Life Aboard the S.S. Orullian

Life is Crazy Fun!!! Keyword CRAZY!!!

2011-04-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

We decided to celebrate the month of December today.....well at least Mother Nature did. Man, snow and our poor Willow was already starting to bloom.

It's been awhile since I updated our blog so here's the rundown:

Sean's still co-chair of Safety @ UPS and driving all over the place because he's just too efficient and quick at his job. It seems like he's always the go-to guy. But, it's work and work is GOOD!

I'm not working from home, doing some Executive Assistant work for relatively new company out of Salt Lake. At times it's been a lot of work and at others it's just an internal struggle to hold back and not try to "fix" everything. I'm also going back to school and just completed my first course in over 10 years. Wow, I'm a little rusty but at least I pulled off a B. I know what you are saying right now.....I'm CRAZY! Yes....yes I am! ;)

The second half of soccer season is now in full swing and despite James not really wanting to play anymore he stuck it out and played a mean game of defense at the first game Tuesday, without even attending a practice yet! I think he may like it now! :) Brendan is also getting more involved and involved in the swarm to help his team keep the ball.

School is going well for both. James brought home straight A's. I was soooooooo PROUD!!! (It's acutally the 1st year they start giving them actual grades). Brendan has greatly improved in reading and all other aspects! He is currently going through Speech therapy @ school and showing good signs there.

My darling Jessica........wow Mom I'm sorry about everything!!!....I fear Jess is straight from the mold. She is so much like me it's scary! Although whatever shyness I experienced as a child, not 1 ounce made it into her! :) She is DRAMA, excitement, more DRAMA, Creative, Nurturing, SMART as a WHIP, TALKATIVE, EX....PRESS...IVE and a Whirlwind of song, dance, screams and laughter!!!!! Yep, I think she's like her MOM! I wouldn't change her for the WORLD!!!!

Bryce is growing up and has turned into a FULL Blown TODDLER BOY!!!! He's a lot like Brendan and collects little things almost always having a few things in her hands....from rocks, to little stuffed animals (particularly Boots, Dora & a tiger), to tuber-ware with snacks, to "Baby Dinosaur". He too is a Chatter-box! It's so cute!! His favorite thing to do now is "Swwing". We set up some swings on the apple tree and he'll run like the wind to beat everyone else to the swings. Once there he throws his belly down on the seat and runs his feet beneath him to take off like Superman. It's so cute!!! He'll absolutely stay there for hours!!

SO THAT'S THE RUN DOWN. Oh, I almost forgot apart of my Student Development course I had to write an Autobiographical paper. So, for any that are interested I've included it below.

CAUTION: THIS IS EXTREMELY LONG!!!!!!!!!
(14 pages 1.5 spaced to be exact. The department said they'd never received one so long...of course it may have helped if I read the instructions of "2 pages double-spaced"....oops! )

Stephanie Marie Sargeant Orullian

One cold February morning in 1978 after many false alarm trips through parley’s canyon, I was born to Sandy and Michael Sargeant at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. Being the first child, the first weeks were eye-opening for my parents who spent many sleepless nights battling a colicky baby. Many stories are still told about how my grandparents and my parents would take turns around the clock trying to sooth my cries. All were quite exhausted. I guess even a little red curl on top of my head was enough to support the reputation of a fiery red-head.

My first year of life continued in my parent’s apartment in Park City, UT. According to my mother I was a pretty carefree child with big blue eyes and curly red hair, who completely melted the heart of my Grandpa Bowman. I was referred to as his “little dolly”. I’m sure I didn’t mind the attention. Apparently I was a happy little baby once I got past the colicky stage. There is even photographic evidence of sitting atop my Dad’s shoulder laughing hysterically as I grabbed huge sections of his thick 70’s hair and smothered my face in it. Another documented incident shows me sitting on the front porch chewing on a large tomato and completely covered head to toe in the rest of the newly delivered case of tomatoes. To this day fresh grown tomatoes are a favorite of mine.

Shortly after I turned one, we moved into a new home my Dad built in Heber City. This home had all the wonders of the perfect kid’s playground from an indoor racquetball court my siblings transformed into a roller skating rink, to a giant playhouse complete with swing set and sandbox. A portion of our back yard also had a little hill which my siblings and I utilized well. In the summer we’d set it up for slip n’ sliding and in the winter it turned into the perfect little sledding hill. It was a wonderful paradise!

While in Heber five younger siblings were born. First in line was my sister Brenda, 18 months my younger, then two years later came Jenny and finally a brother, Adam two years after that. Many fun times were had dressing up my baby brother in dresses and makeup. Thank goodness he didn’t take to it. Another memory I have included my sister Brenda and me encouraging my brother to climb into the dryer for a “fun ride”. She held down the door safety latch while I pushed the button to turn it on. I don’t know how much he enjoyed the short rider. My mom wasn’t too thrilled either but we reassured her that we left the dryer door open. Truthfully, the first rotation scared me so much that we immediately released the safety switch shutting off the dryer.

It’s amazing that my mother trusted us to be big sisters to two more sisters. Two years after Adam was born, our sister Mindy came. I remember the night clearly because we had taken a family trip to the drive-in in Springville to watch Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. Just when it was getting good my Dad turned to us and said that we needed to leave because my Mom was going to have the baby. The ride home through Provo Canyon was quit chilly because my mom had taken all our blankets since her water broke. Early Sunday morning my parents, who had left us with a sitter, called and told us we had a baby sister. After Mom brought her home we forgave them pretty quickly for disrupting our movie. Our new sister was named Melinda. Two years after that big event my sister Kelly came. She was a beautiful baby with big dark eyes. Brenda bonded immediately with Kelly being able to share the day of her baptismal confirmation with Kelly’s baby blessing.

Good times were had in Heber City by all. Life was carefree and the neighborhood was safe. All of us kids in the neighborhood made great memories catching frogs in the pasture nearby, hiking the hills to go tubing down the canal and playing night games practically every night throughout the summer. My siblings and I also had a lot of fun playing at my Dad’s construction shop located right by the Heber airport. We had a blast running through the fields, having inter-tube rides attached to the snowmobile in the winter, and riding on the big construction equipment. We even adopted a stray dog every once in a while showed up at the shop. After we started feeding him he decided to stick around. We always claimed he was half wolf. He must have seemed big for us kids and may have been some kind of German Sheppard mix.

Every so often we would visit the Heber airport where my dad would board us on a little single propeller Mooney he bought from my grandfather. He would take us for airplane rides or on trips to St. George to visit our grandparents. While my siblings absolutely loved the flights I developed my fears for heights and roller coasters. I do remember a flight I thoroughly enjoyed when my grandpa took us up in the Mooney and flew us over the area where my dad was camping with the scouts. We got to fly over and drop tootsie rolls out the little window. That was a fun memory. If I remember correctly the tootsie roll bag got caught in a nearby tree ripping the bag open allowing it to rain tootsie rolls near the scouts and my dad.

