Steve, Kelly, Cooper & Payton

Victorious...and a few other things

2010-08-26T08:30:00.001-07:00

Well ladies I did it!! I beat Steve in our first weigh in. I lost 3 pounds and he lost only 2!! I'm just hoping that I can keep up my momentum, it's been much harder this week to watch what I'm eating! I feel tempted by my thoughts, and my husband. For example...I have been CRAVING carne asada burritos like crazy!! So yesterday my sweet husband calls me from the drive thru of Rancheritos to ask me if I would like one. I was looking at my already made ham sandwich made on a dinky sandwich thin while he was tempting me and the internal struggle was fierce!! But i turned him down and ate my 200 calorie sandwich...it's a little fat girl victory.And here's a few other things that have been happening:

I finally got a new phone!! Yeah!! AND IT'S AWESOME!! Who knew that downloading apps could be so fun (and time consuming, my house and it's condition are proof of that!). My favorite apps are the gospel library (full set of scriptures on my phone...yeah!), calorie counter (no more searching the internet for what i can eat before we leave the house), and of course the games!! And did I mention that the camera is 8 megapixels...that's killing 2 birds with one stone! So now lets see if I can get those pics off the phone to the blog...

Here's some of the pics I have taken...these clouds were so amazing to me, I've never seen clouds like this before and there they were just hanging out over my house on a Thursday afternoon, so apparently these are mammatus clouds....because well simply put they look like boobs ;) The funny thing is that at girls camp one of the classes we went to was about clouds and they handed out a book that had a picture of these clouds and I remember thinking that they looked pretty cool.
Funny times at work, I don't know why but lately at work we have been making each other faces on our sandwiches (sometimes it's really evident that I work with really young people and that I too may act a little young :) ) Anyway...here's a little sandwich art

With the weather cooling down a bit at night, and trying not to eat at night....we have been finding ourselves at the park quite a bit lately. It's weird to think that I have finally made it to the point where I can sit on the sidelines and watch my boys play rather than trying to squeeze myself around and through the playground following and ready to catch at a moments notice. I can honestly say that I truly enjoy the park!!

And last but not least, with the short approach of preschool we had to get a backpack (since we've been talking about it all summer!) and since Cooper was getting one, Payton had to have one too! Can I just mention how much I love Kohl's!! We got these 2 nifty backpacks for only $7!! I guess I know how to Kohls!! I just think they look so cute with their oversized backpacks on and ready to go.

Diets, Skinny girls, and Venting!!

2010-08-18T16:38:00.001-07:00

So still no camera which means still no pictures UNLESS I dare to use Steve's new expensive camera (and I'm still a little nervous to pull it out!!). Anyway...

Steve and I have been noticing lately that we are getting chubbier and chubbier around the middle (and for me around every body part I own)

so we decided to challenge each other to a little weight loss competition! We weighed in on Tuesday and well that proved to be very disappointing!! But alas our weights have been recorded and the competition has begun. We will weigh in every Tuesday and the winner of the week will receive 2 hours of personal free time...no questions asked!! I can't think of a better reward! side note...Steve weighed himself this morning (totally against the rules) and he informed me that he has already lost 1 1/2 pounds!! Let me fill you in on what he ate yesterday... weightloss shake, 3 slices of turkey bacon, 3/4 of a meatball footlong, 2 REGULAR Pepsi's, and an entire thin crust pepperoni pizza (minus 2 pieces)!! UNBELIEVABLE!! If I ate that in one day, I'm sure the scale would show an extreme weight gain...I may have my work cut out for me!

Which leads me to a little venting...last night I was with a group of ladies and we were talking about...weight! My most favorite topic...NOT!! Especially since lately I've noticed that I'm the fattest person in the room a lot lately!! Which let me tell you is a really horrible feeling. Anyway, the skinniest girl in the group was complaining about how fat she is, and she has a huge stomach blah, blah, blah! There really is nothing more annoying to me than a skinny woman complaining about the size of her stomach when I'm sitting right across from her. Now I know that skinny women are allowed to have their fat days and they can complain about their body being different than it was maybe in years past, but please do NOT call yourself fat when I'm sitting across from you...I can only imagine what you might think of my stomach!!

And back to the camera situation...Steve convinced me that my next phone would have such nice camera on it that I wouldn't need to buy a camera. HOWEVER apparantly that super nice phone with the super nice camera just happens to be the one that everyone in America would also like to own...so I will continue to wait for a new phone (which has been long needed) and the camera that I'm assured will be awesome. We shall see!!

A Splashing Good Time!!

2010-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last week we needed to go down to Cabellas (which is like going to Disneyland for Steve) and since we were down in that neck of the woods we decided to visit a splash park that my friend Kenzie told us about...so a big thanks to you Kenz, because this place did NOT disappoint!!

