2008 IN REVIEW

2008 will go down in the annals (great word) of the Perkins history as (shall I say)…an interesting year?

JANUARY - On January 1, 2008 we found out that Brynn was pregnant with Cal. It was a little sooner than we anticipated, but we kicked the year off with a doozy. The 3-of-a-kind, just became a Full House*.

*In reference to a poker term, not the early 90’s sit-com where a Father (a local morning talk-show host) and his 2 brothers (the ex-drummer from the band Jesse and the Rippers and a television commercial jingle writer) attempted to raise 3 mischievous young girls in the San Francisco, California area. With no help from a nosy neighbor by the name a Kimmie Gibbler I might add.


MARCH - With the discovery of the human growing inside of Brynn, we decided that the Riverton townhouse would no longer support the growing Perkins clan. So in March we bought our 1978 beauty located in WeJo (West Jordan - that will catch on, you just watch).


MAY - In May, we held the hallowed Cinco de Mustache party. I’m sure the onslaught of mustached men showing up at our new home raised a few eyebrows in the neighborhood.


May also took us to Destin Beach, FL. This goes down as one of the best Perkins’ vacations ever. (I am looking at this picture and wondering why I live in Utah…seriously why?)


May 25, 2008 – Londyn turned 2 years old! Happy Birthday Lou! How exciting!
May 26, 2008 – (Excitement terminated as Brynn and I realize that 2 year olds are completely insane.)


AUGUST - Brynn became a birthing stallion and gave way to a 6 lb. 15 oz. little boy. Calan “Cal” Taylor Perkins became the newest appendage to the Brynn and Steve Show.


SEPTOBER - September and October was a blur of doctors’ appointments and hearing tests. End result: we found out that Calan is profoundly deaf. September and October was like a binge feed at the local Chuck-A-Rama. We consumed everything way to fast, and now we are still trying to figure out how to digest it all.


OCTOBER - (Sorry Brynn, had to post it)…Steve goes to Fenway! Steve also gets a new job. But did I mention that I saw the Sox come back from a 7 -0 deficit in the ALCS game 5?



NOVEMBER - Utah beats TCU in a thriller, and beats (Blue Team) in a killer. I just made that up, that’s what’s up. I can do this all day. Don’t get in my way…and I once got busy in a Burger King bathroom. (Bonus point for anyone who can name that gem.)


DECEMBER - Brynn turned 27, Steve became Scuba Steve and Londyn legally changed her name to Dorothy. I am the Can (Tin Man). Brynn is…(you guessed it), the Witch.


New house, new kid, new job, new challenges…2008 will definitely go down as one of our more eventful (going on) 7 years of marriage. To all those that have spent it with us, God bless. It has been a great year.

Merry Chrismtas

Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of people. It is a time a giving, a time a sharing, even a time of receiving. I just want you all to remember, that most of all it is a time of remembrance...






(My M.O. is usually not to post these random videos on my blog. This must be some sort of phase I am going through. I will get back to writing soon...)

Wow...

Have you ever come across something that is so incredibly cool, that you feel it is your social responsibility to share it with people? This is one of those things...

Dear...

Dear guy who wrote "Christmas Shoes",

I want to punch your face off with a waffle iron.

Sincerely,

Steve

Attn: North Pole

Londyn wrote her letter to Santa today. Londyn talked, Mom wrote...and this is the result.

Dear Santa,

I want a dress with polka dots. I want a toy. I want some dinner. I want chicken. I want a Cinderella and a garden, all by myself. I would like some presents. Merry Christmas.

Love,

Londyn

Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite Color?

Tis' the season to be Jorry...(anyone?...The Christmas Story, well done.)

It's that time of year when we searched out the dusty old bins in the basement labeled "Christmas" and bathed our home in Holiday cheer. Brynn began to pull out the garland, the nativity, the stocking and the Santa's...and I pulled out my decoration. Santa and Rudolph cruising in their six-foe, blasting "Low Rider" music. (What can I say? I prefer the classics) Anyhow, this is neither here nor there.

Londyn got her hands on this little piece of Chritmas and began to creatively express herself to the music. Her dancing is 90% cute and 10% kind of, well...sad. A little too reminiscent of Elaine's dancing on a classic Seinfeld episode if you ask me. "It's more like a full body dry heave Jerrry..."

Lou & Cal

A typical night at the Perkins abode...we're a classy bunch.