It was during my childhood in Heber that I developed a love for animals. We adopted our first stray cat Ashes when I was young. She was a beautiful Russian Blue. From one of her litters we got to keep a son we named Blair. I’m not sure what happened to Ashes. One day she just didn’t come home. Blair also disappeared. I think he ended up catching a ride in my uncle’s truck and traveling to Midway. We never did see him again either. Not too long after, my sister Jenny brought home a beautiful calico kitten from the neighbors. We easily succeeded in convincing my mom to let us keep her. Patches, we called her, became my best friend. I would spend hours on the steps in the garage just petting her and talking to her. She was always so sweet. I think this is what started my close bond with cats.

Not too long after my 10^th birthday my dad’s construction business was struck hard by the construction drought and we decided to move to California in search of work. We moved to Seal Beach in Southern California. It was so different. We felt like hicks moving to the big city. I remember people asking me where I was from because of my distinct Heber Valley accent. I never knew I sounded different. I started 6^th grade there at McAuliffe Middle School. Though it was really scary leaving friends behind in Utah and even more so being shy about meeting new ones, I was lucky to meet my best friend Vilita Jaramillo. We are still good friends to this day.

Vilita was practically an only child, having an older sister nearly 18 years older than her. My household was so different. I think she was awestruck by how many siblings I had. She was welcomed quit easily into our family and came to know each member. I in turn loved how quiet her house was. Her parents were well off we loved being together and getting spoiled. We loved spending time swimming in their pool, trying to see who could endure the sauna the longest and lounging in our swimsuits in the giant Jacuzzi tub sipping from a can of Coke. We were the best of friends clear through middle school and on into high school.

It was toward the end of middle school that my mom had my 6^th sibling Rebecca. My poor brother Adam was heartbroken it was another girl, but he warmed up to her once she was brought home. I remember my mom bringing her to school so I could show her off. As you can imagine all the girls my age where so enthralled and flocked around her to grab her little hands and coo at her.

About a couple years after Becca was born our family embarked on two new adventures. We moved from a 4 bedroom 2-story house to a 2 bedroom condo in Los Alamitos, which was only a couple of miles away. There in the shopping complex right by the condo my parents opened a candy shop we named Sweet Reflections. About nine months later my baby brother Nathan was born, completing our family of 8 kids. Many days were spent walking the party lot by our gated community to the candy shop where my sister Brenda and I took turns helping to run the store and helping to watch our younger siblings.

We had a blast running the candy shop. The free samples of candy and unlimited frozen yogurt were an added bonus. One of our favorite things to do was to dance to oldies tunes as we closed up the shop. We also thoroughly enjoyed singing at the top of our lungs to Harry Conick Jr. around Christmas time. Christmas was so fun and festive at Sweet Reflections. Unfortunately, with reconstruction of the parking lot and struggling chain stores in the shopping complex we had to close the door after only a few years in business. Fortunately we were able to take with us fun memories and good job experience. My two youngest siblings who practically grew up in the shop also took with them a mouthful of cavities.

A year a two before we were forced to close the shop we moved from the small condo into a home in Garden Grove, about 8 miles away. We started going to a new ward and stake, but were still able to attend school in Los Alamitos. It was in this home on Emerald Street that I turned sixteen, got my own room (setting it up in the garage), had my first date and many after that adopted another calico kitty I called “Miss Kitty”, started my first “real” job at Dairy Queen, went to prom and graduated from high school.

My high school years were chalked full with academics, performance choir, early morning seminary, and jobs. I also became more involved in my ward and stake, taking on youth leadership roles, planning service projects and helping to organize youth conferences. It was at one of these youth conferences that my sister Brenda and I met a group of guys that we formed strong friendships with that are still intact today. One of those guys is now my brother-in-law, Brenda’s husband. Although church activities and dances were a blast with our group of friends and high school was okay too; I looked forward to the day that I could turn in my application to go to BYU. Although years had passed since I left Utah and I was well adjusted to California life, I still yearned to go to the alma mater my parents often spoke of throughout my childhood.

Come senior year I waited on pins and needle to hear from BYU. Finally, the letter came and I was heart-broken and upset. I was so upset I ripped the acceptance letter up into tiny pieces. My acceptance was conditional. Although I had developed plenty of leadership skills in my activity on the youth stake committee; one semester in my freshman year at school and average ACT scores required me to attend summer school in order to continue on into the fall semester. After some time to calm my nerves and a caring mother beside me, I taped the letter back together and decided that it would be okay. I got in and that was all that mattered. It was an extremely fast jump from high school to college. After graduating on a Thursday we had leave immediately after I got home from the all night Senior Night at the school to get me to BYU on time for the summer term starting the following Monday.

Despite the lack of sleep, I remember the trip being so exciting. I couldn’t believe I was going to BYU. A couple of friends from high school and my old Seal Beach ward were also following me to BYU. One was actually the guy I crushed on all through middle school and high school. Thank goodness my crush didn’t scare him off and we were still able to be friends. Another schoolmate also ended up coming to BYU although he wasn’t a member. He went to BYU on a full-ride quarterback scholarship. His name was Kevin Federick. He really didn’t know me and I was okay with that.

Summer term started with saying good-bye to my mother in the parking lot at Deseret Towers. I think she had a harder time then I did because she said she cried the whole trip home to California. During summer term I lived in S-Hall with a tall, blond, skinny California girl named Emily. She was so sweet and oblivious to the drooling guys around her. We had so much fun that summer, meeting boys, spelunking, having campfires up the canyon with a bunch of friends and singing on Sunday night’s in the tunnel by the Marriot Center. We were two California girls having a blast. Although, I did spend a great deal of time consoling the poor guys she left in the dust. Sometimes I think it’s just as hard if not harder for guys to get the clue when a girl is just not interested in them. It was a wonderful summer!

Once fall started I moved to U-haul and roomed with a girl named Rozalyn from Portland, Oregon. Wow, we were so different. We managed to get along okay but I bonded more with the groups of girls on my floor. We were in BYU 81^st ward which I think was the strongest, most close knit ward that ever was or will be at BYU. It was truly an amazing experience! I got to witness the strength of all when the ward as a whole held a special fast for my dad who was without work and in desperate need to find some. I couldn’t believe how willing everyone was to do this for me and my family which they had never met. It was a beautiful thing I will never forget.

While my parents struggled at home, I struggled to keep up with paying for school taking on early morning custodian jobs. One of those jobs landed me at the Beane Museum at 5am. I so grateful for that experience now because it’s so fun being able to show my own kids around the Beane Museum where I spent many early mornings cleaning. I particularly like telling my boys about the room with hundreds of giant cabinets with thousands of drawers of insects in them. It was such a creepy experience having to go into that pitch black room nearly a football field in length. While most of the specimens were dead, there were still some live ones waiting to be pinned. Yuck, I shiver now just thinking about it!