This splash park had it all...a waterfall, river, rocks with water bubbling out of them, and a splash pad!!
Coop's going to hate me for this one when he's older!!
These 2 boys....I mean 3 boys had the time of their lives relaxing in the river!!
Payton was so funny on this rock! He would cover the water with his legs and then slowly open his legs so that the water would splash him in the face. He was belly laughing so hard that it was just hilarious!
It was a successful end of the day that I'm sure could have lasted much much longer! So while we were there Steve's wheels were turning in his head on how to do this in our own backyard (don't hold your breath!!). Nibley has in the works a splash pad coming soon...let's all pray that it can be half as cool as this one is! And if you are ever in Highland Utah check it out!!

Finally it kicked the bucket!!

2010-07-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

So I have had the worst point and shoot camera that I think has ever existed!! It drained the life right out of any batteries that it ever stored, it never captured the picture when I pushed the button...yet waited a while and then took the picture (man it's a good thing we don't have to develop all the pictures!!), and it was just plain temperamental!! So now that I'm blogging again, it's time to buckle down and start looking for a new user FRIENDLY camera!! So until then, pictures may be a little few and far between!! Hey this may be a perfect time to catch up on the last year and a half!!

466 days later...

2010-07-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

I really kick myself for not updating my blog for 466 days!! I cannot believe how much has happened in that time, and I wish that I would have plopped myself down to journal it all out! All I can do now is promise that it wont happen again! I guess I stopped blogging for a while because in reading everyone else's blog my life started to feel a little boring! But lately I have been catching up on blogs and I have a new respect for enjoying everyone's fun times, fun crafts, yummy recipes, and great spiritual lessons. I am also jealous that they have a very detailed record of the fun times they have had with their family, the messes their kids got into, the great deal that they found, and the things they have learned about themselves. So instead of being jealous I am jumping back on the band wagon. For my own personal journaling I will be doing a little backtracking every now and again!! But I'm back and I'm excited about it!!

So to begin I would like to share a few funny things that have been said in the past couple of weeks by the one and only...Cooper!!

We were at Costa Vida one night for dinner and I had to take Cooper to the restroom, upon entering we noticed they had a black toilet and this is the conversation that transpired

Cooper: "Look Mom, they have a black toilet"

Me: "Yep they sure do"

Cooper: "Well I don't know about you, but I haven't seen one of those in ages"

At the beginning of the summer we started eating dinner outside on the deck, and before we started to eat Cooper stretched his arms behind his head and said, "this is the life"

We have also been trying to take the boys to the Aquatic Center once a week and this last week I got Payton to go down the waterslide with me. He was so funny and the whole way down he yelled out, "yippee" and then when we got to the stairs I asked him if he had fun and all he could say was, "again!"

Well that's all for now, but you can expect to hear from me shortly...I have a LOT of catching up to do!!

From the mouth of Cooper...

2009-04-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

So my friend Kenzie has one of the funniest kids on the planet and every once in a while she posts something funny that she has said...well Coop has been saying some pretty funny things lately and I keep thinking I need to write them down before I forget, so here's a few funnies from the mouth of Coop...

We are fully potty trained now, but in the beginning there were lots of very thought provoking things that have come out of Coop's mouth, he's sitting on the toilet and all of a sudden his eyes get huge and he says, "mom! my pee is touching my poop!"

We have been sick ALOT lately, but most recently we took Coop to Instacare (we found out on this trip that he has pneumonia) where he had a different doctor than normal and she was a woman so I said to Coop, "was your doctor a girl?" and he said, "no, she was a LADY!"

Happy Birthday Steve-O!!

2009-03-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well the old man is getting older...hehehehe!! The hair is becoming more salt than pepper and my love for you is greater everyday!! So for your 35th Birthday I would like to share 35 Things I love about you!!

1. You tell me "I love you" everytime we say good bye on the phone

2. You know how to do the "worm"

3. You have regular dance parties with the boys in the front room,,,white boy can really busta move!!

4. You get giddy when I buy your favorite snacks and pepsi at the store.

5. You cook dinner every night...well almost every night.

6. You always drive.

7. You always fill the cars up with gas.

8. You love to dream big.

9. You love our boys!

10. You are never afraid to show your emotions.

11. You always miss me, even if I'm only gone for a few minutes.

12. You love me no matter what I look like or if I'm still in jammies at 5:00.

13. You can still make me laugh!

14. You love to watch chick movies!

15. You always like what I order at restaurants better than what you order...unless of course you order chicken fried steak.

