THE PENRODS

ABC's and chapstick!

2010-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Wow, this kid is growing up way too fast! He is learning his ABC's...here is a treat for you all to enjoy :)

The newest member of the Penrod family

2010-01-14T11:21:00.001-08:00

After months and months of contemplating...we finally decided it was time to get a puppy! What perfect timing, now that Aaron has the time to spend with her, and Rowan is at the age where he can play with her and respect her. Her name is Paisley! She is a 13 week old Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She is doing great! We are working on house training her and getting her adjusted to us and her new home. Max would have loved her, and I know he is happy for us, smiling down from doggy heaven :) We look forward to many fun times with her....walks, hikes, camping trips, and just some goold old snuggle time. We are also happy that Rowan will get to grow up with a great little friend, who will teach him so many lessons and responsibilities, as Max did for me. Welsome to the family Paisley!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-01-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

I know I am almost 1 month late, but I wanted to share some photos from 2009 Christmas! This year was fun because Rowan is starting to grasp the concept of Christmas, Santa, and the spirit in the air! Even though this will be the last year I can take him along while shopping! We took him to see Santa, but he was not impressed. I think he had more fun, playing with Grandpa.

We had a blast decorating our new place for the holidays! We put up lights and got a few new decorations.

We made it to the Festival of Trees, as we do every year. It has become our tradition.

Here is our tree, and the gifts Sant left!

Rowan got a little more than I planned, but hey, he's a kid and it's Christmas!!!!

His big gift was a slide, which he LOVES!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are so grateful for our many blessings.

Family photos, Dec '09

2009-12-16T13:12:00.001-08:00

Happy holidays everyone!

Ready, set, decorate!

2009-12-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about buying a new home is decorating it! We broke out the Christmas tree just a couple days after Thanksgiving, and have been slowly decorating ever since! Now that we have more room; I feel like we need more stuff! And I love that Rowan is at the age where he can appreciate it. It's hard to think that last Christmas, he couldn't even crawl! My oh my he is growing fast! If you ask him what Santa says, he'll tell you "ho ho ho". He picked that one up form nona in about 5 seconds flat!

We decided to put the tree in fromt of the window in the upstairs family room, but will probably open our presents downstairs near the fire!

Aaron being brave and putting up the lights

I have re-decorated the mantel since this picture was taken, but I fell in love with this sign at Festival of Trees and had to have it. So funny!

And here is the house at night...so festive!

While we're at it, he is our picture of Rowan and Santa. I was secretly hoping he would cry, but he just plain wasn't impressed at all. I think he knew it wasn't the REAL Santa :)

Wow, look how little he was last year!!!! (I just had to add this one for comparison)

Gobble gobble!

2009-12-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We hope that you had fun and were able to spend some time with family and friends. We had a wonderful feast at our new home, and were fortunate enough to spend the holiday with Aaron's parent, Rob and Linda, as well as my parents, Mickee, Aponi, and her brother Jed. I stiffed and roasted a turkey, and Aaron fried another turkey. I think we tied in the duel; they were both fantastic!

Here are some pictures of the dinner and the great time we had at the cabin towards the end of the weekend.

Twenty pounder!

Handsome boy!

His new toy...a turkey fryer!

Papa and Nona

Rob and Linda

Mickee and Aponi

I'm ready to ride the snowmobile! Let's go!

Cutest cousins

Chaos!

And all of the grandkids got to spend a little time with my Grandpa, who we haven't seen in a long time. It was very nice to be with him.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a happy Halloween! We sure did! Rowan was a pumpkin this year, and although he wasn't crazy about wearing his costume, he sure knows how to say "pumpkin" now! He is talking up a storm! Here are a few of his newest words:
Football
Broncos
Buckey (the broncos mascot)
set...go!
truck
bus
cereal
meme (pacifier)
monkey
lion
doggy

The list goes on and on, and he adds a new word everyday!

Anyway here a a few pics of our Halloween holiday. Enjoy!

The cutest dang pumpkin you ever did see!

We were clue characters, I was Ms. Peacock and Aaron was Mr. Green

Our 5 minute pumpkin masterpiece

We gave out good candy to the young kids, and soda to the older kids, and asked them not to toilet paper our house :)

A yummy pumpkin pizza!

Rowan loves candy!

Our new home!

2009-10-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

Wow! Moving into a new home really is one of life greatest times! After 2 1/2 months of negotiation and waiting, we finally moved into our new home! We painted Rowan's room, our room, and the upstairs bathroom. Forest green just isn't our style. I must say, it feels so right. Nice and warm and cozy just like our last home. The only difference is now we have more room (1350 more square feet!) and luxuries such as a 2 car garage with a pad for Aaron's trailer, Rowan has his own playroom, 1 1/2 more bathrooms, 4 more bedrooms, I have my own workout area, and a park in our back yard. We also adopted a whole clan of birds who hang out on our patio. But the most important thing is that it is in a good area, and we are still living within our means. I will post more pictures as we put the final touches on the place, but here are just a few for you to enjoy.