After winter semester I moved south of campus and continued into spring semester. After spring semester and a full year of schooling straight out of high school, I was ready for a break. I decided focus on work for awhile. I ended up getting a couple different jobs in the typical call center environment of Utah Valley; one at Sears Teleservice and another at a survey calling company. I didn’t enjoy either but I can chalk it up to experience and a little extra dough in my pocket.

Come fall I returned home to California for a little time to get reacquainted with my friends and family. Fun times were had going to young adult dances every weekend, random trips to the beach, hanging out at Disneyland hotel (before California Adventure or the multi-level parking was constructed), going to amusement parks and dating around. It was during this time that I meet one of my best friends Brian Hand. He was a relatively new convert and together we had a single goal to help my sister Brenda come back to church and a gospel centered life. We did a lot together, Brian, Brenda and me.

During my stay at BYU my parents had moved a few streets away to a house in Cypress. It was there that our little group of friends, minus the ones on missions, spent many late nights watching movies or just sitting around talking, raiding the fridge and laughing hysterically. We attended Cypress singles ward together and Institute which was located right across from Cypress Community College. Brian at the time was the Institute president and really helped incorporate my sister and me into all the institute activities.

A little over a year later I decided it was time to go back to BYU. Brian, whom I was now dating, drove me with a friend back to Utah. It was an awesome and emotional trip. He still needed to serve a mission before he reached the cutoff and I still needed to go back to BYU. After taking me to my new place, Brian and I said goodbye. It was a very difficult departure being just the beginning of a romantic relationship but also having to leave my best friend. I think somehow both of us knew things were going to change so it also was like saying goodbye for good.

We were right things about things not working out. He decided to explore France and some feelings he had for an exchange student following her home and spending a few weeks in Paris. I always knew he wanted to travel the world so I didn’t object but with this decision I knew it was over between us. It was absolutely heartbroken. The damage was already done even though he returned home having found out that it wasn’t at all that he thought it might be. We did remain good friends never the less, but took separate ways down the dating road.

While living in a condo north of BYU campus I was introduced to Mary Kay Cosmetics. I’d always struggled with my skin and the drying affects of Retin-A, and so I was elated when I discovered that their skin care line helped clear up my skin making it soft and beautiful. I was sold. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, I decided to become an Independent Beauty Consultant.

In the spring I moved into Stadium Terrace and decided to give the Mary Kay career my all. I was a very successful consultant. It forced me out of my comfort zone by meeting new people and presenting to relative strangers. Through this experience I learned I could be independent and confident. At that time I was looking good, having become a vegetarian a year before and shedding the “freshman fifteen”. I was also feeling good finding strength in independence and being confident. Unfortunately, I had a serious lesson to learn about finances. I had purchased the majority of my large inventory on credit which added up to nearly $10,000 of debt and no additional income. I spent all my money on bills, food and product without any sustainable client base to reorder. I quickly realized the importance of avoiding debt, paying your debt down, and reinvesting in your business.

This cruel but important lesson forced my hand in seeking other employment at the new Dillard’s opening at the Provo Towne Center. While my job as a sales associate helped a little I felt I was still drowning in debt. It was with a heavy heart that I decided to return home to my parents, sell back my inventory and get a full time job to pay off my debt. It was a tough lesson to learn but a good one. I was able to get a job working at Robinson’s May in the local mall because of my experience at Dillard’s. Through hard work, credit counseling and the support of my parents I was able to pay off my debt in just over a year, buy a car and get promoted to one of the youngest department heads (only 19 years old). I know it was both my experience with Mary Kay and Dillard’s that helped me move quickly up the ladder and into a prestigious leadership role with comfortable wages for a single girl.

Things were looking good in my life but I still hadn’t found the guy I wanted to marry. Brian was now on a mission and had a girlfriend so any future that might have been explored was on hold. I did date around a lot and had a few serious relationships but they never worked out. With my financial life in order I turned my focus to my inner self and the childhood trauma locked away inside. I wanted to become the best me and hoped in doing so I would find a wonderful man who was working to be the best him. I sought counseling through LDS Social Services. It was there unbeknownst to me that I met my future father-in-law.

He helped me work through various issues and find healing and joy through the atonement. As a bonus I learned a little bit about my counselor’s son, Sean. I learned he’d had also gone through a tough breakup at the same time I had. That he too was struggling with the dating game and wanted to get married. I found out that he was up at BYU so I decided to look up his information through the student directory and send him an email. Low and behold he got my email despite rarely using his BYU email and not being an enrolled student at the time. He was a little surprised getting an email from a total stranger; but luckily that didn’t scare him off.

We emailed back and forth and gradually moved on to phone calls when we finally decided to meet. The day before my cousin’s wedding I flew up to Utah and meet Sean in the early morning hours. He absolutely and literally took my breath away standing in the doorway of my cousin’s home. If it weren’t for the cat that tried to make a break for the door, which Sean quickly grabbed, I’m afraid that awkward eye-locked moment may have gone on a little longer. We began our marathon date at 6:00 am with baptisms at the Provo Temple. From there we went back to his apartment where he made us breakfast. Breakfast was followed by strolling around Provo Towne Center looking at the Christmas decorations. We talked and hung out never skipping a beat. Later that evening we went to dinner at Brick Oven. By then I had already grabbed his hand. He now says that my forwardness scared him, but I think he liked every bit of it. After dinner we returned to his apartment to watch the movie Hello Dolly. After a wonderful date with wonderful conversation and great company he took me home to my cousin’s home around midnight. There on the front steps he gave me big hug goodnight. I went into my cousin’s house and rushed to her bedroom, and exclaimed “he didn’t kiss me!” Groggy- eyed she looked at me and asked, “what and that’s a good thing?” I cried, “Yes, he didn’t even try to and I almost every guy I’ve date had kissed me on the first date.” She rolled over and calmly said, “Steph, that’s great but I’m getting married in the morning. I need to get some sleep.” I humbly apologized and wished her good night. I knew at that point that Sean was different and I might just marry him.