16. You like to shop as much as I do.

17. You like all the same restaurants as me.

18. You support me when I am losing weight, and encourage me when I want to give up.

19. You are patient with my indecisiveness.

20. You are the one that gets up with the cats 20 times a night to let them in and out.

21. You always make sure that I get what I want.

22. You don't care that I am a horrible housekeeper!

23. You love the gospel.

24. I love it when you sing to the boys, and I love the way they look at you while you are doing it.

25. I love how with each year we grow closer.

26. I love that you are always willing to listen, and then talk.

27. I love that you can finish my sentences.

28. I love that you would never let anyone say something bad about me or be mean to me in any way...you've always got my back!

29. I love that you had the foresight to plant tons of trees in the yard, so we could sit in the shade and enjoy the summer!

30. I love your confidence.

31. I love your determination.

32. I love the way you hug and don't let go.

33. I love that you forgive and forget.

34. I love your soft hands.

35. I love you, your smile, your spirit, your attitude.

Thanks for finally giving in and marrying me!! I love you and I hope that you have a wonderful birthday!!

Happy Birthday Squishy!!

2009-03-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Squishy!! A little apprehensive about the flaming candle, weird considering I really thought he had NO fear!!
A few gifts...the look on his face is like he already knows that it's just clothes!

And finally the cake...why do my kids eat their first piece of cake so daintily? He just stuck his finger in it a couple of times and then that was it!

UP UP and AWAY!!!

I never knew that 1 year could fly by so fast!! It was Payton's birthday on Thursday and I just cannot believe it!! He has been such an amazing addition to our family. He has a smile that consumes his face, a giggle that makes everyone else giggle, an inquisitive mind, and a determination like I have never seen!! We love you Payton!!

A few BIG milestones!!

2009-03-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't have any pictures to post, but I do have a few milestones to post!! I have to announce this in all caps,

COOPER IS FINALLY POTTY TRAINED!!

We are now 6 days with only 2 accidents...and we have stayed dry every night but one!! I have never been so proud to see my little boy produce a #2 in the toilet! I seriously danced around the house and truly did not stop smiling for the entire day! I cannot believe how hard it was and how rewarding it has been. Thank you Cooper for FINALLY succombing the the #2's!!

And equally as exciting!!! My baby boy Payton is definitely now a walker!! Granted, he may look like Frankenstein. He has been flirting with walking for weeks now, but this last week he has totally started walking. He used to walk just between 2 people, but all of a sudden this last week he will just stand up in the middle of the room and take off. It has been so exciting to see him just waddle across the room, and then through the week see the confidence and the speed increase. He is such an amazing kid, and such a fast learner!

This has been an amazing week for me, I truly am so proud of my 2 little guys and I am so excited to see them growing up before my very eyes!!

PAYTONS FIRST HAIRCUT

2009-02-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well, my baby is now a BIG BOY!! It's official now that he has had his first haircut!! Why is it that when your baby gets his first haircut he doesn't look like a baby anymore? He obviously isn't enjoying his first spa experience?
A rare calm moment...

A little manipulation to even out the neck...YIKES!!

This was maybe more painful than routine immunizations!

I am so sorry that we don't have a final picture (there is one to come, Steve is setting up a photo shoot soon to show off our handsome haircut!).

BED TIME STORIES

2009-02-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

The other night I came in to read Coop stories before bed, and I found a stowaway!! They were both tucked under the covers and giggling and it was just too funny!! So the more the merrier!

13 pounds down...

2009-02-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well I am proud to say that I now have lost 13 pounds since January 16th!! My sister and her family have also been trying to lose weight, and we share our frustrations with one another...one of which is DINNER!! Dinner, when you are trying to lose weight, can be the saddest, and most frustrating part of the day. So I've decided to do my part and share what we're having for dinner for the week...nutritional facts included (well some, I only count calories...not fat or sugar or carbs, because guess what you need those things!!). Anyway, here is our menu for the week...

Easy Beef and Broccoli (kraftfoods.com)
What You Need
2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
1 Tbsp. oil
1 lb. beef stir-fry strips
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup KRAFT CATALINA Dressing
1 Tbsp. grated gingerroot
Make It
COOK rice as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add meat; cook 3 min. or until evenly browned, stirring frequently.
ADD broccoli, hoisin sauce, dressing and gingerroot; stir. Cover. Cook 5 min. or until heated through.
SERVE over the rice.
1-3/4 Cups serving size, 440 calories

Deep Dish Chicken Pot Pie (kraftfoods.com)
What You Need
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)
Make It
HEAT oven to 375°F. Cook chicken in dressing in large skillet on medium heat 2 min. Add Neufchatel cheese; cook and stir until melted. Add flour; mix well. Add broth and vegetables; simmer 5 min.
POUR mixture into deep dish 10-inch pie plate. Arrange pie crust over filling; flute edges. Cut 4 slits in crust to allow steam to escape.
BAKE 30 min. or until crust is golden brown.
Makes 6 servings
330 calories per serving

