I am still a committed  BYU fan, I AM going to be starting school at the University of Utah in May. I got word right after Christmas that I got into their advanced standing master's of social work program. Wahoo! Best Christmas present ever. Thanks to all my co-workers who helped me write my essays...I am pretty sure that's what got me in. :) I knew it was competitive (about 1 in 3 get in) so I was really trying to prepare myself for let down, just in case. But....good news is always welcome!!

I have thought about doing my master's degree for sometime now and this year is the year. It is always interesting to see the path that our lives have taken. So far, it hasn't quite been what I expected, but I have the knowledge that Heavenly Father is in charge and that we have followed the path that He would have us do. When Devin and I were first married, we were both in school. I graduated in 2008 and went right to work. He finished in 2011 and we dedicated ourselves to our adoption process. We all know how much that consumed us...but I started thinking about going back to school on my end after we had been home with Flor for some months. I think because it has been a big goal of mine and I am always preparing and planning for my next goal, it just felt right to start considering it more seriously.

I love that Devin and I have an equal relationship in that both of our goals and needs are considered when we make big decisions. I know Devin would love to move on from his current job, but he is willing to sacrifice and stay there another year so that I can go to school. The big reason that I chose the U's program is that it is only a year....I think I can do anything for a year, right?! He will be home during the day with our kids, so we will continue to not need outside childcare. I am grateful that he is so supportive of my desire to further my career and talents. Before you judge me (cause I have heard it already), know that this is something we have prayed about considerably and something we feel really good about. My primary role in life is that of a mother, but I also feel that I have been given specific talents that I need to develop in my personal/professional life. We feel so good about this decision.

I attended the orientation today and left feeling so excited. I am really passionate about social work and have the desire to learn as much as I can in order to help in whichever areas I may find myself in the future. I really enjoy working-- it is so fulfilling for me-- so in reality, I probably will continue working, even when it is not "necessary" for our family. I love part-time work like I have now and hope to continue to work in fields that are flexible in schedule. With my Master's, I will have many more opportunities than I have now. I could do part-time therapy once or twice a week in the evenings after Devin gets home once he goes to a regular 9-5 job. I just get really excited thinking about all the different possibilities. So...here we start!

It will be interesting to see how the schedule pans out, but I do know that the summer will be for "bridge courses" held M-Th for 2 1/2 months, and then the fall will consist of 3 days a week at an internship and 2 days in classes (Thursday and Friday.) Since we just got the FrontRunner (high speed train) here, I will take it to SLC and back for class days and then get an internship somewhere right here close to home.

One part of the process is to choose a "concentration"- one area where my studies will be focused. There are seven choices and I really find them all so interesting, but I think I will put mental health as my first choice. The other choices are child welfare in social work, forensic social work, substance abuse social work, global social work, aging in social work, and health in social work. I need to put down a second and third choice in case the first doesn't work out. I haven't decided on that yet...the only one that doesn't really interest me is the aging one.

So, wish me luck in the next year. It's gonna be a crazy one for sure!

And, I will end with a cute, completely non-related story:

My cousin Cortney called me today to report that her daughter Avery (age 7) came home from school and told her mom that they had talked about Martin Luther King, Jr. and diversity/being nice to those who are different in class that day. She proudly told Cortney that she raised her hand and told her class that she has a cousin named Flor who is brown and we are just as nice to her as we are to everyone else. She also said that she would let Flor sit next to her on the bus because she is no different (they must have talked about Rosa Parks too). Cortney was happy to report that we are a fully accepting family and that bus trips will not be a worry for us. Haha...so cute. High five, Aves, for being so awesome!


And...don't worry, for the one of you who asked-- the Disneyland pictures are coming!

Flor is 8!

How CRAZY that we have an eight year old? It's just a little bit bizarre to me. Flor's birthday was the 6th. We celebrated down in Fairview with Devin's parents and Shawna/Slava and kids. It was a pretty low-key day, especially because Flor didn't know any different. She probably thought, "Why in the world are we eating this cake and why in the world are there more presents?" She just acted a little bewildered. She did, however, enjoy the sugary cake. That part was really fun. She also kind of got the idea to blow out the candles, though we had Keegan and Kylie help her before her spit ended up all over it. :)

No birthday post would be complete without a few photos, right?

Such a big girl. I see such changes in her over the last year. She looks older and she has progressed in so many ways. It is hard sometimes to mark her progress sometimes because it is usually a lot more subtle, but looking back to a year ago, she definitely has come a ways. She has progressed in social skills, in boundaries, in potty training, and in sign language development. We have also come to understand more about her medical needs and the expectations that can go with those, which is huge for us. 