Fast forward two months, a couple “I love you”s, a couple plane trips and shopping trip to Fred Meyer Jewelers and I had moved back to Provo as I anxiously anticipated a proposal. A couple weeks into January and Sean started off my morning by giving me a single rose. Periodically throughout the day I found another rose for me. Later that night he took me to a BYU basketball game and gave me more roses but did not propose. I grew very anxious. Immediately, after the game when went to dinner; again another rose but no proposal. Finally, he blindfolded me and drove me around for while then stopped the car. As I sat in the front seat still blindfolded I heard him get out of the car and mess around in the trunk. Finally he came around to my side and helped me out of the car. I felt the slight incline of a rocky road and wondered “where in the world were we”. He then took off my blindfold. I looked around and saw him on one knee with more roses and a ring box in hand parked on the side of a road. He them told me to turn around and there behind me was the Timpanogos Temple. It was beautiful! I started to tear up as I turned back to him. He proceeded to read a poem to me about first love and growing old together sobbing as he read. This brought on more waterworks for me. There we were both sobbing and trembling as he asked me to marry him. I of course said, “Yes!” It was beautiful and so heartfelt. I loved it!

Fast forward four moves, one BYU graduation, four kids, three cats, two dogs and a bunny later and you get to us who just celebrated our 11^th Anniversary. It wasn’t quite the big-to-do that the proposal was, but that’s what four kids and eleven years does to you; makes you happy just to get out of the house together, alone. We celebrated this year’s Anniversary by returning to Brick Oven; the scene of the crime. We talked about that first date and how I stared so intently at him that it made him nervous. I still think he enjoyed every minute of my full undivided attention. Heaven knows it doesn’t come often now.

We are very blessed to reside in Orem, UT near the shadow of our alma mater where we can carry on the tradition to our beautiful children: James 8 years, Brendan 6 years, Jessica almost 5 and Bryce 2 years old. They are the joy of our lives and as true blue as their parents and both our parents before us.

This touched my heart

2011-01-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

This is why we are here.

New Blog

2011-01-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

So I've collected little motherhood tidbits from my posts and thrown in others some from friends and created Adventures in Motherhood.

Check it out and

send me your funny motherhood stories / comments to post.

ENJOY!

Adventures in Motherhood, Part 2

2011-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Breakfast = the aftermath of a hurricane where the ocean is made of juice and the trees of cereal

Fun times! :)

Happy New Year!!!!

2011-01-02T22:15:00.000-08:00

This last weekend we went to Mt. Pleasant and got to spend some QT with some of the Sargeant side. We got together to give a family quilt us grand-kids had put together to Grandma S. . I don't think we could have asked for a better reaction. She absolutely cherished it! It was worth every stitch! We love you Grandma!

While there we also took advantage of the nearly 2 ft. of snow and had fun playing with the Anderson cousins, 2 crazy brothers (my dad and Uncle Jeff), some of the BC Sargeants, the 4 wheeler, a couple snow mobiles and our dogs. Dog sledding was a hit on New Year's Eve and we pushed those dogs until they finally just sat by the sled and stayed unwilling to chase anything. They dogs loved it....the snow, the kids, the freedom and space to run....everything!

On New Year's Day we got all geared up for a second run with the dogs and guess what happened....yep I get taken down! :) I started running with them to pull James on a sled and Callick decided he wanted to got on the right side of me instead of stay to the left side with Midnight. I tried to stop him but at a full run he speed on as my left leg jolted to the left by the leash and POP!....there goes an ankle. Luckily nothing was torn or broken and with icing it immediately, swelling hasn't been bad. But, yep....a nice lovely sprained ankle....from dog sledding. I'm claiming I ran the Iditarod. ;)

Hope everyone has a wonderful new year!!!!!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

Over the blacktop and through the hills
To Grammy's house we go.
The van knows the way
There will be no delay
Cause there are no drifts of snow.

Over the blacktop and through the hills,
We hope we won't go slow.
The kids can't wait for Santa Claus
So over the ground we'll roll!!!

Christmas Celebrations

2010-12-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some snippets of the kids performing at school and at home ;)

Fall Clean-up

2010-12-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

Bryce had a blast!!!!!!

Well...there went that year!

2010-11-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

So we are almost at the end of 2010 and I'm finally updating our blog. We survived the Halloween season; however I'm still finding random colored strings on various furniture and clothes. I think the dryer somehow sucked them all up and will deposit a few here and there. It's pretty funny! I pulled off a purple string off James in church just yesterday. :)

Well, Bryce is now "twoooo" (as he holds up 5 fingers). Here's a little snipet of the celebration.

We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Dog Days of Summer

2010-06-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

School is out and the sun is shining...it's a good day! Early costumes orders came in and I'm really excited about how they turned out.

Maybe now we will all go take a nap under the willow tree. :)

Legacy of Love

2010-03-29T07:34:00.001-07:00

Jen is dating a guy who is amazing and comes from an amazing family; many in his family including his mother have been called among the general leaders of the church. I have to admit its intimidating. It has given me reason to reflect where I have come from and the strength of my family. I come from strong women, both converts; pioneers in their own sense...both faced struggles and hardships and bore less children then desired, but from those meager tree starts have sprung a plethora of grandchildren and an even greater branching of great grandchildren. We may not come from giants within church leadership but the level of unconditional love and closeness in relationship between siblings, cousins, grandparents and parents is unmatched by any other family I have seen. We have come from a Legacy of Love, carried down by stalwart women. And for that I am truly grateful! I pray that I will be able to carry on this legacy with the same level of depth.

Adventures in Motherhood

2010-02-26T10:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's been awhile and there's been ups and downs, but today is a GREAT day!!!

Sucked a ton of boogers out of poor little congested Bryce!
We were worried Brochilitis was setting in and we've have to take him for an outpatient suction

James is out of nighttime pull-ups and i don't have to worry about him wetting the bed!
with very little effort from me

Sean returned to work!
after feeling under the weather

I found a lost school book I had to pay for!

I finished a Custom Creations order!
and it turned out dang cute!

I renewed my Temple recommend finally!
Now I can purchase much needed garments

My new shoes (Skechers Shape-ups) and new Levis arrive today!
Down to 1 pair of jeans that aren't "holy" in all the wrong places. :)

The sun is shining!

...and it's FRIDAY!!!!!
only 1 week until I travel to CA to see my new nephew and attend Adam & Heathers' sealing

-DANCE BREAK-

"I WILL SURVIVE, I WILL SURVIVE...HEY, HEY!"

Adventures in Motherhood

2010-01-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Status:

2 - in school, 1 - 3yr old asleep and a cute little 1 yr old smiling and eating his piece of bread.

It's a good day!!!

Lightbulb moment:

More phone time = massacre by blackberry jam

Bryce was covered, so was the floor. Brendan and Jess were so sweet to feed their baby brother more bread with jam. I almost got a picture of everything smothered in deep red but sweet Brendan and Jess cleaned Bryce up too. :)

Adventures in Motherhood

2010-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Status:
Loving the return of school!!!!

Lightbulb Moment:
While the "cat's" on the phone the "mice" will undoubtedly play. :)

It's worth it:
Sunday both James and Brendan bore their testimonies. While Brendan needed Daddy to speak for him he still stayed up there and gave the most simply beautiful testimony:

"I know the church is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

This is James 4th or 5th time all by himself with no coaxing. His testimony that Christ died for us touched my heart.