Beef Fajitas (kraftfoods.com)
What You Need!
1-1/2 lb. beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
1/2 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing, divided
2 large green peppers, cut into strips
1 large onion, cut into wedges
16 TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Flour Tortillas, warmed
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream
1/2 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
Make It!
COMBINE steak and 1/4 cup of the dressing in glass bowl; cover. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours to marinate, stirring occasionally. Remove steak; discard marinade.
COOK steak in remaining 1/4 cup dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat in 5 to 6 min. or until no longer pink. Remove steak; keep warm.
ADD peppers and onion; cook until tender. Add steak; cook until heated through. Serve in warm tortillas topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa.
2 fajitas/ 430 calories

Chicken Lo Mein (Kraftfoods.com)
What You Need!
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
1/4 cup KRAFT Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen bell pepper and onion strips, thawed, drained (I 1 fresh bell pepper, and 1 fresh onion)
1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. peanut butter
1/4 cup lite soy sauce
2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. chopped PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts
Make It!
COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic; stir-fry 3 min. or until chicken is no longer pink. Add peppers, onions, broth and peanut butter; stir-fry an additional 3 to 4 min. or until chicken is cooked through.
DRAIN spaghetti; return to pan. Add chicken mixture and soy sauce; mix well. Spoon onto serving platter; sprinkle with cilantro and peanuts.
serving size is 2 cups/ 490 calories

Simply Glazed Pork Chop Dinner (kraftfoods.com)
What You Need
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
3 cups small broccoli florets
4 bone-in pork chops (1-1/4 lb.), 1/2 inch thick
1/4 cup KRAFT Light CATALINA Dressing
1/4 cup orange juice
3 Tbsp. maple-flavored or pancake syrup
2 Tbsp. sliced PLANTERS Almonds, toasted
Make It
BRING broth to boil in medium saucepan on medium-high heat; stir in rice. Cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 3 min. Add broccoli; stir. Cover; simmer an additional 2 min. Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. or until broth is completely absorbed.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Add chops; cook 4 min. on each side or until lightly browned on both sides and cooked through (160°F). Remove from skillet; cover to keep warm.
ADD dressing, orange juice and syrup to skillet. Bring to boil on medium-high heat; cook 3 min. or until sauce is reduced by one half. Serve chops and rice drizzled with the sauce; sprinkle with almonds.
makes 4 servings, 480 calories

Farmhouse Chicken Dinner (kraftfoods.com)
What You Need
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 small bone-in chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.), skin removed
1/4 cup KRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing
2 cups baby carrots
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Make It
MIX flour and pepper in shallow dish. Add chicken; turn to evenly coat both sides of each piece with flour mixture. Gently shake off excess flour mixture; set aside. Heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken, meat-side down; cook 5 to 6 min. or until golden brown. Turn chicken; add carrots, onions and 1 cup of the broth. Cover. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 20 min. or until carrots are tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
MEANWHILE, cook rice as directed on package. Spoon onto serving platter. Use slotted spoon to remove chicken and vegetables from skillet; place over rice. Cover to keep warm.
ADD Neufchatel cheese and remaining broth to skillet; increase heat to high. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is well blended, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 3 to 5 min. or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Spoon over chicken and vegetables; sprinkle with parsley.
makes 4 servings, 490 calories

As you can see I LOVE kraftfoods.com!!! They always have the nutritional info which is so handy when you are counting calories AND I have tried very few recipes on their site that I haven't liked. So I hope, for any of you who are trying to lose a few pounds, that this is handy. I suggest going to kraftfoods.com and looking these recipes up (they always have pictures).

Oh and I almost forgot to mention... I have (I hate to admit this) lost 60 + pounds twice, and I have to say that one of the most important things that you MUST do is give yourself one day off a week!! No calorie counting, no guilt, also no over indulgence. I think you have to do this to 1. keep yourself sane, 2. it's important to do this so you don't feel the need to cheat during the week, 3. it's a good chance to start to learn how to use portion control without calculating every calorie you are consuming.

Oh where oh where have all the Clark's gone?

2009-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

So you know when you get behind on your blog and you have every intention of catching up, but then so much time has gone by that you now don't have time to do the catching up that you wanted to do? Well I have finally conceded to my procrastination and good intentions! Here are all of the pictures that I wanted to post and just couldn't get around to...

Oh remember when there were leaves on the trees and no snow on the ground?
OK, this just shows how far behind I really am on posting!!

Me, Yoda?

Mooska Meeska MICKEY MOUSE!!

What a cute little guy!!

Oh yeah, this is definitely where the wild things are!!

Me, Yoda too!!

Pretty blue eyes!!

My little 4-wheelin baby!!

The other day we were on a play date and Cooper started singing the Spiderman song and the little boy that we were playing with said, "That's not how that song goes. It goes Spider pig Spider Pig..." I guess we missed that one!