Try a Tri

2009-09-14T13:31:00.001-07:00

I did it! My very first sprint triathlon! I still haven't decided whether I will never do it again, or am completely hooked. This was a sprint version, so it was a 400 meter swim, 9 mile bike ride, and a 5k run. I am not sure what my exact time was because I took a couple wrong turns. But all in all, I finished and I feel I did pretty well! You would think that I would be a good swimmer, but I could definitly work on it!

Update

2009-09-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I really need to start updating this more often to keep all of you posted on what is going on. So that is my promise to you. Whether it be a big deal, or just a general update to keep you in the loop.

Today is pretty big, or at least I think so! We locked in on the loan, which brings us one step closer to our new home. This is taking forever but is worth the wait. We have been at my parents for about a month and a half now and it has actually gone by fast. Thanks again mom and dad for being so welcoming and generous!

So that's the news of the day. I will keep you posted!

Cheers,
Sarah

Rowan gets the operator

2009-09-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

My little guy is so dang funny! He walks around with the phone talking to who-knows-who in his own language, I can only understand a few words but it is complete entertainment watching him. ENJOY!

Nana's Memorial

2009-08-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

What a memorial! What a wonderful person! What a great family we have!
I just wanted to share the pictures of my Nana's memorial. We had a family BBQ on Saturday night, and the memorial at Storm Mountain on Sunday, where we looked through pictures and reminisced about al the fun times we had with Nana and growing up in her presence. A bunch of us trekked up the mountain to spread her ashes, while the rest of the family stayed at the bottom. We both released balloons at the same time just as we were about to spread the ashes. We buried the box nice and secure at the top. Now, everytime we look to the east and see the mountains, we can rest assured that she is watching over us and is in a better beautiful place, pain free and happy as always, surrounded by beauty. Her beauty!

Ruth M Brown "Nana"

2009-07-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe it. I will miss my Nana so much! She taught me so many things and set such a great example of love and strength. She never hesitated to say what was on her mind, and will take that lesson to heart. I will be forever grateful for having her in my life and know that she is still with us. I love you Nana.

Ruth M. Brown "Nana" RIVERTON- It is with great love and sorrow that the family of Ruth M. Brown announces the passing of a wonderfully unique woman. She left us on July 7, 2009 of natural causes. Born January 8, 1930 in Ogden, Utah to Jesse C. Merrihew and Ruth M. Green Merrihew. Married Frank W. Venneri, later divorced. Married Darrell H. Brown, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind six children, Shauna (John) Jones, Vickie Heaps, Randy Venneri, April McDonald, Tere (Chuck) Hoffhine, Robyn (Scott) Neal; three step children, MarJean (Gus) Boyd, Robert (Marsha) Brown, and Dick (Sherie) Brown; 21 grandchildren, 22.5 great-grandchildren, and loving dog and companion Callie. Ruth raised her children in her image with love and humor. They were her greatest pride and joy. She had an unbelievable connection with her grandchildren. She was always ready to laugh, and "oh boy, did she laugh". She loved hearing and telling jokes and for those who knew her well you'd never grow tired of hearing about her mouse tattoo (or lack thereof). Ruth loved to socialize and made many friends throughout her life that she infected with laughter and smiles. Ruth was often seen all dressed up, always the classy lady. At her home she was surrounded by a colorful garden of her own creation, which mirrored her personality. Her yard art was described as 'obnoxious' by her grandchildren, as were her outgoing approaches to strangers. She never met a child she didn't like and in a grocery store would embarrass those that she walked with by asking others "What isle did you find that baby on?" Ruth is now free to return to her youth and laugh with the passion that once defined her. She will now, and forever, enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee with Carolans Irish Cream, her newspaper in her lap, bent knees, and a pain-free peace of mind. Per Ruth's request she was cremated. A family memorial will be held in her beloved mountains. Donations can be made in her name to your favorite charity. She would appreciate your condolences through prayer, by planting a tree, or sharing a pack of spearmint lifesavers. Mom - Stop washing windows and run naked!

Goodbye Pioneer Avenue!

2009-07-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I don't update this as much. Things are crazy as we move out of our house THIS WEEKND! And no, we still don't have a new place to move into. Are we being too picky? I don't think so. I know there is no such thing as perfection, but the house that we will move into is where we will be for a long time (if not forever) so I want to make sure it is as close to perfection as possible. So far, no dice. In the meantime, we will be living with my parents. Thank you so much for opening up your house to us. We truly appreciate it. So long Pioneer Avenue! We will miss you! We have so many fun memories of decorating, building, bbq's and burning christmas trees in the backyard fire-pit! Not to mention when Aaron and I set foot in the house as newlyweds, or the day we brought Rowan home from the hospital! I hope the new owner takes care of it and it's sentimental garden that Aaron's grandparents originally planted.