Cal's Blog

Okay, so I get a lot of requests for updates on Cal. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and concern. However, I hate that all of my entries about Cal revolve around his deafness. So in an effort to keep this a fun family blog, I have created another blog that will strictly give you updates on Calan's hearing loss adventures.

Click on the link to see Cal's newest accessories...

CLICK HERE

Thanks All!

Lil' Cal Update

Cal has been a really good kid. He is 2 months old now and huge. In fact, I feel like he needs some type of breast support, but what can you do? He is smiling ton; and not the mouth smile either, when Cal smiles his whole face smiles. He talks non-stop and loves his big sister. He's a cute little dude.

A few weeks ago, we went in for his second ABR (Auditory Brain Response) Hearing Test, and the results were the same. Cal's brain does not register sound at any level tested, which puts him in the profound hearing loss column. After that test, he was fitted for hearing aids, and actually gets them next week. The hearing aids really shouldn't do much for Cal because his hearing loss is so severe, but he has to wear them for 6 months before they even think about cochlear implant surgery. So we are just taking the necessary steps.

The next big appointment for Cal is the MRI. They will do this in the next few months to determine if he can qualify for a cochlear implant. If he can qualify for that, they will do that surgery as early as 12 months. The cochlear implant would give Cal some hearing capabilities. However, If he does not qualify for the implant, Cal would having no hearing capability. So for now it is little bit of a waiting game.

Brynn, Londyn and I are learning ASL and it has turned out to be really fun. We are not that good yet, but we will be pros by the time Cal starts to communicate.

...Anyways that's the update.

Halloween 2008

Meet Londyn the Mouse...


...and her trick or treating crew.


...and her best friend, Saucy the Pirate...


...waddling up to the houses...


...screaming "Trick or Treat!"


And after a long night of candy collecting, it's time to go home.

The Game

I haven't posted about this yet...maybe I'm not sure that I can put it into words. Maybe I’m still a little shell-shocked about how it all went down. But here it is two weeks later and it is time I share with you the single greatest moment of my life:

The Date: October 16, 2008.
The Place: Boston, Massachusetts
The Purpose: ALCS (Game 5: Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays)

For those that do not know I am a Boston Red Sox fan. I have been for quite sometime. I love baseball in general. In fact, one of my life goals is to watch a game in every MLB ballpark. So it probably goes without saying, Fenway Park is my Mecca. It is the Holiest of Holies. (But I digress...)

About 6 weeks ago I found out that I would be traveling to Boston for work. Of course I did a little research and found that Boston could possibly be playing while I was there, however the stars must align. Certain teams would need to win, other teams would need to lose home field advantage, Red Sox would have to advance. Long story short, I needed a miracle.

Okay, okay...I'll fast forward...

On October 16, 2008 I found myself sitting in the beating heart of baseball itself, Fenway Park, getting ready to watch the Boston Red Sox play the Tampa Bay Rays in an elimination game for the American League Championship. It was unbelievable…at first. But slowly my light was dimmed as I watched the Red Sox slowly fall into a 7-0 deficit by the bottom of the 7th. I sat in my seat trying to tell myself that the $250 I spent for the ticket was well worth it.

Then it happened...Poppy hit a home run, Yooouk drove in some runs and before I know it I am standing with my fellow Sox fans witnessing the greatest comeback of post-season history. Bottom of the 9th, all tied up, J.D. Drew steps up to the plate...MAYHEM.

I know, I know...Sox lost the next game and the Rays went on to lose in the World Series. But know this, after the pandemonium that followed the game winning run and the crowd died down a bit. I breathed in Fenway Park, beheld the fans, the team, the sheer experience of it all...and I cried. I say this with absolutely no shame, tears rolled down my cheeks.

Brynn likes to remind me that I did not shed a tear at our beautiful wedding, or at the miracle birthing of our 2 children. And I tell her this…”Things have happened in my life have brought me greater happiness than any single event ever could. But if I was to break my life down into a series of moments. A lifetime a distinct experiences or instances...then October 16, 2008, Boston Massachusetts, Fenway Park, ALCS Game 5 was the single greatest moment of my life."

To this outpouring of my soul, Brynn's response is this..."You're an idiot."

Something to gnaw on...