Sweet toothless baby!! I miss those gummy smiles! We now have 4 teeth with 4 more trying to work their way through...thank heavens for teething tablets!

Coop informed me that he's not allowed to jump on the bed, but I never said that he couldn't jump on the couch...he caught me on a technicality...smarty pants!

This little monkey gets into EVERYTHING!! I am constantly amazed at what he can do, he is so curious and smart!!

Coop put the finishing touch on the tree...the star

PIZZA FACE!!

And last but not least...last night Cooper came upstairs with a mischevious grin and a blue face. He said he was trying to look like Cookie Monster, I always knew Sesame Street was a bad influence! No worries though it wasn't a permanent marker (thank heavens) and it came off pretty easily! It's hard to discipline when you can't talk because you are laughing to hard!!

Christmas Tag

2008-12-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine had this posted on her blog, so I thought I would tag a few of you out there in blog land. Copy to your blog...and don't be a SCROOGE!
WRAPPING PAPER OR GIFT BAGS? wrapping paper
REAL OR ARTIFICIAL TREE? Artificial - the hold more decorations!
WHEN DO YOU PUT UP THE TREE? Always the day after Thanksgiving
WHEN DO YOU TAKE THE TREE DOWN? Within a week after Christmas is over
DO YOU LIKE EGGNOG? No
FAVORITE GIFT RECEIVED AS A CHILD? Cabbage Patch doll, her name was Leanna Lorelle and I am pretty sure my mom risked life and limb to make this Christmas wish happen
WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVERY RECEIVED? I know there has been one, but I just don't know if it's smart to share...someone may get offended, besides it's the thought that counts.
HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR? My parents and Steve's parents
EASIEST PERSON TO BUY FOR? Cooper and Payton
DO YOU HAVE A NATIVITY SCENE? Yes - I have 4
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE? Christmas Vacation
WHEN DO YOU START SHOPPING? Day after Thanksgiving, something about the thrill of a good deal is so enticing to me, however since Cooper came around, Steve has been the one to face the crowds...I go later in the day when the crowds have died down.
HAVE YOU EVER RE-GIFTED A GIFT? No.
FAVORITE THING TO EAT AT CHRISTMAS? Turtles, what's not to love about chocolate, caramel and pecans
COLOR OF LIGHTS ON THE TREE? White
FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG? "I'll Be Home for Christmas" sung by Donny Osmond
TRAVEL AT CHRISTMAS OR STAY HOME? Stay Home
CAN YOU NAME ALL OF SANTA'S REINDEER? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph
ANGEL OR STAR ON TOP OF THE TREE? Star
WHEN DO YOU OPEN PRESENTS - CHRISTMAS EVE OR CHRISTMAS DAY? Both - we open Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve, and we get to open cousin gifts and gifts from my parents
MOST ANNOYING THING ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR? Greed. I wish I was able to get Christmas for every child who may not have Christmas, and take away Christmas from every kid with a Christmas list a mile long.
FAVORITE ORNAMENT ON THE TREE? Our tree is jeweled fruit, so the favorite fruit oranament is the grapes
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? My family all around me, and a scentsy candle.

I tag Lonna, Tawnia, Melissa, and Kenzie.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!

All Aboard the Snow Train!!

2008-12-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well the day has finally arrived that Steve has been waiting for!! For the last 3 years and 12 days Steve has been waiting to play in the snow with Cooper. They had so much fun and they built this really cute snow train! We had quite a congregation of kids looking at the train on their way home from school and Cooper kept yelling, "ALL ABOARD!!" The art of packing the snow just right...
The architects

Food coloring, and a spray bottle...

And VOILA!!!

WOWEE!! COOPER TURNS 3!!

2008-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Superman birthday cake of course!!
Superman t-shirt... check( I should have gotten 2 because I know this will be what he wants to wear everyday!!)

The anticipation is so exciting...

Super cool geo trax airport!! If I would've known how cool this toy was I would have made up some excuse to get it earlier!! It is so cool and so fun! Coop has played with it for hours and hours!!