I guess I must be doing something right.:)

Adventures in Motherhood

2009-12-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Lightbulb Moment:

Is there really a point to picking up toys...they just keep appearing! :)

It's worth it:

The other night I read a book to James in which the names of many rear animals were named. At the end of the book it showed how many where endangered and or extinct. We then spent the next hour on the computer researching and reading about the most endangered animals. As I was tucking James in bed when he asked if we could say a prayer for the endangered animals. I said sure. He then said a prayer blessing the endangered animals to get on the non-endangered list and that people would stop killing them. It brought a tear to my eye. After he asked if I thought that some people would stop killing. I said I think so.

Bless his heart!!! I am so glad that he shares the same love Sean and I have for animals.

Adventures in Motherhood

2009-12-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Status:
all alive
Kitchen mopped
Load of laundry started
Dishes done
1/2 the kids are dressed for the day

Lightbulb moment:
"While the cats away the mice will play!"

Laughter is not always a good signs of getting along......more often it's the sound of a hurricane flooding the bathroom while attempting to drench stuffed animals in the sink. :)

Latest clean-up crew is reporting tragic 7 partial drowning. All are respected to recover after spending some time in the local dryer. The area is now closed to all foot traffic until the clean-up crew has finished the daunting task at hand. Locals say it was the work of
a couple category 5 hurricanes by the names Jaime & Brendando that collided.

Adventures in Motherhood

2009-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

I watched the movie Julie and Julia last night. It inspired me to write. I thought what could I write about.....of course my Adventures in Motherhood. So here it goes. I'll write a little bit about my adventures as often as possible. I hope you enjoy and to all the other mothers I hope it helps you fill you are not alone in this crazy, exciting rollercoaster ride. :)

December 22, 2009:

Status:
Number of Spills: 2
Diaper Changes: 2
2 Kids on their 2nd change of clothing
Breakfast done (Egg Nog & Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
Drove Carpool
Injuries: just normal bumps and bruises from trips & slips / Jessica's is doing well healing from a fat lip and scraped up chin from trying to jump out of the cart (like brother) @ Home Depot

To Do:
Empty Dishwasher
Do Load of Laundry
Finish presents for nieces and nephews
Jess's Dance Class

Lightbulb moment:

"Plumber's Putty is not 'Silly Putty' and will make in into your childrens' ears and hair and is infinately harder to remove."

Thank goodness for future doctor uncles and their skills with a crochet hook!

It's all worth it!:

Brendan was talking to Jessica about James' friend coming over after school. He told her to "not be so cute around him 'cause he is a boy". I think he just wanted to let her know that James' friend wouldn't be interested in girl toys but it was so cute anyway and hopefully a foreshadowing of her brother protection when they are older. :)

2009-11-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

School Days are Here Again

2009-08-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Well it's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end once again. On the 20th James will begin the 2nd grade. This year he has a male teacher and is super excited about it! I hope he will help motivate James to try harder at his reading. :)

Brendan will begin Kindergarten on the 27th. I can't believe he's that old. I'm hoping things go okay. He has said all of 4 words to his Sunday School teacher at church, so I'm just hoping he'll talk to his Kindergarten teacher.

Jess is enjoying her beautiful newly pierced ears and flower earrings. (Mom convinced Dad because Jessica decided to cut her hair and Mom had to fix it with what Dad called the "English Boy cut".)
She's still every bit a princess though!! :)

Bryce...well...at 9 months he's completely content with just sitting up and making no effort to turn to his knees :)...and you know what...I'm okay with that. :) I figure the more time I don't have to worry about baby proofing again the better. lol :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

Dad, Dad

Dad, Dad
We LOVE you!!!

What a happy day
It is to You

On Sundays we go to church
On Mondays you go to work
On Tuesdays you work in the office
On Wednesdays you drive your package car
On Thursdays you turn on movies for us
and Friday we help you in the yard
On Saturdays we play with you.

Dad, Dad
We love you!!
One day we'll be like you.

by James Orullian

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Tis the Season for Birthdays

2009-05-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

So far we've hit Jessica's 3rd Bday & Brendan's 5th Bday....James' 7th is coming Friday!

It's been a lot of fun!!! I can't believe they are all growing up so fast. :(

Thanks to Aunt Linda...for doing an excellent job on sending out birthday greetings...your cards are always so darling and the kids love the Golden Dollar. :)

...& thanks to all for the Birthday Wishes!! We love you all!!

Defending God's Creatures

2009-04-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Recently a disgruntled neighbor captured our cat and encouraged a citation. I was issued a citation for one of our cats "Running at Large". This feud has been going on since we moved 3 years ago and were graciously greeted by this neighbor with "your cat is running in our yard and I will trap your cat if you don't contain it...and you need to put it in a cage." We now own an underground invisible fence which attempts to contain our cats to our back yard through warning beeps on a collar followed by a brief shock if they continue through the line. It has proven effective for one of our cats...but unfortunately Kenya the one who was trapped learned a way to beat the system. We have done all within our power to be a good neighbor, repairing any damage our cat may have caused and giving her chicken wire to protect her garden and still she maliciously entices Kenya to her yard with tuna to trap him. Knowing her intent we feared that she would capture our cat and remove their collars so they would be abandoned at the pound and euthanized; we micro-chipped our cats.

Please help support our cause to fight the city on the "running at large" law being applied to domestic, immunized, spayed/neutered cats.

------------------------------------

Trapping cats in violation of an “Animal Running at Large”(code 5-1-10) does the following:

-Control Disease throughout the animal/cat population
Problems with this argument:

Immunized cats do not spread disease
Domestic cats keep feral or wild cats at bay. (Example our street in Orem.)
Control the rodent population which carry diseases especially harmful to humans
Make bird population stronger, killing slow/sick birds (which can also spread disease to humans; particularly with the bird flu scare which may spread to local birds)
Some cats also help control the insect population

-Controls the cat population
Problems with this argument:

Cat that are Neutered & Spayed as kittens will never reproduce
They help control population by scaring away reproducing males & female in heat, and feral cats
5-6-1. Allowable Number of Dogs and Cats. (Already controls the domestic pet population)

-Helps protects neighbors and their property
Problems with this argument:

There are other laws that protect neighbors & owners from the nuisances or harm of domesticated cats which allow rights for the animal and it's owner & and resolve problems in a more peaceful manor:
5-1-11. Sanitation. (making an owner responsible for their pets defecation)
5-4-2. Control of rabies and rabid animals.
5-4-3. Quarantine and disposition of biting or rabid animals.
5-1-9. Nuisance animals. (opening up the situation to an objective investigations...not 1 sided)

-Encourages cats to be contained
Problems with this argument:

Cat by nature stock and evade making it nearly impossible to contain them
The Benefits of rodent control and disease prevention for the surrounding neighborhood far outweigh the cons (See 1. Exceptions)
There are no leash law for cats
Con: Caged cats become untrusting and feral…becoming unadoptable…leading to euthanizing to animal (Causing psychological trauma that could otherwise be prevented is abusive)
A cat cannot be trapped without baiting a trap
-Tuna or chicken is the encouraged bait
-This attracts the cats by their amazing sense of smell to coerced onto a neighbor’s property having an adverse affect of a neighbor wishing to keep away from their yard

-Entices a feuding Neighbor to kidnap another neighbor's family pet
Problems with this argument:

5-1-3. Cruelty to animals prohibited. States: It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously secret or impound an animal belonging to another person.