Recently my cousin (who I really respect and like) sent me an email chain supporting the ban of gay marriage in California. I have seen a lot of this going around lately and I finally felt like I needed to voice my opinion. This is the last letter I wrote him after we had shared a few thoughts back and forth…

Billy Joe Bob (I am protecting his anonymity),

Before we end our little debate I would like to take this full circle. Let’s go back to what sparked this whole thing; the Proposition 8 vote and others like it around the country. You clearly have a moral issue with gay marriage. Your personal values tell you that gay marriage is wrong. If you wanted to forbid it in your family, religion, or faith, I do not seek to sway you in any way. I honestly respect and understand where you are coming from. What I cannot understand why you feel you would need to force your personal believes by voting to ban gay marriage.

We don’t get to choose whom we are attracted to. I’ve never made the choice that I’m attracted to women; it is just how I am made up. Based upon your previous argument you feel the same way. We believe people are born gay. Just as people are born black, straight, female or redhead: we cannot change who we are. Nor should we try. Then how can we as a society (Americans no less) tell homosexuals that they do not have the right to the same freedoms that we have?

Turn the tables for once. What if your religion and government told you that being straight was evil. Marriage between man and woman was unnatural. Would you start looking for a boyfriend? Would women suddenly become repulsive? Of course not…nothing would change. You would still be attracted to women. You would still seek a life partner. And you would still want to marry the girl of your dreams. You cannot change who you are.

So why is it that we all agree people are born gay, but then turn around and fault them for it? We continue to push it further by stating that they do not have the right to act upon what’s normal to them. And take it all the way by voting (even campaigning) against gay marriage. It doesn’t make sense. I have been married for 6 years. I have a beautiful wife and 2 incredible children. I didn’t marry Brynn because she was a woman. I didn’t marry Brynn because someone deemed it socially acceptable. I married Brynn because I loved her and wanted to spend my life with her. How could I possibly justify denying someone else of that freedom?

You are right about one thing; marriage doesn’t mean a whole lot anymore. I can get married in a drive-thru in Vegas (by Elvis). I can mail order a bride from Russia. I can even marry 2 women (in Colorado City). Marriage is simply a word. What marriage can be is what makes it special. Marriage can be a life long partnership between two people that love, respect and cherish one another. Marriage, when treasured is something I hope to never rob anyone of, regardless of gender.

You do not belief that gay marriage is good for you and your values. I respect that. But what gives you the right to tell people how to live? Why would you want to rob someone of their liberty and pursuit of happiness? This vote is not a poll for our moral values; if won, it will deny people of the right to be who they are.

-Steve

Life at the Perkins

As you all know, things have been quite bleak around the Perkins' household. Steve and I just want to thank everyone for the kind words and support. We have received so many comments and e-mails from all of you, and we are so grateful to be in your prayers. Things are getting better. Steve and I are extremely blessed to have the rambunctious 2 year old that runs our house! The day that we found out Cal had hearing loss; I was doing dishes at the sink bawling. Londyn was busy playing with her bear when all of the sudden I heard her say, “Mommy, B smells like farts.” Who can continue crying when they hear something like that! I really needed a good laugh, and Londyn definitely delivered.
Today we had an appointment with the Ear Nose and Throat doctor to get a prescription for hearing aids. While we were getting ready to go, Londyn spotted a U of U sweatshirt jacket in Cal’s drawer (size: 3-6 months). Londyn of course had to wear it, and we could not convince her to take it off. We spent the morning running errands with Londyn in a jacket that came to her elbows and barely reached her belly button. I know that Heavenly Father gave me Londyn, so that I could have a few good laughs during this hard time.
Cal goes in for a repeat ABR test to make sure the results were accurate, and he will then be fitted for his hearing aides. He is such a sweetheart, and I am anxious to be done watching him get poked and prodded by so many doctors!

Update on Cal

Truth be said, it has been a rough week. For all those that don’t know, here is the update…Cal has failed all of his hearing tests since birth. Last Thursday we took him to an audiologist to measure if and how severe his hearing loss was, and the news wasn’t good. Cal is completely deaf. He has profound hearing loss in both ears.

What a strange thing to even write. Things like this happen to other people, never yourself.

Anyway, as of now he does not register any hearing capability. Our big hope is that the type of damage he has would allow him to receive cochlear implants. He will get an MRI in the next few months to determine if that is even a possibility. But right now we just don't know. As we find out more in the coming months, we will try and keep everyone informed.

It probably seems strange to blog about this, but I figured there were those out there who would want to know, and it’s not an easy thing to just call people and talk about.