Facebook withdrawals

2009-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Oh man, I had no idea how addicted I was to Facebook until they decided to deactivate my account; claiming that I had violated their terms of use. I am certain it was an accident, but we'll see. I might just have to get another account. But in the meantime; look at the opportunity! I didn't realize how long it had been since I have posted a blog entry!

Well where do I start? Rowan is almost 15 months already! Is this not the best birthday cake picture EVER?!?!
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We have listed the house for sale and are searching for our dream home; within our means, of course. Aaron is still working away landscaping yards and I am now working downtown from the new Children's Miracle Network office that they have been renovating for 2 years. It is gorgeous and fun working where all the action is!

We had Lagoon Day at work, and found that Rowan is not afraid of the rides at all!

Aquarium

2009-03-30T13:18:00.001-07:00

Rowan's first trip to the aquarium! It was Rowan's birthday and kind of yucky outside so we decided to take him to the aquarium on 106th at 7th. It was a lot better than I expected. I think the best part was the shark tank. Rowan didn't even flinch when they swam past him!

a day at the park!

2009-03-25T11:37:00.001-07:00

Rowan and Nona and I enjoyed our first day at the park last weekend. It was a little windy, but better than the 33 degree snow we are experiencing right now! He wasn't so sure about the grass, but with a little coaxing using grapes, we got him to crawl around on it a bit. He sure knows how to have fun :)

rowan's first birthday (celebrating early!)

2009-03-25T11:26:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Rowan's 1st birthday up at the cabin with my parents and Aaron's parents from South Carolina, as well as the Slacks and the Andersons. Wow, what a bunch! We had such a great time! We went sledding and snowboarding, had pizza and cake, and enjoyed everyone's company. There was one particularly special moment when Gavin gave us a hand made card for Rowan. I will have to scan it and upload it to share, but let me just tell you that Gavin is such a sweet soul and we love him so much. Thanks for the words of wisdom Gav!

Let's go faster grandpa!

Giving Izzy some love.

First cake! I made one for Steve too :)

ohhh, I like this stuff!

Thanks for towing us up the hill Brady!

A few new pictures

2009-02-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

He loves bath time!

Taking a nap with Grandma Linda....

And napping with Daddy...

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

I was feeling crafty! These are the Valentine's Rowan gave out at daycare and to his grandparents. I saw it in a magazine; just take Teddy Grahms and cinnamon bears and put the tag on it. Cute huh? I thought so :)

February update

2009-02-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I just don't update this enough, everything happens so fast! Anyway, Rowan is doing great. He is crawling all over the house and cruising (standing up to) anything he can get to. He let's his presence be known by laughing while he crawls, which is very helpful since it seems like he is always behind you. He is 46 weeks today (about 10 and a half months). I can't believe it. His latest milestones are, he can play patty cake, peek a boo, and Nona just taught him yesterday how to high-five! He is such a happy little guy, and even though it seems like he always has either a cold or an ear infection, spring is almost here and those things will be at bay.

Aaron is doing well, looking forward to spring as well, because that means a steady flow of work. He went to Boon's in January for a bonsai intensive workshop; he is very talented and lucky that he can pursue his passion. I am trying to get him published in Bonsai Europe magazine. They said they are always interested in new talent, so look for him on the cover soon!

Myself, I am just working away at Children's MIracle Network, buying lots of media and getting all our commercials produced to air in May. Otherwise, I have been spending a little time each night getting my business plan ready for a personal fitness training program I am working on. I still have a ways to go, but I just do a little at a time so I don't get overwhelmed. Aaron and I are also doing a little house-hunting. We found a home we like in East Sandy, so we'll see how that pans out.

I promise I won't wait so long in between posts. Take care everyone. We love you! Cheers :)

Cutest Baby Photo Contest

2009-01-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

So, I am entering Rowan into a Cutest baby photo contest, and need help deciding which ONE picture I should send in. If I had my way, I'd send them all, but I can't. So please email me to vote for your favorite out of these:

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T13:14:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! Rowan is about 9 months now. Other than the occasional cough and ear infection, he just received a clean bill of health from his pediatrician yesterday at his check up. We have the Christmas tree up on milk crates so that he won't pull it down. He is crawling (backwards) pivoting and can almost stinkbug with his butt up in the air. Aaron is plowing away, so as long as the snow is falling, he's making money.

Have a happy season everyone! Cheers!

I did it!

2008-11-25T15:28:00.001-08:00

I finally figured out how to apply a new background, all by myself :) Just had to share. It's the little things.....

