It's Kinda Nice...

..here in our new neck of the woods.  In fact, so far, we've found very little to complain about.  Our neighbors have been very neighborly.  Our home is perfect for our needs--we love it! And they don't call this the Natural State for nothin'.  You know, I love NYC.  I love love love Chicago.  I've sort of figured myself for a big-city kinda girl lately.  But I gotta say, things are a little slower paced here, and I like it.  That's not to say that the people aren't sharp.  And interesting.  There's still plenty of that.

We have a backyard!!!  There's no swingset or anything back there yet, and it's intensely hot all the time just now, but we are still happy about the backyard!  Here are Layla and Campbell enjoying the morning shade on the patio.

For Campbell's birthday (a post in it's own right), we took a break from unpacking and went to Beaver Lake, about 20 min. away, for a little swim (such perfectly room-temperature water!) and cookout.

We spent another morning visiting this beautiful chapel in the woods and then hiking a little nature trail along Tanyard Creek, both about 15 minutes from our house.  We had a great time!

Spencer and I used to sort of joke that the only kind of armadillo is a dead one, since we had seen a million of them on the road in TX, but never a live one.  Now that has all changed!  Behold, the elusive armadillo!

Lessons for the first-time home owners:  if you are going to install your washer/dryer by yourself, just remember that where there is a hose going out of the wall, there is usually a hose that should be plugged back into the wall.  If that one gets ignored, all that water that your washer is done with pours out onto the floor.  And then seeps through to the closet.  And the bedroom. 

But I have to admit that even though our brand new shop vac is like pocket-size, that, of all the things, is what really makes me feel like a homeowner. 

And the end of the story is that I think we saved the carpet.  And possibly the padding.  But that is all still tbd.

Oh, and to answer some questions:

-Here's the basic itinerary for our summer vacation: 

Chicago-Vegas (Just the airport)-St. George-Sundance-Salem-La Canada, California (Near L.A.)-San Diego-La Canada-Orinda (SF Bay Area)-Yosemite-La Canada-Arkansas

-Campbell had to wear her cast for one month, it got removed on Monday.

-Spencer started work on Monday, it's going pretty well, although he's mostly just been going through orientation, signing up for insurance policies and all that stuff, but it seems that he is quite excited about it all.  And that is probably the last time I can say much about his employment on this blog, you know how that goes.

We miss all our wonderful Chicago friends a lot, and think about you all often.  We were really happy to see some of them in Utah.  We were also happy to see some of our CA friends while there.  We also miss all our family but were so glad to see so many of them this summer!

I have a hundred thousand words to say...

And a picture is worth a thousand a piece, right?  Cause I've just downloaded over 600 pictures from our summer vacation-cation-cation-cation.... We had a wonderful time and are sooo greatful to all who gave us beds to sleep on and love and food, etc.  It was exhausting but how grateful we are that our kids were able to build their relationships with so many of our family members!  Each part of our trip was so wonderful in it's own right and I could write a blog entry on each segment, alas, I'm SOOOOOOOOOO TIRED!!!  And for some reason no matter what my kids MUST wake me when I'm sleeping...  Anyway, I've got little brainpower and or time, so I've got to just lay it all out there.

After we moved out of our Chicago apartment, we flew straight to Las Vegas for Grandpa Clark's funeral in St. George. 

We got to spend the weekend at the Cabin near Sundance with Clives and some Clarks, too.  Cadence loves it there.

It's the only real way to enjoy nature--nude:

Cadence with Ruby at the burial in SLC

Cadence and Tyler got to work at the cabin staining the new table.

Since we were in Utah and had time to spare, we got to stay for a week with my family, where a happenstance pre-reunion was happening!  (all but Damian)  This is G and G Orton with all their grandchildren (to date).

There was perfect swimming weather, but every one of us got sick with some symptom or another, so we opted for the backyard pool.

As per (a very loved) tradition, Mignon and Mel took us to the Little Gym!

We had a lot of fun in Utah, and then we hopped in the car, watched Barbie/Nutcracker and Barbie/Swan Lake 14 kajillion times each, and drove to La Canada, to be with Gramps and Mamaw Clive. 

Mamaw had a list of fun things to do, so one day we went to a real farm!

Oh, by the way, Campbell broke her leg.