Thanks to all of our family and friends who have been so supportive.

Pictures

Brynn and I are still running on a few hours of sleep a night. So if you are looking for a cute or anecdotal story, go to Hallmark. Only pictures this time around folks...



Family Reunion at Bear Lake

The Freaking Garden of Eden

Londyn loves to go over to Papa's and play in his back yard. She will throw rocks in the waterfall, pick raspberries, and swing on the play set. If you have never been to Mr. Perkins' backyard, it is incredible. Here's a little taste of the glory.

(And to all you naysayers, this is in Taylorsville proper…)

Mucho props Grandpa.

Lou and the Grasshopper

Since Calan has been born the Perkins’ family has been on lockdown. You know how it is, you just don’t venture out much with a new born baby. But, Sunday was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, it smelled like Fall, Londyn had been cooped up for the last few weeks; it was time to get out. Nothing too adventurous: just a nice leisurely walk along the Jordan River Parkway.

It started out like any other walk. The sun on our faces, Londyn looking for “treasures” (a.k.a. rocks, flowers and bugs), all in all we were having a good time. Londyn especially liked the animals. We saw an ant, a spider; I even caught a frog and showed it to her. But the best part for Londyn was the grasshoppers. They were all over the walkway. I would put my foot next to a grasshopper and it would jump away and Londyn would laugh and laugh. “What a great day” I thought to myself. Then up ahead we saw a BIG grasshopper. It was bright green and probably 2 ½ inches long. As foolhardy as ever I stomped my foot behind the grasshopper, but in instead of jumping away (causing much laughter) it jumped right on Londyn’s bare left arm (causing pure terror). I will not even attempt to describe poor Londyn’s face as the massive grasshopper landed upon her, but suffice it to say she was reduced to a pile of panic and fear. As she violently shook her arm to rid her flesh of this leaping beast, at last the grasshopper dislodged itself from her arm and hopped away. The screaming and crying that followed were in Brynn’s words, “homesick”.




Since Sunday, this tale of trepidation and horror has been shared countless times in the Perkins’ home. Many a time a day, (including last night at 3 o’clock in the morning) Londyn will ask me to tell her the story of “Londyn and the Grasshopper”. She loves to hear me tell the tale. And every time I finish telling her of the day the hopping monster terrorized our Sunday walk, she looks at me with her big blue eyes, smiles her big toothy smile and says “He liked me Daddy! The grasshopper really liked my arm!”

To be honest, I have no idea if Londyn will be forever scarred by her run in with the grasshopper, or if she thinks she made a friend that day. Whichever the case, grasshoppers have now replaced “baby brother” as the # 1 topic in the Perkins’ home.

Life with Two Kids

This was quite the eventful week. My sister Brooke had her baby girl on Labor Day, and she is so darling. It was also my first week home with two kids, and it was actually do-able. Of course Londyn always needs to go potty when I am feeding Cal, so I have learned to get her pants down, put her on the toilet, and wipe her all with one hand. Yes I know, probably not the most sanitary, but you do what you have to do. Londyn loves Calan. She is an excellent big sister. She is always asking if baby brother can lay with her for her naps, or if baby brother can come with us to grandmas, etc. The most challenging thing is leaving the house. On Friday we went to visit baby Oakley (Brooke's new baby girl), and it took me an hour and a half to get all of us ready and out the door. It was quite the event, and I was exhausted by the time we got home! I am sure I will adjust, but I am definitely not looking forward to when I have to go to the grocery store.

Calan Taylor

Well after nine months of waiting, he's here. I am pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the Perkins' clan, and heir to all that I own (meaning my homeade ice cream maker and my playing card collection)...Calan Taylor Perkins. He was born at 8:03am on Tues morning. He was 6 lbs. 15 oz, and perfect in every way. Mom is a stud and was up and out of the hospital the next day. Baby is perfect, Londyn loves the new kid and Dad is beaming. More to come soon...

Cal


Mom and her kids


Dad taking his boy home

Chances...

There is a good chance that if you walked into my house right now you would hear me playing a fake trumpet. There is a 100% chance that if you were to ring my doorbell that you would hear a certain melody emanating from the device…(thank you 1978 house with a doorbell that plays over 50 songs!). Chances are that if you walked into my house at any given time you would be hard pressed to find me anywhere but directly in front of the television. Chances are, if you looked closely you might see a tear role down that whiskery cheek of mine…(damn you Bob Costas!)