A few people may be wondering what is going to happen with Flor and baptism, as 8 is a magical age in our religion- the age when children become baptized members of the church. Devin and I have had a couple of conversations with our Bishop regarding this sensitive decision and have decided that Flor will not be baptized. The main reason is that her mentality is that of a 12-18 month old, thus she is not capable of making the decision or understanding the ordinances and covenants that come with baptism. We know that she will not be denied any blessings that come with baptism because of her mental state. We are blessed to have a really sweet and loving Bishop, who didn't push one way or another, but helped guide us to this decision for us. 

The church has a great website set up for members with disabilities and here are a few things we read there to help us make our decision as well:

...for repentance and baptism apply to those who are “accountable and capable of committing sin” (Moro. 8:10).


Q: What are the guidelines as to whether or not a child with an intellectual disability may be baptized?

A: This is a matter between parents, the child, and local priesthood leaders. If the child has a basic understanding of gospel principles and wishes to be baptized, then baptism may be possible.

(Information taken from http://www.lds.org/topics/disability. )

Our ward has been wonderful about including Flor and helping her participate in Primary with children her age. Her teachers last year and her teachers this year so far have been wonderful. The teachers last year spent half the class period singing songs and doing actions instead of doing the whole lesson so that Flor could participate. The Primary Presidency has asked Devin and I to come speak to the children now that she has moved up to the senior primary. They want us to explain how Flor is similar to them and what she likes and dislikes, as well as how they can help support and be a friend to her. I was thrilled at this opportunity because it makes me happy that they want her to be included and loved by everyone there. Flor is also now old enough to attend Achievement Days and the leaders there are anxious and excited to have her. I don't know how that will go...but we will see. 

Anyway, just to address that topic because I am sure many of you are wondering. 

Happy birthday to our sweet 8 year old. I still can't believe everyday that you are actually ours. It still feels like a dream sometimes!

Books read in 2012

I had a goal to read 26 books in 2012 and I think I exceeded my goal. Wahoo...something to be really proud of, I know. :) I keep track of what I read on Goodreads, which is an awesome website. I thought I would share them here too as I am always looking for ideas for books to read from trusted friends (do you trust me?!)

 I will star the books that I gave 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads, meaning I really liked them.

1) *Growing up Bin Laden: Osama's Wife and Son Take us Inside Their Secret World by Jean Sasson

2) *To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton

3) What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

4) * The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells

5) The Witch Doctor's Wife by Tamar Myers

6) In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson

7) *The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor by Mark Seal

8) Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers #1) by Dave Barry

9) *The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

10) *These is My Words (Sarah Agnes Prine #1) by Nancy E. Turner

11) Women of Character: Profiles of 100 Prominent LDS Women by Susan Easton Black

12) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

13) *Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

14) *Room by Emma Donoghue

15) Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing by Kerstin Daynes

16) *Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

17) A Midwife's Story by Penny Armstrong

18) Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

19) *Sisterhood Everlasting (Sisterhood #5) by Ann Brashares

20) Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

21) *A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

22) Once Upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell

23) Princess Academy (Princess Academy #1) by Shannon Hale

24) *Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other: In Praise of Adoption by Scott Simon

25) *The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

26) Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

27) *The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

28) *Rules by Cynthia Lord

29) Hope was Here by Joan Bauer

30) *Delivering Hope by Jennifer Ann Holt

31) The Case of the Missing Marquess (Enola Holmes Mysteries #1) by Nancy Springer

32) *Heaven is Here: An Incredible Story of Hope, Triumph, and Everyday Joy by Stephanie Nielson

33) *Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn #1) by Brandon Sanderson

34) *The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

35) *Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

36) *Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

37) The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

38) Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie

You can tell that I read books from all genres, including Jr. Fiction...which knocks up my total quickly because they are usually such easy reads. I also really love true stories (non-fiction) of all sorts, so there is a good bit of those types of books there too.

If you really want to know, here are the top 3 books I read in 2012 and the worst 3 books I read in 2012 -- all according to my own opinion, of course:

Top Three:
3) These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner- This is a hilarious novel taken from the author's ancestor's diaries from the turn of the century. I just really enjoyed the voice and the adventures of the feisty main character. 

2) Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson- I was a bit skeptical about this book simply because I have followed Nie Nie's blog for a long time and I feel like it has become a showcase of products and materialism instead of what it used to be. However, this book was really touching and I felt like I got a better glimpse of the "real" her and the reality of the situation she faced after the airplane crash that she and her husband survived. Great and inspiring book. 

1) Unbroken by Lara Hillenbrand- I have a fascination with World War II and this book was simply amazing. It is a true account of the ultimate survival during the war. This is a book that I will remember for a long, long time. 

Okay, and the worst 3:

3) Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen- I saw this movie first and liked it, so I thought I would like the book. Wrong. I didn't think the characters were developed well and there were too many dirty scenes for my liking. 