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-11-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have the best mom in the world, and today we are celebrating because it is her birthday! She is my best friend, my role model and the best shopping partner you could ask for. I am so grateful for her and love her so much! Cheers to you mom; you are the BEST! Happy Birthday! (Isn't she beautiful?)

Happy Birthday Aaron!

2008-11-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

AARON IS 31 TODAY!

Happy Birthday Aaron! We just got back from a weekend getaway to Zion and visited my brother MIckee and his girlfriend, Aponi. We biked up the canyon, and conquered Angels Landing....all with 20 lb. Rowan in tow! Aaron also bought another fimo clay snake (it's an art piece from Jon Anderson). We had a blast, but unfortunately I have no pictures to post because I lost my camera! Oh well, it's just a material thing, but it breaks my heart because all of Rowan's baby videos are on there. Anyway, on the car ride, we were talking about how we met and our first few dates, and how crazy it is how time has gone by so fast; I was 19 and he was 22. This January, we will have been together for 9 wonderful years. Happy birthday babe! You are such a great husband and father, have a great day....you deserve it!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Rowan on his first Halloween! Yes, we decided to take him trick or treating. I know he is too young to remember, but we had tons of fun watching our neighbors expressions. He sure makes a cute turtle!!!

Mad Max 5/21/95-10/6/08

2008-10-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

The things Mad Max has taught me:
Mad Max taught me how to whistle! I had tried and tried before I got a dog, and once I got Max it just came to me!
He taught me that Pit Bull’s do not deserve the reputation they are given. They have so much potential; you must be a responsible owner, but they are incredible dogs!
He taught me how to be responsible. After all, I was only 14 when I got him.
He taught me to be optimistic “I just know there’s a bone on the other side of this pantry door!”
He taught me patience. “If I wait long enough, she’ll get me a bone”.
He taught me persistence. “If I ask and ask and ask, I know she’ll get me a bone.”
He taught me to enjoy the simple things in life; car rides, walks in the park, a cold drink of water, playing ball, belly rubs, treats, kisses.
He taught me how to be strong. I always admired his strength, physically and mentally.
He taught me what true determination is.
He taught me how to appreciate a day off. I was always so envious of him on the days I had to leave and go to work, while he lay on the bed the entire time I got ready. So on the days I got to stay home too, we would cuddle.
He taught me how to be silly. We would play hide and go seek all the time. We would chase each other around the house and once he turned his back, I’d hide in the closet and try not to crack up while watching him try to figure out where I was with a big smile on his face. Then I’d jump out of the closet and chase him and start all over again. When he would spazz out, we called it “going goofy”.
He taught me not to care what other’s think. You know, that tone of voice you use with a dog that is so humiliating, but who cares, “I wasn’t talking to you anyway”.
He taught me the right way to go about opening a Christmas present…with anticipation and gusto, and once it’s open, don’t stop there, keep at it and show the giver just how happy and thankful you are for your gift! And go ahead and play with it right then and there!
He taught me the true definition of unconditional love.
He taught me how to be a good mommy.
He taught me how to get through anything.
He taught me who to trust and who not to trust.
He taught me how to be loyal and true.
He taught me so much in our time together and I am so sad to have to let go. He will always be in my heart and I will always remember the things he has taught me. Mad Max was the best dog ever.
I know you are still with me; I love you Max!

He's 6 months already!

2008-09-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, time flies when you're having fun! Rowan turned 6 months on Friday. We bought him a high chair (finally) and took him to Red Butte while Aaron was helping out with the bonsai show.

Fall is here

2008-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

We had a great summer, but are so excited that fall is here. Aaron's season has slowed down, and Rowan is growing up so fast! We went up to Oktoberfest at Snowbird this weekend and saw the beautiful colors of the leaves turning. It was a little chilly, so we had to buy Rowan a fleece jacket.

The joys of parenthood

2008-09-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

While waiting for Mom to get his bath ready, Rowan couldn't hold it in and peed all over Dad! Awww, the joys of parenthood!

Golf much?

2008-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Big Bro was in town...aces were in the air....too bad the wind was blowing! Oh well, at least we tried.

Can't wait for Halloween!

2008-09-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't he the cutest turtle ever?!?!

Grandparents Day

2008-09-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Grandparent's Day! Rowan is one lucky kid to have such a great Grandpa and Nonna!

Rowan loves Max

2008-08-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Rowan loves Max and Max loves Rowan! Here is Max making Rowan giggle; it warms my heart :)

Rowan is 5 months old today!

2008-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast time has gone by! Rowan is 5 months old today! This picture was taken a few weeks ago, isn't he the cutest?!?!?

new

2007-10-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

This our first post. We will keep you all updated on our family here. Cheers! -Aaron and Sarah