Well by now you know I speak of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The fake trumpet would be playing the Olympic Theme. The Doorbell?…the Star Spangled Banner. The tears?...shameless.

It’s true. I am completely obsessed with the Olympics. I watch anything and everything that comes on. Badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, diving…let’s not even get started about my man-crush with Michael Phelps. Bottom line, GO USA! If you are in the neighborhood, drop on by and come watch a match or two. The trumpets will be blaring, the doorbell a singing, and the Perkins’ a cheering. U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A…

To My Son...

With a new boy on the way (less than 30 days!), I often think about what he will be like. I don’t have a particular profile of what I want him to become; he can be an athlete, a scholar, a politician, or a musician. He can do anything he wants in life and I will love and respect him. The do’s are endless, it’s the DO NOT’s that concern me the most. I have compiled a short list of DO NOT’s that my son must know before he is born.

10 Simple Rules for Becoming My Son

1. Don’t be one upper. Everyone hates a one-upper. The only thing worse than a one-upper is…. don’t be that guy.

2. Don’t ever disregard proper urinal etiquette standard: 1 urinal minimum between you and another urinator. (Single Exception: Sporting Events)

3. Don’t be a Yankee fan. Everyone will hate you.

4. Don’t be a BYU fan. Everyone may not hate you, but I will.

5. Don’t be they guy who talks about how fast he drives…”Well, it will take you 4 hours to get to St. George…but, when I drive 3.”.Great dude, go drive off a cliff.

6. Don’t be the guy in the office who takes a practice golf swing (without a club) every 10 minutes. Everyone hates that guy and his 29-handicap.

7. Don’t tell me your becoming a male cheerleader for “the chicks”. Just come out, I will love you just the same.

8. Don’t be mean to your mother. She may never hurt you, but I will. So be nice.

9. Don’t be the kid that tries to nickname himself. If you are that kid, chances are you already have a nickname that you don’t know about.

10. If you wear G-Unit clothing, you have better of joined a prominent gang. Similar rule, if you wear skater shoes, you had better be able to do at least a kick flip or drop in a half pipe or something. Similar offenses: Do not tuck anything into basketball shorts and do not wear socks with sandals.

There will be other do not's, but this should keep you honest for a while. You have a got a Mommy, Daddy and big sister who can’t wait to meet you…see you soon…

Love,

DAD

Londyn is a Big Girl!

My baby girl is all grown up. Londyn is officially sleeping in her "big girl bed" in her "big girl bedroom." She now refers to her crib and nursery as "baby brother's room." She is actually doing a pretty good job in there. She has only fallen off of the bed once, and she has only come into our bedroom twice in the middle of the night. Overall, I can say that is has been pretty successful. I am sad to see her growing up, but it is a relief when you have another one on the way.

Hooray, Londyn went pee-pee! Steve and I decided to embark on the potty training adventure last week. I won't lie, it has been tough! Londyn and I (and daddy when he could) have spent the last week in quarantine. I refused to put a diaper on her during the day so that we could conquer this task. It took a few packs of gum and a bag of dum dums, but she is finally trained. My advice to pre-potty training mothers:

1. Ignore anyone that tells you their child potty trained in three days. It takes a couple of weeks for you to even get the idea into your kid's head.

2. Don't put a diaper on your kid for any reason (accept naps and bedtime). If you interrupt your potty training to go to the store, or in our case Lagoon, you will have to start over the next day.

3. Good luck! It is tough. Don't let anyone tell you that it is easy. I always say "Expect the worst, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the outcome!"

I am sure we have many accidents in our future, but I am so glad that the hardest part is finally over. Londyn is officially a "Big Girl."

The Weekend Update

A weekend with the Bee's, BBQ's and Lagoon. Gotta love the long weekend.

6 of Many...

July 18, 2008
Steve: “Londyn, guess what today is?”
Londyn: “What?”
Steve: “It’s Mommy and Daddy’s Anniversary!”
Londyn: “NO! I don’t want to go to nursery!”
That little conversion was followed up by a patented Londyn Tantrum, grade level 4. (The scale ranges from 1 to 10. 1 being a strong whine, 10 being that she usually sustains an injury during the tantrum.)