2) The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien- Yeah, Yeah. I know-- its a classic. Before you start shooting at me, hear me out. I just do not get the hype. This book is funny at times and kind of fun, but such a classic? I just don't see it. Maybe if I had read it as a youth as that is the audience it was intended for, right? I made myself finish it, but it was really just not that great. Sorry friends. 

1) Once upon a River by Bonnie Jo Campbell- I don't even know what to say about this book. Worst book I have read in a long time. Why did I even keep reading it? Not sure...I must have been really bored. Or thought that it would get better somewhere along the way....but no....DON'T go picking this one up, okay? 


The end. I think I will have less time this year (since a bunch of those books were read during the time I was in Ecuador and I was bored stiff...) so I will set my 2013 goal at 26 books again. On we go. Any suggestions for great books you have read lately? Nevermind that I already have a list of 50 plus on Goodreads to read...

New Years Party! wooooo hooooo

I always have such a great time spending time with Devin's family. I really (honestly!) wish that we spent more time together. How many people can say that about their in-laws?! :) After we got home from Idaho and spent a few nights at home, we packed up and drove down to Devin's parent's house to stay for a few days. We partied the whole time and came home utterly exhausted, but it was such a blast. Devin's sister Shawna and her husband Slava, along with their kids, were here from Russia for the holidays and Devin's younger sister Jana and her son Grady (her poor husband Karl had gone back home to work) were also there. Alisa, another sister, and her two girls came on New Year's Eve as her husband's plans had changed and he was also working. So, 4 out of the 8 siblings were there as we rang in the new year. Here is a bunch of pictures to narrate our time in Fairview:


We did a little of this: 

Okay, Slava did more game playing than any of us. The boys had a way of convincing him to play really long games, like Monopoly. The women took a trip out to the boonies to go shopping (really to the farthest store we could find on the other end of the county--what can I say? We needed a break) and left the men in charge back at the house. When we left, these guys had already been playing for quite some time and they were still not done when we got back. Slava's a trooper. :)

And some of this: 

Flor kept inching away from the door until she was across the room-- I think she was trying to make it abundantly clear that she did NOT want to go back out in the snow. Apparently we are just not getting it-- we keep sending her out anyway. :) It's good for her. 

Ugh she says

We found a stray pair of snowpants in our bag (Carlie? Cortney? Gotta be one of yours...) and Devin took the liberty of wearing the far-too-short pants out in the snow. The fact that they are women's pants and they FIT is another story.

Keegan

Hallie and Kayden. I can't believe how grown up Shawna's kids are all the sudden, especially Kayden. Shawna is the sister Devin lived with when we met back in 2004 and Kayden was just a BABY at the time. Yowsa...we are getting old.

Uncle Travis, who had been there over Christmas, apparently built this fort/sledding jump all rolled into one. Pretty awesome.

Top part is a sledding hill, the underside a fort. Hallie getting a push from Uncle Slava down the hill.

Keegan and Kylie on their sled

The driveway is slanted just enough that sleds (with a great big push) can coast on down. Here is Flor  taking her turn.

Jace and Grady ready to freeze sled

We also did a fair amount of lounging/watching movies/relaxing:

Grady is not too sure about Aunt Kim, obviously 

We of course ate our weight in treats:

Just darling.

There was some of this: 

dancing that is...

Kayden showing us how "Gangnam Style" is done...too funny, too funny I tell you

Even Kylie knows how it goes. I see how they spend their time over there in Russia...

And, naturally, we rang in the new year! 

New Year's Eve dinner consisted of typical party food-- little smokies in various forms, 7 layer dip, guacamole, cheese and crackers, etc. Yum.

Then we threw the kids in their pajamas and forced them to attempt to look happy for a photo. Top: Flor, Jace, Hallie, Kayden, Brylee, Keegan. Bottom: Kylie, Brynlee, and Grady. This is one Jana took and I can't help but laugh-- look at Hallie's little thumb's up. Where does she come from? 9 of the Perry grandchildren-- only missing 16. 

After the kids went to bed, we watched "Dick Clark's" (he's dead ya know) Rockin' New Year's Eve and played a family classic game of Mexican Train.

Jana, Shawna, and me.

Kayden getting New Year's kisses from Aunt Jana

And...Aunt Alisa. See that family wall hanging behind them? Most brilliant gift ever. Alisa made it for her parents for Christmas and it was so darling...I just have to mention it. It has each person in the family's birthday listed in order starting with January...their name is on the front and the day of the month on the back. Each circle is painted so that all members of each individual family are the same color. So. Dang. Cute.

Ringing in the new year with sparkling cider of course.

And....that is the end of the photo taking. Lame, I know. We were up way too late and had a great time, I just don't have any pictures past this point. Shoot. Maybe next time. :) Happy New Year, all!

Whew! Now I am all caught up-- until tomorrow, which is Flor's 8th birthday! And then Monday, which is Disneyland. More to come....later. Much later.