In Closing:

The legal trapping of a known neighbor’s pets (using the Animal at Large citation) is in violation of Animal Cruelty and Animal Nuisance laws of Orem City. It allows for just one side of a situation. Neighborhood feuds with neighbors pet should take the proper channels of the Nuisance law allowing for both sides to be heard and the protecting of rights for the animals, owners.
(A complaint about another’s neighbors pet… should be handled by a formal complaint under the Nuisance Law of the Orem City Animal Control Municipal code.)

2009-04-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Poor Man's Acai Diet/Cleanse

2009-04-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

So I've seen a bunch of things about the NEW acai diet cleanse. Sure they offer free trials of the products but when doing some research...pretty much any diet pill that promises energy has some form of caffeine and usually at high doses. Not real energy just drug induced energy. I guess I say this because I've personally seen the effects of caffeine intake in high amounts (not chocolate). It is addicting and whether it be from soda or Green Tea it isn't good for you. I'll get off my preacher box now. I researched the ingredients from the Famous Acai Berry coupled with Colon detox and with that information and information from Fit for Life a book that when followed has delivered every time with weight loss and increased energy; and come up with the poor man's version, that will offer the same results as the FAD diet.

For Weight Loss and Detox:

Fruit only until Noon.

Drink a Homemade 100% Fruit only smoothie
-or-eat whole fruits (I prefer the smoothie, it's my food fast :) )

Example Smoothie Combinations (serves 1):

8 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice
Handful of Froz. Blackberries
Strawberries (Fresh or Froz.)
1 ripe banana

8oz 100% Apple Raspberry Juice
handful of froz. peaches
1 ripe banana

8oz. 100% White or Concord Grape Juice
Handful of Froz. Strawberries

8oz. 100% Orange Juice
Handful of Froz. Strawberries
1 ripe Banana

Essentially the combinations are endless just blend them up in a blender. (Sean & I recently invested in a middle to higher end model with a smoothie dispense spout and we love it!)

Just keep in mind a few essentials:

-8oz of 100% Juice
Cranberry is a fav because of it's tartness and it's UT (urinary tract) benefits :)

-a handful of raw fruit

*berries are great in any season and can be purchased froz. plus they are high in antioxidants *bananas help smooth your smoothie and help fill you up
*add some papaya to help with the cleansing but make sure you are near a bathroom :)

So that's it, simple, truly natural, and effective.

Caution: the first few days you start this your stomach may be upset and you might need frequent trips to the bathroom (eating a banana will help with the stomach uncomfort) just stick with it after a few days your body will adjust and your digestive tract will become more regular.

To help aide in the cleansing I recommend Fiber choice tablet once a day. They taste great and
don't bloat your stomach.

2009-03-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!!

May we all remember the real meaning of Easter

and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

2009-03-10T17:12:00.001-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S!!

2009-02-07T19:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day...

from Our Ship to Your's!!!!

Happy NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-01T00:04:00.001-08:00

Here's to a new year....new memories to create...new experiences...and new fun to be had. (Especially with our new addition. :) )

It's exciting to think of this beautiful blank slate of a year we have before us. It's our chance to create a wonderful new masterpiece with life experiences.

I love the final address of Elder Wirthlin and I hope to have a lot of laughter in this new masterpiece no matter what the circumstance. :)

'The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable. ... The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. ... As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, “Come what may, and love it.”'

-Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May, and Love It,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 26–28

May this new year hold many blessings for you all!!

We wish you all Happy Holidays

2008-12-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

This has truly been a wonderful year full of excitement and joy! We love that our extended family is rapidly expanding with the marriage of my sisters and brother, Bryce being born and a few more babies on their way. In the last General Conference President Monson briefly spoke about enjoying the current stage of your life and how those stages seem to go by faster as time moves on. We are truly enjoying our never dull life of being parents of young children. :)

May God watch over and bless you in your stage of life.

All our love,

Sean & Stephanie Orullian

We are so Grateful for Family & this Special Time of Year

2008-11-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Early Saturday morning our newest family member was added, Bryce a beautiful baby boy...looking much like his siblings. He has a full head of beautiful auburn hair, reminding me the description Grandma gives of my dad when he was born. :) We are all so excited and Brendan has particularly formed a close bond. It's just darling!!

We are so grateful for the blessings of family, for our new additional, for the homecoming of Jenny in just a few days and the addition of husbands & a wife to my siblings. It has truly been a year...no...9 mths...to remember. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Jessica's in Dance!!!! & Brendan scored a goal

2008-09-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

So I started Jessica in Dance....this video below is only her 2nd time and she is already such a natural!!! She absolutely loves it!! When you ask her to show you how she dances she kicks her legs up, spins and taps her feet. One of her favorite things to do in dance class is watch herself in the large mirror. :) What a cutie!!!! Oh, she's the one in the orange shirt right by her teacher. (Sorry the video's not that great, we look through a mirrored window into the studio.)

Brendan is starting to warm up to playing on a soccer team. His cute shyness is starting to wear down so that he's a little more involved in the game. Today...being in the right gave him a chance to have the ball all to himself...and he scored a goal. (Almost died of embarassment after...with all the shouts of praise...but he survived.) We asked him after if that was fun...and he quietly said: "Yeh" with a smirk on his face.

I love my kids!!

Bryce McKay

2008-08-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Introducing:

Bryce McKay Orullian

Meaning: Bryce -"Speckled", McKay "Fire"

Perfect for another no doubt freckled red-head!!! :)

ETA: November 19th, 2006
(which really means more likely around the 12th-14th)

DRUM ROLL........................

2008-07-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!! So we went in for our ultrasound July 1st....and just like my other boys we had no problem determining we are expecting another boy in November!! Brendan's comment to it being a boy was......"I like boys!!" Yeah, he's on a "I don't like girls...I only like boys" kick. He cracks me up!!! We're working hard on getting him to say he even loves Mommy or his sister (cause we are girls). :)

We are excited and have even done some musical bedrooms...clearing a room upstairs for the baby. James and Brendan are now downstairs...and I'm hoping starting them downstairs during the summer will give them plenty of time to adjust before the baby comes. It is giving me more of a workout too....going up and down the stairs much more often. :)

I'll try to get some more recent photos updated....this week of all the kids.