Anyhow…back to July 18, 2008. Brynn and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary. In 6 years not a day has gone by that I don’t appreciate how lucky I am. Brynn is smart, patient selfless, smoking hot, and my best friend. The celebration was simple: an afternoon matinee, a filet at Ruth’s Chris and some adult entertainment to wrap up the evening. 6 of many Brynn, I love you.

The rest of the weekend we spent in a little cabin with my brother’s family. Londyn loves hanging out with her cousins. Good week for the Steve and Brynn Show.

Londyn loves being with her cousins


My daughter completely wasted on IBC Cream Soda.


Smith & Morehouse Reservoir - It was freezing, but Londyn and Hayden jumped right in.


Londyn with her Grandpa Bevan up at Gateway

The Steve and Brynn Show

After a lively Sunday afternoon of watching a Run’s House marathon, it got me thinking. What would the Brynn and Steve Show be like…as a reality tv show…

Setup: (Steve after a long day of work walks into the Perkins’ home)

Steve: Hey Brynn, what’s up?
Brynn: Nothing…except for the fact I’m pregnant, it’s 100 degrees outside and I’ve had taco pits since 8:30 this morning.
Steve: Oh
Brynn: (kisses Steve) How was your day?
Steve: Good
Brynn: What do you want for dinner?
Steve: Well, in a few weeks my garden should produce a lovely variety of corn, edamame and tomatoes.
Brynn: (rolls her eyes) You don’t even like tomatoes.
Steve: THAT’S BESIDE THE POINT! (Storms out of room)

(Steve storms from kitchen into family room)

Steve: Hi Londyn, what are you doing?
Londyn: Hi Daddy. I went in big girl potty!
Steve: You did? Good job Londyn!
Brynn: (yells from kitchen) No she didn’t.
Steve: Oh.

…it would go on from there. Then I would always end the show by saying, “God is Love, Steve.”

Family Update

LONDYN…Monsters Inc., swing sets and chicken nuggets. That pretty much sums up Londyn’s life right now. That and the fact that she is convinced that her baby brother is inside her belly.

BRYNN…Brynn’s life is full of counting. She is teaching Londyn how to count. She counts out loud while she does choreography for dance. She is counting on me to finish up the Londyn’s room before the baby comes, and she is counting down the days until she has this baby boy. Something about being really pregnant and it being 103 degrees don’t mix. (54 days to go…)

STEVE…And Steve. Still at XanGo, still liking it. Still has a garden that everyone still makes fun of. Still getting crap from his buddies about not being able to go to the Utah vs. Michigan game at the Big House. Still sick about missing a four foot eagle putt.

Boys & Bubbles

I was going though our pictures and it seems that Londyn likes 2 things: boys and bubbles. Here's a little shout out to all of Londyn's little boyfriends.


Londyn and Wyatt (Ash & Jon's little dude)


Lou & Blake (Chad & Lindsay's little dude)


Londyn & her cousin Sawyer


Londyn and her cousin Hayden.


It would appear that Londyn is in desperate need of a few girlfriends. If you have a daughter between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old, please send and application and head shot to Brynn c/o Londyn Girlfriends. Thank You.

Happy Father's Day

Well to all of you daddies out there, Happy Father’s Day! Londyn has officially reached that age. You know, the age that they tell daddy what you bought him at the store. As soon as Londyn and I came home from shopping she said, “Daddy, we got you a shirt!” Nice surprise for Steve!

Londyn has the best daddy in the whole world. She loves spending time with Steve out in the yard. Every Saturday Londyn helps her daddy weed, mow, and check on the garden. Steve is always taking Londyn to do fun things. She still talks about the fishies and rays at the Sandy Aquarium!

Just to show Londyn what a great daddy he is, Steve and Brent spent the whole Saturday before Father’s Day putting together a swing set for Londyn! Now Londyn can go out back to “her park” instead of walking down the street.

Happy Father’s Day Steve! Londyn and I love you so much!

Londyn's Letters

Londyn has been learning her letters lately. She is pretty good, but occasionally gets stumped between the X and the K, or the W and M. Overall though, she is doing pretty well.

