combining multiple files into one PDF without it being portfolio

it is ridiculous that adobe has made such a simple task so complicated! every time I try to combine multiple files; other pdfs, jpgs, etc., it ALWAYS saves the files as portfolio. all I am trying to do is simply convert the files and combine to send ONE small file.  the solution I found online was to collect then print as pdf? and even THAT doesn't work!!!!! what kind of ridiculous solution is THAT? I've been using acrobat for YEARS and it's frustrating that they still haven't streamlined that process!!!!