Well I can't believe it, but Cooper turned 3 on Friday! I honestly cannot believe that he's been around for 3 years. He is a great kid and watching him grow and learn has been one of the greatest joys of my life. He is such a funny kid and so imaginative. This year we went from talking about basketball and playing basketball all the time, to loving trains and superheroes. His little imagination is on overdrive all day switching back and forth between batman and superman and driving trains through tunnels and over bridges. And of course I (batgirl, supergirl, or Robin) have loved playing along!! And of course we became a big brother this year. I love watching these two together. Payton absolutely in enthralled with all things Cooper and Cooper watches out for him. Lately they have been playing TOGETHER!! For the past few months every toy commercial that comes on TV is followed with, "I can get that for my birthday!" and as a result opening presents this year has been so much fun!!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-11-30T22:05:00.001-08:00

Well from the events of the day, you wouldn't know that Steve and I are celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary...Cooper is sick (what else is new), and the day became a wash because we are both tired and confined to home so as not to spread the stomach flu. Nonetheless, our wedding day has been playing like a movie in my mind and I feel like it was yesterday, not 6 years ago!! I looked through our wedding pictures today and had forgotten that some people had been there and that some had not, I was surprised how different everyone looked, and I laughed at the family pictures of Steve and I with all of the nieces and nephews...so many new ones have come, and one has gone. But what didn't surprise me was how quickly the memories of my time with Steve on that day came. I remember very clearly walking down the hall in the temple to be united with him. He looked radiant. I remember sitting in a sealing room alone, and laughing over trivial things, like it was any ordinary day. I remember prompting him to say "yes" from across the altar when the time came. I remember the way his hands felt in my hands, mostly because they still feel the same way. I remember being so tired and running solely on adrenaline. I remember feeling overwhelmed before our reception and Steve sensing that and scooping me up off the floor to dance me back to a calm state. And I remember watching the clock waiting for the reception to be over so I could have him all to myself. We have made it through trials that I never thought we would have to face, and through joys that I never knew were possible. We have brought 2 amazing boys into this world, and I am always amazed that we made them!! He is truly my best friend and I know that we can do anything as long as we do it together! I love you Steve!! Happy Anniversary!

Have you ever...

2008-11-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

I pulled this off of my friend Lonna's blog. I thought this was a fun list to share, and I hope others do it too! Just copy and paste the list and the highlight the ones you have done. I am so far behind on posting pictures that maybe this will give me the motivation to get blogging again. And here we go.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band, the oboe in 6th grade, a band is a band!!
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea, not at sea but over a lake
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child, nope but I have adopted cats!!
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train, nope but many an overnight bus trip...no fun!
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked, when I was 12 or 13 all the way to the mall, fortunately a friend's mom was the one that picked us up!
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Ran a Marathon, no, but I will run a half marathon in JUNE!!
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run--if kickball counts then yes.
32. Been on a cruise, just a lake cruise which was absolutely fantastic, and I hope to go on a REAL one someday.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied, not anymore but it was fun while it lasted.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie, just the home variety.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies--nope but I sure have eaten my fair share.
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy, not a toy, but a book.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life, my brother saved mine, I fell through the ice in the dead of winter, and he pulled me out...thanks Bob
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club, anyone who has read Twilight belongs to a club!!
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

BATMAN

2008-10-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Cooper was ab;e to see one of his hero's at the pumpkin walk this year. He is very into superhero's and we often hear him singing the batman and superman theme songs.
Here is our little superhero in action.

When he is in this costume he does not refer to us as Mom, Dad, and Payton. It is Robin, the Joker and the incredible hulk.

To the bat Cave Robin!

Just a Happy Baby!!

2008-10-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just a little post about Payton! He is such a happy baby and we love having him around. You know they always say that your first 2 babies are complete opposites, well that's true for us in so many ways...but we were incredibly blessed to have 2 happy, smiley kids!! There are a few differences...Payton is a EATER!! He eats like crazy, he is one of those kids that if you put a cereal on his high chair tray he will stay there happily content for a LONG time. Payton sleeps on his own...HALLELUJAH! Cooper was terrible about going to sleep in his crib, as a matter of fact we hardly even used it with Coop. He is incredibly curious and everything goes in his mouth. He has really started to be able to get around and we have to make sure the coast is clear because we know if there is the slightest crumb on the ground it's going in. The list goes on and on but I am still befuddled about how different they look. Cooper has the whitest hair, and these beautiful milk chocolate eyes and they Payton comes along with brown hair (which is going a little on the blonde side) and these beautiful dark blue eyes. We love the differences and just can't get enough of these two!!

Fun with Kyle

2008-10-18T19:45:00.001-07:00

It's been a fun filled weekend with our cousin Kyles. Yes Kyles. On Thursday and Friday we got to play with Kyle Dorius and then today we got to play with Kyle Bollschweiler. Cooper loves his Kyles! I wish we could see them more often! Thank you Kyles for making our days so much fun!

My personal challenge!!

2008-10-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

In my failing efforts to drop a few pounds...I have finally decided that what I really need is a personal challenge, something I can work towards. And I'm not talking about a day at the spa or new clothes (those you can have or do anytime) I mean something to really work towards. So I am putting it out there...I have decided to train for a half marathon! I will be running in the Bear Lake Half Marathon in June. I have conned Emily Merkley to run it with me...I didn't want to have to suffer through it alone! Anyway the more I think about it the more excited I am. I am so excited to have a goal that I can see all the way to the finish. It's kind of like giving birth you spend all this time waiting to get it over with and then when you do, you think, "I did it! I pushed the baby out!" that moment after with all of the adrenaline flowing is what I am seeking (and losing weight along the way will be great too!). Anyway I am putting it out there, so now I am absolutely committed to following through, cuz people know about it now. So Em, can't wait to run 13.1 miles with you in June!!