(And yes, we are bragging our daughter like a sideshow circus would a bearded lady...Dance, Monkey...Dance!)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I am shamelessly plugging one of my all time favorite tv shows, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I saw a commercial for this fall's season premier and got all hyped up. It’s not for everyone, but if you laugh at this clip you are standing on the tip of a hilarity iceberg. Enjoy…

Work Trip

It is the butt crack of dawn. I am sitting in the Orlando Airport waiting to fly back to the Salt Lake City to see my girls…NATIONAL SECUIRTY UPDATE: We are at terrorist level orange…as opposed to what? Fuschia??? Who knows what that means anyways?
Alright back on track...in the Orlando Airport, the dawn is still butt crack and I am returning from a 5-day XanGo Convention. I love my job, but work travel sucks. I think the root of the suckiness lies in the fact that I have to work when I travel for work. For instance, instead of going to Disney World, Universal Studios and Cocoa Beach…I spent the week explaining the benefits of a mangosteen beverage to a slew of crazy people. (And not haha crazy people, but seriously institutional crazy people.) Basically it boils down to this, when I get home and say I have been in Orlando for a week…if any of you dare say “Oh lucky!” or “Awesome!”, there is a good chance I will flip you off and call you a douche bag behind your back. Consider yourself warned…

Flights boarding…

Destin, Florida

Well, sadly the Brynn and Steve Show is back on the map. After an 8 day, 7 night hiatus in Destin Beach, Florida, we are back…and miserable. We are miserable because we left an incredible beach house, white sand that felt like flour between your toes, the crystal clear waters of Golfo de Mexico, and balmy but pleasant 85 degree temperature. It just pure sucks to be back. It was one the best vacations Brynn and I have ever gone on. Shout out to Lisa and Brent for renting the beach house…definitely indebted.

And I can’t end without wishing our little girl a Happy 2nd Birthday!

2 years ago today, Londyn crawled out of her mom’s uterus and into our hearts. Happy Birthday Lou! We are having a little party for her Tuesday, so stay tuned for some post-shindig pics.

Dear Mommy...

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for always making sure I have a hair bow on my bald little head. Thank you for teaching me to count to 10 as I walk up the stairs (sorry for always forget the number 4). Thank you for responding to me when I say “Guess what?” (Even though I don’t know what “guess what” means, so I don’t really follow it up with anything.) Thank you for rocking me a minute before I go night night. Thank you for teaching me all of my favorite songs. Thank you for letting me use your garments as Bear’s soft blanket. Thank you for letting me eat my cereal in bed, even though daddy gets mad at you for it. Thank you for TiVoing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for me. Thank you for always treating Bear like a part of the family and washing him when he is stinky. Thank you for cuddling me when I’m chilly. Thank you for taking me on walks to the park. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being my Mommy.

Happy Mother’s Day Mommy. I love you.

Love,

Londyn

Cinco de Mustache - 2008

The 2008 Cinco de Mustache Extravaganza was simply glorious. The children played, the wives gossiped, and the men stroked their mustaches in satisfaction. Thanks to all for such an occasion. It will long live in my man hair memory. Until next year…

-Steve

Dear Family,

I have come to a realization. The epiphany came to me just last night. Brynn’s sister, Brook, spent the weekend cleaning out her basement. They showed up to Sunday dinner with a lamp, a few frames, and a statue. A few months ago, my sister Lisa decided to finish her basement…Brynn and I ended up with 2 couches, a desk, and a chair.

Okay, so what is the realization, the epiphany, the insight I speak of?..
I am my family’s D.I. I am the family Goodwill, Savers, Red Cross the good old fam-damnily Deseret Industries.

I don’t mean to sound ungrateful here. We have received some really nice things over the years. Couches, chairs, bedroom sets, armoires…I could go on and on. I just never thought I was one of those people.

There is a an old stand-up comedy bit that says, “Every group of friends has an ugly friend…and if you don’t know who the ugly friend is…it’s you.”

Well, maybe every family has D.I. And until about 24 hours ago I couldn’t tell you who ours was. Well I can now. We are the Steve and Brynn Show, the family D.I…pleased to meet you. We are the one and only stop you make before the D.I., and we are proud of it.

Keep it coming family. We have yet to buy a couch in our 6 years of marriage and don’t plan to buy one any time soon.

Yours Truly,

Steve and Brynn

A few pics past due...

Here she is, the brand new 1978 beauty. Come on by for the official tour.



She's a heart breaker



I have to give a shout out to Johnny for coming through Saturday with tickets to the Jazz game. Good time, great tickets...atta' boy Joe-Nathan.

Lou Pics

Seriously, even for Londyn...wow





Londyn and her favorite new sunglasses.



I call it my Cinco de Mustache canvas. Brynn refers to it as her arch nemesis. Meet the beard.