Hope every had a Happy 4th!!!!

SUMMER!!!

2008-06-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile. You know life happens! Well, we are currently in Hurricane, UT @ Grandma Bowman's house enjoying a short vacation with Brenda & her kids...before we head on down to Bakersfield for Kelly's Wedding (June 28th).

James is now in T-ball...he says he likes running...I'm just glad the treats they receive aren't the best thing about T-ball. We're still working on coordination....but I think he's got the concept of run the bases...even leading off down to a tee. :) He reminds me so much of Adam when he leads off the base. (Little skinny cutie)

Brendan is his usual athletic self...he'll start soccer in August. He's built a lot like his Grandpa Sargeant so despite his little legs we know with his pure skill he'll do great!!

The boys will also be taking swim lessons...both are excited to be going with their best friends Scott and Drew.

Jessica is our little actress. What a character!!! She's a regular Shirley Temple...right down to the curly hair, infectious smile and bouncy personality. :)

I'm doing a little better with "lovely" morning (all day) sickness. I do have an ultrasound July 1st and will be able to find out the sex of the baby. So far I'm doing okay with the heat of summer....I just wear out fast. But I always manage to get soaked whenever I set up the pool stuff for the kids...so summer isn't that bad. Of course it just begun. :)

Sean's doing great...working hard...and enjoying his safety co-chair position @ UPS....driving gets pretty tiring as the days heat up....but he loves the chance he gets to communicate with those on his route and absolutely loves the chances he gets to set up single family members and friends with different people on his route.

HAVE a FABULOUS SUMMER!!!!!

Spring has Sprung

2008-04-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

We are welcoming spring admist a few snow showers. Easter was fun...we had a few other families with little kids over to our house for a big Easter Egg Hunt. It was a lot of fun!!! We even caught a glimpse of the Easter Bunny (see pictures to the right).

James lost two tooth recently and loves to flash his smile.

Brendan decided to go goth.

Jessica insisted on eating even though she was sleeping.

And finally, yesterday Jessica celebrated her 2nd Birthday "under the sea".

"Mur-maid" as she says! :)

UPS NASCAR trip to Vegas

2008-03-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

The (UPS paid) trip to Vegas to see the NASCAR race March 2nd...was great!! Sean and I had a good time. We became friends with some fellow UPS couples, met the UPS driver Dale Jarrett, and had a few good laughs listening to the most hilarious UPS driver from Iowa...(the more "free" alcohol he put down the more hilarious he became). :) Oh I almost forgot us and 3 other lucky UPS couples got to fly home First-Class...I loved it even despite the short flight. :) Anyhoo....here are some videos of the trip. Enjoy!

After Dale Jarrett was hit into the wall ...they determined he could not continue :(

Just 2 laps to go in 3rd Place Jeff Gordan taps car 17 and both cars crash hard!

The Final 2 laps.

Amazingly with 267 laps there really wasn't a dull moment...go figure! :)

Motherhood the High and Low lights....

2008-02-13T21:46:00.000-08:00

I felt a proud tearful moment watching the first of many school programs as James spotted me in the crowd and waved with a big smile across his face. These moments of pride and joy make it all worth it!!!!

(Find the whitest face....that's my James :) )

On the flip side (talk about an emotional roller coaster)...my heartstrings were tugged as a held Jessica down as she received 3 stitches tonight. Brendan and her were having fun spinning on a computer chair when Jessica fell off and into the corner of the dresser. Pour thing!! It didn't deminish her spirits in the least though, I was chasing after her all throughout the "Instacare" waiting room. She broke the poor doctor and nurses hearts with her she charm just before we had the hold her down. I took me, 2 nurses and a doctor....she's a fighter!! :) She still is a beauty; with character now!! :)

The Stitches

All I see is WHITE!!!

2008-02-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Old Man Winter has graced us with his presence AGAIN & AGAIN!!! Perhaps he doesn't understand that he has worn out his welcome!!! :) So I changed up our blog to see some green! :)

I can't believe this snowfall. I haven't seen a winter like this here in Utah since a brief memory of mine as a young child in Heber. I think I'm done...no I am DONE!! Anyone for petitioning Mother Nature for an EARLY spring. Since Easter is in March all we'll have to do the hind the eggs is throw them from the deck and they'll find their own hinding spots in the snow. All right snow is pretty...sometimes.

QUICK UPDATE ON THE CREW:

James & I just got over RSV (fun) After almost a week a quarentine we were both itching to get out of the house. Thank goodness for blocks & tracks:

"Ta-Ta" (aka Jessica) is a crack -up....today coming out of her room with her toy cellphone against her ear, her dress-up heals on, braceletts on both arms, "blankie" in hands ...and a binkie in her mouth (she's a thumb sucker)....... I just started cracking up!! There is no doubt she is definately ALL Girl!
Brendan...wow it's been a struggle...he is ALL boy, rough and tuff...but with a scream that just makes your ears ring. Poor guy just needs more attention and activity. I can't wait for him to be eligible to play sports. He's Daddy Buddy and Big sports fan. "I like fut-baa"
Sean was recognized at UPS for outstanding service in his responsibilities of Safety Co-chair and won an all expense paid trip for two to the NASCAR race in Vegas over the March 1st weekend.
I am the lucky receipient of the second ticket.....and very much looking forward to sun and 70's.
I've started a new business check out by blog: http://customcreationsbystephanie.blogspot.com please help me spread the word

Over all life is good. We've all have been touched by the sentiments at President Hinkley's Funeral. I have thought a lot about "what" kind a spiritual legacy I want to leave my children and grandchildren. So with new desire to spark the spirit in our home we have renewed our efforts with all the things we have been counseled to do. (FHE, Family Prayer, Family Scripture Steady, Couples Scripture Study & attending the Temple regularly) Thought we have not yet mastered all...we are making an effort and it's amazing how fast the results come in; particularly with the kids interest in the Book of Mormon.

I wish all of you a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY....we love you all!!!

2008-01-21T22:05:00.001-08:00

We are truly living in a Winter Wonderland!!!

This winter it seems we have been buried in one storm after another. The first of the 8" storms arrived about a week ago. It was followed by a few light ones and then boom we were hit last night and today with yet another 8". Wow!!! It is quite an adventure trying to brave your way down the icy snow packed side streets. THANKS GOODNESS for traction control in the van. :)

I would say that I'm done with the white stuff and ready for spring...but we did have a lot of fun sledding at the nearby park. The highlight being hooking up "Midnight" & "Calick" to our sled and having them pull us through the snow. It was a blast!!! James thoroughly enjoy the dog sled while laying on his belly and holding the sled handles. Brendan didn't so much enjoy the dog sled ride and he did sledding down the "bunny slope" . Jessica thoroughly enjoyed the whole adventure and especially loved her solo rides down the hill.

