The Aqua House

It seems like for years I've been talking about starting a Home & Family blog.  I remember it was shortly after we moved to Utah when I first talked with Jeff about the idea.  I wanted a way to use my degree to help others, and maybe even bring in some extra money without having to leave the house. But I'm the type of person that often lets fear and perfectionism stand in my way.  I know, it seems silly to think of being fearful to start a blog.  Its such a simple thing, but its also something that I've put a lot of time and planning into.  And in reality, where I want this blog to end up seems pretty lofty.  Anyways, something finally clicked for me a few weeks ago and I decided it was time to start one. So...here it is.

I hope that you will head on over and check it out! You can subscribe by email to get updates on new posts and please, please become a follower! It is still a work in progress as I am an amateur at html code, but I've learned so so much over the past week...although, I'm still having issues with the blog button, but am hoping I will be able to get it fixed soon. Eventually I will be buying my own domain and getting advertising.  There is so much to learn and its a bit overwhelming! I anticipate lots of changes to the blog over the next few months as I am able to refine things.  And most importantly, I hope you enjoy the content! 

Porter-Man

Perfect Fall Afternoon

I love this time of year.  A few weeks ago, we came home from church to a crock pot full of cheddar broccoli soup and fresh hot rolls. To me, it was a delicious fall meal. After our dinner we took a drive into the mountains to see the foliage.  We found ourselves up East Canyon, a drive that we had taken two years ago and loved.  At the top of the canyon there is an area where you can pull over.  The view is spectacular.  We unloaded the boys from the van and found it nearly impossible to keep them from going up a nearby trail. 

So we hiked for awhile.  I love the mountains here in Utah.

 As I followed behind my men, I couldn't help but soak up their enthusiasm.

We have outdoor boys.  They thrive on being outside and exploring.They don't play many video games and watch little TV.  We are a play in the mud and dirt and soak up the sun kind of family and I love it.

The small hike filled me with gratitude.  I suppose this time of year brings that out in us, but I felt deep gratitude for the gift of my family. I am so blessed to have these men in my life. I am thankful for a husband who is my best friend.  And for these sweet, precious boys.

My hope is that I am doing my best to prepare them for life. To prepare them to be priesthood holders, missionaries, and fathers. As Carson gets older, I am finding that the time I have with them; to influence them, to teach them, and to guide them, really goes so fast. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing enough to teach them to love the Savior...to have that personal testimony of his divinity.  Am I working hard enough at teaching them proper character qualities like humility, honesty, patience, charity, and kindness? Am I doing all that I can now to prepare them for what is to come? I feel that in everyday life, sometimes the 'to do's' get in the way of the 'must do's'. It took this perfect fall afternoon to put it all back into perspective.

Park City

We snuck away to Park City a few weekends ago.  Jeff is working on a landscape project for his step-dad up there and the boys and I tagged along. We came up the canyon early enough to see the hot air balloons still over the city.


The boys had a fun filled day of riding bikes, chasing around the barnyard, and practicing archery. Even Jeff and I got to shoot a few rounds and Jeff ended up with a blister on his finger. It was a perfect fall weekend with beautiful trees and cool weather. We ended the night with steaks cooked on the grill and good coversation.