Can you guess what I'm doin?

2008-10-09T08:05:00.001-07:00

My poor kids. They are going to have to go through a life of their parents embarrassing them. This is how Payton wanted to pose for our morning photo session in the crib. Now for all you who don't know the slang Paytons crib is his home, the hood where the homy hangs out. Or, it might just be his crib. Sorry Payte for sharing your morning BM with the world.

I Vant to suck your BLOOD!!

2008-10-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Some friends of ours brought over this cute little binky, and it is hilarious!! It's funny to see our cute little Payt with vampire fangs!!

It was a ZOO-tiful day!!

2008-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful that summer decided to stick around a little longer than normal, because everything that was on our summer to do list, didn't quite get accomplished. So we took advantage of the great weather and headed to the zoo!!
I think Cooper truly believed that Spiderman had been to the zoo and spun one of his mighty webs...
Coming out of the SPOOKY OLD TREE...

Oh to be as tall as a giraffe, here is daddy and Cooper trying to measure up!

Even Squishy was enjoying all of the animals!!
What a grrrrreat time we had with the lions and tigers and bears...oh my!

Crocodile Coopee

And the highlight of our trip...the 3 minute train ride!!! I wish I had a video to share of this whole experience, because I have never seen ANYONE so beside themselves with happiness, thrill, and joy. He had to give the conductor a ticket, the conductor yelled, "ALL ABOARD!!", blew the whistle quite a few times, and away we went!!
And who would've known that a huge granite ball with water would be another huge highlight. Who needs animals when you have slides that look like snakes, granite balls with water, and a miniature train?

I love this drinking fountain... I remember it from my days of childhood... so does Steve.

And I don't know why, but my favorite animal at the zoo is the elephant, I just can't help to think that they are so cute and huge at the same time!

Fun with cousins at Bear Lake!!

2008-09-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

We absolutely love to play at Bear Lake, so I'm not exactly sure why we only make it up there once a year... but at least we make it once. This year we took Brian, Alison, Evan, and Miss Mia with us, and we had so much fun!! We started out with a little football on the beach

Here is the cute Miss Mia and Atsy, the wind was blowing so hard, it was hard not to squint to keep the sand out
Squishy didn't mind the wind...he just loves to be outside and to be a part of the action, and of course having our favorite toy to chew on didn't hurt

When you have lame parents who forget beach toys, you are forced to improvise... nice work boys!!
Don't get swept away...
Boys + Sand = FUN FUN FUN!!
Me and Payton trying not to blow away. He is such a happy baby!!

When we got to Bear Lake it was a nice 80 degrees, and then the storm rolled in and we were forced to leave... quickly! The temperature dropped to 59 degrees and it was frigid!! It was a short, impromptu trip that turned out to be so much fun. Can't wait to go back again... maybe next year.

Food for thought!!

2008-09-07T09:34:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe that it's time to feed this kid food! Didn't we just bring him home? We started trying to feed him cereal a couple of months ago, but it was NOT received well. So after lots of trying we have finally found success!! And now he can't get enough!
And we have even branched out...

here is an attempt at SQUASH...

That's kind of how I feel about squash too.

the Lazy Days of Summer

2008-07-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took the family camping with Steve's parents ...and it was oh so relaxing. You can imagine how relaxing sitting in a hammock with a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 month old!!

As soon as we stepped out of the truck and he surveyed the campsite, he looked at me and said, "I love this place!" He was dirty from the time that he got out of the truck, to the time we got back in 2 days later to go home and he was in heaven!! As you can see here he also loved that Grandma brought plenty of cans of lemonade and pop. It didn't matter whose can it was, it always ended up in Cooper's hands!

I'm here to pump you up.

2008-07-21T15:19:00.001-07:00

I know I know he's huge!
If you ask Cooper to flex his muscles this is what you get. Sometimes it looks like he is doing the Hakka (polynesian war dance). Anyway your kid better not mess with my kid or he might just slap him with his half way to the floor wet diaper or blind them with that mayonaise skin. Either way your kid is toast.

A Fishing Tale

2008-07-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a dad who was excited to teach his young son the ways of fishing... The dad was proud of his skill and brought along his mother who used to fish with him as a child, as he now taught his child...
The father taught the son the proper bait to be used to catch the biggest fish in all the pond...worms and corn of course...
The cast was set and the anticipation was contagious as we waited to see what skill and preparation would hook us on the end of the line...
we waited, and waited...
and waited...
And soon the young son grew tired and hungry and began eating the bait himself, the corn not the worms...
Soon, the young mother felt it was her turn to try and catch the fish they had been seeking all day. So with her young sons on her lap she cast the line, posed for a picture, and reeled in the mighty (and only) catch of the day...
With pride and hesitation the young son finally saw the fish...
THE END!!