It happened a couple of days after arriving in So Cal, trampoline.  More details in another post.

John and I went and ate these burritos that were the size of newborns.  I thought I could finish.....

Mamaw and Gramps took us on a trip to San Diego (where it was COLD).

San Diego Zoo

Lego Land

After a week with the Clives, we jumped back into the car for more Barbie movies and made our way up to the Bay Area for the official Orton Family Reunion at Merica and Damian's new resort...uh, home.

Merica and Damian were kind enough to let us stay an extra 5 days while we awaited the Clive/Clark family reunion in Yosemite.   We loved getting to spend a little extra time with them.  Spencer took me to see Wicked in SF.  I loved it.  loved it.

Yosemite was so beautiful!  I can't believe that we'd never been there before.  I was really worn out and the kids were too, so I wasn't really looking forward to it at that point, but man, I am soo glad that we went!  It was great.

After Yosemite, we got to spend one more special day with Mamaw and Gramps, which they spent making our kids feel special.  They took the kids to see Toy Story 3 in the theater, then we all went to Chuck E Cheeses, where some pretty exciting presents were opened:

Oh, what fun!!!  And now we are here in Arkansas, we love our house, our neighbors are sooo great (uh, neighbor Valerie planted a garden for us--amazing, no?), and we are healthy and well.  More to come on the girls'birthdays, the new house, etc!

HE (we) DID IT!

When you have an MBA, you can make money appear out of thin air.

On Saturday, June 12th, Spencer graduated with his Masters in Business Administration from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.  This has been an incredibly rich time in Spencer's, and subsequently our lives.  While at Booth Spencer has had so many opportunities and experiences and has grown to understand his capabilities and priorities to entirely new depths.  It has been fascinating (albeit exhausting, at times) to watch him go through this intense period of self-improvement/strengthening.  I can honestly say that this was like the refiner's fire, and he has come out a much improved piece of silver!

Yeah, I guess you could say in a way I earned my MBA, too.  I at least deserved a cap 'n gown, if not the diploma.

I have more to say, but since I so recently gushed about him, and seeing as how Father's Day is coming up and I may have more to say, I'll spare all y'all.

We figure that in a few years, when we start to look old-timey, people will probably make posters and postcards and mugs with this image on it.  "Endress Ruv..."

Although I will say this:  HONORS, BABY!  It's all about those golden cords. 

How did he do that?  Seriously, I'm a little perplexed.  I mean, Chicago Booth has this awesome policy called "grade nondisclosure", meaning that you cannot disclose your grades to perspective employers--how awesome is that?  So technically, every class is pass/fail.  Would you be able to pull off honors with that lack of incentive?  Especially considering that you participated in many many many social networking events (every other wife would agree that he is probably the one who attend the most "networking" events), had a sick (pregnant) wife for half the year and for half of the first and half of the second year had a newborn.  You got up in the morning to get the kids fed and changed, etc, you took advantage fully of the incredible city you were living in....  um, I don't think I could.  And I am still trying to understand it. 

Oops, I guess I got caught up gushing.   Sorry.  But then again, this is a blog in his honor.  Anyway, I am SOOOO proud of him.  It was awfully fun watching him graduate. 

This could be any old goon crossing the stage, but it happens to be Spencer.  Eryn and I screamed for him but she was holding Layla and I was taking the picture, so no clapping.  The screaming seemed a little lonely when unaccompanied by applause.

 I think it was partly so exciting for me because I got to be there for each and every part of the process-- planning ahead in undergrad, researching schools, working his networks at Accenture, studying for, taking, and spanking the GMAT, applications (oh, kill me if I ever have to live through that bleep again), falling in love with U of Chicago, waiting, waiting, waiting, receiving the acceptance, moving out here, and stepping into our future....

Scott and Eryn, some of our very wonderfully wonderful B-school friends.  They made it, too.   Don't feel left out if you did (or didn't) make it and you are not pictured here.  I was sad that there were so many of my B-school friends that I didn't get to see that night (including the ones that should've been there but decided to stick around an extra year instead).  Also, just to be clear, don't feel bad if you are not a B-school friend.  I still love you, too.  Also, don't feel bad if you are Eryn and I just totally down-played our relationship.  It's special :)  As is this picture (below) of my Graduate:

And now we are stepping out of this chapter of our lives and into the next (with a 5 week interlude to the Western States).  To Infinity (or Arkansas) and Beyond!  May the force be with you all.

