Porter Cloned

Except for the fact she's a girl, Lilia looks almost exactly like Porter.

 

And, here's some adorable proof:

 

Lilia...

 

 

And, Porter...

 

 

These are taken at about the same age, too.

 

Lilia is Porter in feminine form.



Lilia’s Blessing Day

We were able to bless Lilia the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

 

 

Keeping up with my tradition, I made her dress.

 

Luckily, she was able to fit it since I had measured it two weeks earlier.

 

During her blessing, she was great, and didn’t even cry!

 

After, though, she was ready to eat, so I had to make an early exit.

 

 

My best friend since birth, Suzanne, was able to make the blessing!

 

 

She sat with me and exited when I did because she wasn’t able to spend more time with us at the

luncheon we had planned after the meeting.

 

I’m so glad we took these pictures out in the foyer!

 

(grabbed from her Facebook)

 

The luncheon went really well!

 

I wasn’t able to take many pictures of everyone there—mostly because everyone scattered when the camera came out—but there was a lot of support.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was so great to see everyone and spend some time together.

 

The babies got to enjoy their Gammies’ arms for a while…

 

 

…and we all got to celebrate our sweetheart's arrival.

 

Getting to Touch the Temple

Porter has been wanting to touch the Salt Lake Temple ever since we moved here.

 

He wasn't able to do so until the night we came home from the Howes.

 

 

I love how excited he is, and like to think it's because he can feel how special the temple is.

 

Hopefully we will be able to return soon better prepared for the cold weather so we can get a good look at the lights!

Calming

Lilia’s crying got an adorable response from Track…

 

 

He’s going to be such a great big brother.

Thanksgiving

We got to spend Thanksgiving with a lot of family!

 

The food was delish and the company was great!

 

How we all felt after dinner.

There were also plenty of activities.

 

A scavenger hunt...

 



 

...hygiene kits for the homeless...

 

...and puppet kits for needy children.

Those who didn't work on the kits just enjoyed the feeling of an over-filled tummy.

 

Spending time with Daddy

 

It was a great evening.

Lilia was very popular with these girls!

 

We are thankful for the opportunity we had to be with so much family!

 

Some of whom we haven't seen for a very long time.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Helping

Getting things done at home has become a rare thing since Lilia's birth.
 

Porter has been as helpful as a four-year-old can be, most of the time.
 

One day, I told him I needed to vacuum the bedrooms, but I didn’t get around to it.

So, the vacuum just sat in between the two rooms for a couple days.

Next thing I know, I hear some “vacuuming” being done and see this…

…when he tells me he’s finished vacuuming my room.

The carpet needed a good popping.

Getting Chatty

Lilia has started getting really responsive and chatty.

 

Love it.

 

She's especially chatty when her big brother is around.

 

 

 

Look Who’s Smiling!

Winter Ready

Photo Storage

I was about to do a quick update when I was told via this site that I have used up my photo storage!!

Anyone know how to fix this so I can keep blogging?

Cuz, I don't want to pay money for more storage...that's lame.

Any help would be appreciated!

Dress Up

This is why every mother should be a mother to a girl...

 

 

...so they have someone to dress up!

 

Yes, I'm one of those moms who takes a picture of every outfit her cuties wear.

 

Deal.

Wintery Weekend

We've been blessed with a bunch of SNOW!!

 

 

I love it!!

Especially since I'm too busy with the babe to drive anywhere further than a block...

 

 

Seth and Porter sure had fun in it, though!!

 

Seth actually wore Porter out for the first time, ever.

Opposites

I find it so interesting how opposite Porter and Lilia seem.

 

Porter didn't eat well--Lilia eats like a champ.

 

Porter slept through the night from day one--Lilia isn't the sleeping pro Porter was.

 

Porter sobbed all the time when he wasn't crying. He would just accept things if it wasn't what he wanted after a long while of crying--Lilia doesn't sob. She is very observant when she's not hungry, but she sure has a temper when you're not doing what she wants.

 

Porter absolutely despised being on his tummy--Lilia prefers it!

 

 

They do have one thing in common:

 

Adorableness.

 

Silly

Porter follows me around with his "Baby" whenever I'm doing anything with Lilia.

 

 

At least he doesn't feed Baby while I'm feeding her.

 

Means he understands boys can't do that.

 

That's a plus.

 

Even when I'm almost tripping over him all day.

Parts and Letters

 

I began the process of trying out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last July.

I had prayed about it and felt that it was what I should be doing.

There are three parts to this audition process.

Part one was a sent-in application with an audition tape/CD with specific singing requirements recorded on it.

I was a bit nervous about this, as I hadn't really sang for a while.

Not since Oregon.

I know I had Divine help during my recording session with Kelly, and felt really good about my recording.

Even though I know my pitch went sharp due to nerves and a lack of accompaniment.

As I sent in the required items, I thought to myself, whatever happens, happens.

I got a letter in the mail a couple weeks later stating that I had passed the first part!

I was surprised, but very pleased.

It meant I was that much closer to being able to achieve my dream!

Part two was a music theory test.

I picked up the study material and began studying right away.

I was more nervous about this than I was about the first part since I have never been super awesome at theory.

But, this time around, it clicked.

When I went in to take the test at 8 months pregnant, I was worried my pregnant brain would keep me from remembering what I studied, so Seth gave me a blessing.

In order to pass, I had to get a score of 80% or higher.

I had never cared about the results of a test before like I cared about the results of this one.

As I was taking the test, I found things to be easier than I thought they would be, and felt I did well.

I had even gotten to take the test with an old friend from Twin Falls who happened to be trying out at the same time!

Two weeks later, I received a letter with my results.

I had passed!

I can't tell you how excited I was about this.

Then, the nerves returned when, two weeks after having a baby, I went to Temple Square to finish up the final part of the audition process--part three.

Part three was an interview with the choir president, and an in-person audition with the conductors of the choir.

During my interview it was heavily stressed that I needed to be able to dedicate 5 years to the choir.

I told them I could dedicate one full year (next May to May 2014), but I couldn't guarantee five years.

My in-person audition didn't go as well as I would have liked since my body wasn't where it needed to be after birth, so I felt this didn't help my situation much as far as making the choir was concerned.

But, I felt they understood the physical limitations.

I was so excited to meet Mack Wilberg, my favorite music arranger, and was even a bit giddy that I got to shake his hand.

Yes, I'm a nerd.

He even told me that I had "a very pretty voice".

Which also made me a bit giddy.

But, as I left the Tabernacle, I felt I wasn't going to make it.

Not because of how I sing, but because of the yearly time commitment.

Saturday, I got my last letter with my results.

Here is what it says:

"Thank you for your participation in the recent auditions for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. You did very well and we were glad to have you participate.

We would love to hear you again and invite you to re-apply when you will be in the area on a more permanent basis."

So, my feelings were right.

Not going to lie, I'm emotional about this.

But, I'm so extremely grateful for the opportunity I never thought I would be able to have to try out.

I'm grateful for the help I received from my Father in Heaven during the process.

I'm grateful that I was able to see an old friend.

I'm grateful that I was able to meet and shake hands with Brother Wilberg and Brother Murphy.

I'm grateful that I now know I do have what it takes to be a member of the choir.

And, those positive thoughts are what I'm dwelling on.

If Seth and I move back here for any reason (because no one can say things will absolutely be one way or another even with plans that seem to be set in stone), I will try out again.

Hopefully, if and whenever that is, I will be able to make as much as a 20 year commitment.

Thank you for your support.

Love.