Other News:

We celebrated Sean's 35th birthday with sledding, a "referee" pinata and sour cream lemon pie.

We all had a lot of fun with "DADDY", despite him aging. :)

2008-01-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Christmas was fun!! We spent Christmas Eve at Grandpa & Grandma Orullian's, feasting on the traditional Swedish Dinner. It was followed by an entertaining Nativity (James-Donkey, Brendan-Joseph, & Jessica-Angel) and a hilarious version of "The Night Before Christmas" (Narrated by Sean).

NATIVITY WITH THE ORULLIAN COUSINS

A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!!

The day after Christmas Sean & I went to pick up Mindy and were surprised to discover a few stow-aways (Mom & Becca). Mom and Becca had been planning their surprise trip for quite some time. Mindy wasn't even aware of the surprise until Dad had to explain Becca's disappearance at the Burbank airport (she was on a different flight)...and then later as Mom finally boarded the same plane as her (after a lengthy delay and Mom sneaking behind columns to avoid being seen). It's a good thing Mindy was drugged up on Dramamine. :) You'll have to hear the whole story from Mom. :()

2007, was great and we are looking forward to an awesome 2008.

Wedding bells and Jen's return!!! :)

Tour of Duty - 2007

2007-12-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

It is crazy to think we are approaching the end of 2007. It has been fun, busy, exciting and even a little sad. Here's a little glimpse into our 2007 tour of duty.

WINTER

SEAN'S 34TH BIRTHDAY

SNOW DAY!!

2-WEEK CALIFORNIA TRIP

HURRICANE, UT - NATURE EXPLORING / SEA WORLD - FEEDING STING RAYS & BRAVING THE DOWNPOUR

SEA WORLD - THE BELUGA WHALE / SAN DIEGO ZOO - DADDY, JESSICA & THE GIRAFFES / WILD ANIMAL PARK - CHIMP EXIBIT

DISNEYLAND - CHIP N' DALE'S TREEHOUSE & TIKI ROOM / BAKERSFIELD - COUSINS MADDY & MOLLY TENDING JESSICA

BAKERSFIELD - STEPH'S 29TH B-DAY CELEBRATION

SPRING

JESSICA'S 1st BIRTHDAY & PRINCESS PARTY

Yummmmmm.....CAKE!!!!

EASTER EGG HUNT.....AND LOOK WE CAUGHT THE EASTER BUNNY ( "Lucky" dies a month later :( & breaks James heart)

PRETTY EASTER PRINCESS / EASTER SUNDAY / JAMES AND HIS FAVORITE THING ABOUT SOCCER...THE SNACKS! :)

GRANDPA HYRUM'S FUNERAL (Sean's Grandpa) / THE BOYS w/ COUSIN BEN / PAINTING "KRYPTONITE" FOR THEIR COMBINED SUPERMAN B-DAY PARTY (James turns 5 May 8th & Brendan turns 3 April 29th)

JAME'S PRESCHOOL GRADUATION

SUMMER

(fit as much as we can in before Jen goes on her mission to Rochester, New York , June 6th)

SARGEANT FAMILY PICTURES / ADAM & MIDNIGHT...man she GREW FAST! / JEN & THE BOYS

THE BOYS & MIDNIGHT (Picnicing in Provo Canyon with the fam & Jen) / JEN TAKES THE NIECES & NEWFEWS TO A FRIEND'S RANCH / MINDY & JEN OUTSIDE THE MTC (the Heavens were crying for joy and we were just crying) / JEN & THE KIDS SAYING FAREWELL

A RARE DOUBLE RAINBOW / JESSICA BLOWING KISSES / MINDY AND THE KIDS' POOL PARTY

JESSICA & GRANDMA O. / THE PROVO 4TH OF JULY PARADE / SEAN, MINDY & I ATTEND THE STADIUM OF FIRE

A PICNIC IN THE FRONT YARD / DADDY LANDSCAPING / OUR GARDEN

WE GET A COMPANION FOR MIDNIGHT, "CALICK" A MALE YELLOW LAB / A NEIGHBOR FINDS A STRAY BUNNY WE END UP ADOPTING, JAMES NAMES HIM "WINTER" (Our petting zoo is now open to visitors :) ) / THE KIDS @ HOGLE ZOO

JAME'S 1ST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN (Can you tell he's excited?)

FALL

MOM CASHES IN HER WEIGHTLOSS CONTEST PRIZE (A 3-night stay @ a timeshare), MINDY AND I TAKE THE KIDS TO WOLF CREEK RESORT NEAR OGDEN (1 night) THE OTHER NIGHTS ARE FOR MOM AND SOME GIRLFRIENDS (Weekend Escape :) )

HAVING A BLAST AT ECCELES DINOSAUR PARK & MUSEUM IN OGDEN

HALLOWEEN FOR OUR LITTLE BATMAN, FAIRY PRINCESS & SUPER SPY / JESSICA ROCKIN' OUT ON GRANDMA BOWMAN'S PIANO (Thanksgiving in Hurricane, UT)

DECEMBER

This completes our 2007 tour. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! I feel so blessed that my Father in Heaven blessed me with 3 beautiful children and a loving husband to remind me of His love for me and all of us; His children. May we all give thanks to Him for the greatest gift...Jesus Christ our Savior.

Much Love,

Stephanie Orullian and Family

2007-11-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in Hurricane

We hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving! We were able to take a week vacation and went to Grandma & Grandpa Bowman's. There we met up with my family.

There were many silly times...

...taking pictures while the camera was hooked up the TV :)

As you can tell it was great Fun!!

There were many sleepy times.....

often we found Brendan fast asleep draped over Grandpa's chair.

There was much eating...

There was hiking...

...and fun rocking out.

It was great! All of my family was there except Jen (of course)...and we even had a visitor....Mindy's boyfriend, Adam. I couldn't say who was the life of the party him or her. :) It's fun seeing Mindy so happy and in love. ;)

We hope you have fun with the decorating for Christmas and listening to Christmas music (my favorite part) this holiday season!

S.S. Orullian - "signing off"

Mission Complete

2007-11-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a success!!

We had fun Trick-or-Treating with some close friends. Sean had a lot of fun scaring Trick-or Treaters, dressed as an undertaker and "working" in our graveyard (front yard). All around it was a good time!!

Heres photo documentation of our journery:

James School Parade

Trick-or Treating with Friends

Brendan & best friend Drew

James & best friend Scott

Jessica & best friend Jill