 (don't worry Elisabeth, he is not Luke's father).

Grandpa Clark

Spencer's Grandpa John R Clark passed away on Tuesday night (June 8).  His pancreatic cancer came on quite suddenly and claimed all his faculties in only a short amount of time.  It was a total whirlwind, especially for his five children that all came together to be with him and his wife for the last week of his life, as they cared for him and began trying to organize all his personal affairs.

A few days before his passing, Spencer's mom texted us and asked if we would like to send her an email with some thoughts we'd like to share with him.  I thought it would be good to take record of the things each of us wanted to share with him at the end of his life and our relationship with him here on earth (for now).

Dear Grandpa,


I'll always remember a conversation we had during the time we lived with you in Chico. I'm not sure how it came about, but we were in your kitchen and we were discussing some Gospel topic (I believe it was related to eternal families). You mentioned that it was one of the reasons you look forward to death. To me (as a twelve year old) this was a radical concept... "You look forward to death?" I asked. Without wavering you replied something to the effect of, "Yes. There are a lot of things I'd like to understand better, a lot of people I'd like to meet including ancestors and historical figures, and I look forward to seeing the Savior."

To me, the ability to face a topic that the natural man--with a perspective confined by the limitations of the veil--understands so little, demonstrated several things about your character. Chiefly, this was a powerful display of your testimony, which I have seen on so many other occassions. Secondarily, it provided insights into the things you find most important, namely your ongoing quest for knowledge (which you have tirelessly pursued), your interest in family (no matter how distantly related) and your endeavors to pursue your personal relationship with Christ (which is manifested in the integrity by which you have lived).

From my wedding, to taking me to the MTC, climbing Mt. Lassen, all the way back to bouncing me on your knee as a little boy, I have hundreds of memories with you. Your commitment to service, to family, and to always moving with a purpose have left a profound impact on my life. Not only through your direct influence, but also through the examples of the children you raised, and those traits my mother has passed on to me. You truly have built a powerful legacy.

I am very sorry that you feel so sick. At a time like this it is impossible for me to know what you are feeling, but I want you to know that we love you and pray for you. I hope your pain is relieved soon, and I am excited for the great adventures you have ahead. Until we meet again,

Your loving grandson,

Spencer

_________________________

Hi Grandpa!


I have a hard time even imagining you with a cold, let alone being this miserable. I can hardly believe how fast this has happened.

I thought it would be a good time to share some of my thoughts and feelings, and maybe a memory or two.

Grandpa, I've always loved having you around. You have been so mindful of my comfort and happiness since Spencer and I were married. You always have something stimulating to talk about. You always have the energy and thoughtfulness to help where ever help is needed. Remember when you showed up at my family's home the day before our wedding and just dug right in to help prepare the yard and home for the reception? My family certainly won't forget that anytime soon. As I recall, you missed some part of the wedding festivities because you just couldn't pull yourself away from your service! And speaking of the wedding, it was you who escorted the guests through the pouring rain under an umbrella to and from our doorstep the night of the reception! That was so thoughtful and helpful, and again, my family won't soon forget that.


Im always touched when I think of a time when I feel like we really bonded. We were at the Boise Temple for Clark and Rachel's wedding, and I was large with child (Cadence) and feeling very ill after sitting in a sealing room filled beyond capacity with supportive family and quite warm at that. I needed a break and so you got me some water and walked with me, supporting my arm, out to your car. You kept me company and made sure I was able to recover my wits. I knew i was with family then.

I hope you were able to hear Cadence's message that she left on April's phone. She is usually quite avoidant on the phone but when I told her you were feeling very sick and reminded her when you spent time with her at Christiana's wedding, she was very willing to leave you a message to tell you that she loves you and is sorry you feel so sick.


Thank you for all your kindness, thoughtfulness, and service. We love you and wish we could be with you now.


Love,


Mardee.

_______________

There are a million and one things we could write about Grandpa Clark, but I thought that some of his most important qualities were alluded to here in our last letters to him.  He was a unique, incredible man.  We will miss him.  And now our prayers turn to Spencer's mom and her brothers and sisters, as well as Grandma Clark, as they all sort through what a person leaves behind.

Cross-stitches of My Mind...

Remember when I was 12 and had a young woman's project where we all learned to cross-stitch?  Remember how I really really couldn't do it?  I tried, truly.  I wanted to finish because we got to put a little jewel on that cross-stitch every time we completed a level in the Personal Progress book.  Alas, too many knots.  Too little patience.  And too much mauve.

Every once in a while I hear something that makes me think to myself, "those words deserve to be cross-stitched..." And within moments, the project is done.  And before I know it, I'm hanging another lovely proverb, held taut in a round wooden frame that is blessed by the heavenly touch of mauve ruffles and a little lace to finish it off.  Yes, the corridors of my mind are lined with this collection I have made.   Are yours?

Would you like to know some of the cross-stitches that I keep there? (don't be put off by my mixture of serious with dumb, please.  They're my cross-stitches, after all)

"Love is Better than Hate" (the immortal words of Mignon.  Found thoughtfully written on a note on the fridge).

"I Get Wet" (This is the title of an album by Andrew W.K., who is a very hard-core rocker from NYC.  Spencer and I have decided that the meaning of this is that it's the answer to the question, "Andrew--what do you do if it rains?"  Sounds simple, but what would your answer be?  Mine would be, "well, I don't have enough umbrellas, so maybe we shouldn't go, or maybe I'll just pack enough jackets and blankets but that means we'll have to come back early so let's be sure to not get too far from the parking lot and ....")

"If You Can't Say Something Nice, Don't Say Nothin' At All".  (Why do I still need this one at 27?  I do.)

"Tawanda!!!"  (remember Fried Green Tomatoes?  Oh that I were that spunky...)

"Don't Show Up as a Guest Empty Handed"

"Tomorrow's Another Day, and I'm Thirsty Anyway, So Bring On the Rain."

"Pain Is An Old Friend." (Spencer's Dad says this often.  I'm trying to make myself believe it.)

"If Someone Asks, "Are You a God?" You Say "YES"!!!"  (Can you name that (funniest ever) movie?)

"Instead of having "answers"on a math test, they should just call them "impressions", and if you got a different "impression", so what?  Can't we all be brothers?" (Jack Handy.  Okay, let's be serious--wouldn't ALL of Jack Handey's deep thoughts make awesome cross-stitches?  Take this one, for example: "If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down?  We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason."   I could go on...)

"Don't Mess It Up, Mard." (I won't explain this one.  Just, if you are now analyzing what type of emotional baggage I come with, you're probably right to do so.)

"Last night I had the strangest dream, where everything was exactly how it seemed, there were no concerns about the world getting warmer, people thought that they were just being rewarded for treating others as they'd like to be treated, obeying stop signs and curing diseases, for mailing letters with the address of the sender, now we can swim any day in November." (Postal Service)

"How Will They Know Unless We Teach Them So?"

"80/20, Mard!!" (Spencer is always trying to convince me that the best way to do housework is to do a 20% job, because with 20% of the work you get 80% of the results.  He's right, but...)

"If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself." (I can't help it, I want 100/100.  I want it done to my standards).

"Like Water Off a Duck's Back" (From Dad Orton.  I don't know if this is one people are familiar with or not-- you know, it's like saying, don't let it get to you.)

"Mardee, Keep Your Emotions Separate From the Issue.  Don't Let Your Emotions Get Involved." (My mother's words all throughout jr high, high school, and even college.  It was always the best advice, the advice I wished I'd taken...and still is.)

"It's Great To Be Alive, Even Better To Be A Clive!" (Words from my Father-in-law that I appreciated very much while I was desperately trying to trick Spencer into making a Clive out of me.)

There are more... many, many more.  But you're lucky my brain is only half-way on tonight (I don't know, I feel like I need to replace a few bulbs up there or something.  Maybe doing the dishes like I'm supposed to will help).

What are some of your mental cross-stitches?

Oh, and here are some cute pictures of my kids, in case that is why you read my blog (why else would you?)

Post Script Added a Day Late:  "Just Say 'Okay Mom'"  Can't believe I forgot that one, thanks, Mer.