It was a HAPPY 3rd, 4th, and 5th!!

2008-07-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ooh it was hot! We brought frozen water bottles and Cooper thought it was so funny that there was ice in the bottle...oh simple pleasures!

Poor Squishy was so hot, but what a trooper!

Here we are!! We were at the end of the parade route, this is Steve's strategy, and it paid off! Everyone was trying to unload their candy before they were done!

Oh the aniticipation!!
This is the infamous, I hear about him at least once a day..."my Kyle"

Thank you Logan City for always celebrating the fourth of July on the third!! It was such a good way to kick off the holiday weekend. We have been anticipating this day since last year... Cooper was very afraid of the fireworks because he's very "sound sensitive" but we overcame our fear and became obsessed with fireworks and we have been watching them on youtube, so we were so excited to see them this year. But wouldn't you know it, he was still afraid and after only a few fireworks blasting off, he was saying he wanted to go home... we will try again next year! We had a great weekend though, and Cooper was in utter bliss having his favorite cousin Kyle here for the whole weekend...and Payton was absolutely loving being held by anyone and everyone all day long! The parade in Hyrum paid off in candy and it was lots of fun.

Hot Pop go BOOM!

2008-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to get gas for Kelly's car so she could take it today down to Ogden. But, when I sat down in her car I was met with a sticky suprise. At first I was perplexed I didn' know what on earth could have ade such a sticky mess. Fnny enough it smelled like Pepsi, (oh! sweet nector of the gods) but there was nothing sweet about this Pepsi. We had the sticky car straight from Hell. We hadn't used Kelly's car for a couple of day so it had sat in the driveway and heated up a can of unopened Pepsi we had left in there. Sure enough the myth is true, a can of pop if left in a hot car will heat to an unknown temp and go boom. I can imagine the explosion by the looks of the inside of her car. So I guess I will be forking out some dough for a good detailing and shampoo. Think of all the pepsi I could have bought with that money. ( you know what I mean Kenzie)

So today's lesson is...

never leave an unnopened can of Pop in a hot car.

One year ago today...

2008-06-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I had a rough night last night. Payton has a cold and he was so stuffed up that the only way he could sleep was to sleep sitting up, so I was up with him most of the night sitting in a chair, and sucking out his nose with that horrible blue thing they give you at the hospital. This morning while I was rocking him, I felt strangely grateful for the experience. One year ago today, Steve's niece Kadie passed away. As I held my child in my arms I thought of Kelly, Steve's sister, and I wondered what she would give to do what I'm doing right now.
One year ago today, I stood next to Kadie's hospital bed and held her warm hand and said good bye. It was a strange experience because they were keeping her "alive" to harvest her organs, but she technically was dead. Her chest was rising and falling, her heart was beating, and she was pink and warm. I kept wanting to feel in my heart that she was still going to make it, but we all knew she wasn't, so it was time to say good bye. And that's what we all did.
Watching a mother lose her child is the most heart breaking experience I have ever witnessed in my whole life. They let Kelly lay in bed with her daughter for most of the day, so she could say good bye in her own way and the sight was almost more than anyone could bear.
At her viewing a few days later, we were all waiting for the viewing to begin and Steve nudged me to look at what was happening right in front of us... Cooper was laying on his back, giggling, and squirming all over and we just really felt impressed that Kadie was playing with her cousin one last time. She always loved to play with the kids, and was the first one to want to hold the babies!
The first time the Clark family got together after the funeral, I realized how much I really did miss her. I felt so lonely and I realized it was because she wasn't there. I realized then, that we always sat next to each other, and chatted, and ate and it was then that I realized that I didn't just lose a niece, I lost a friend.
My grandma gave me a really good piece of advise the morning of my wedding. My grandpa had been gone for 16 years, and they were truly in love. My grandma said,"your grandpa would come home from work everyday and take off his work boots and leave his lunch pail right in front of the front door everyday and everyday I would yell at him, 'John put your boots and pail away' what I wouldn't give to see those boots and pail in front of the door now, don't let yourself get upset about the small things, because once they are gone, those are the things you miss." Thank you grandma!
So today, hug your kids a little tighter, and give your husbands a kiss that they will remember! Life's too short to not.

As we like to call him...Squishy

2008-06-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well here is a little blast from the past. This little outfit was originally worn by Steve himself! We think it's a classic! Batter Up!
Brothers hanging out in the morning!

Happy nudey! Oh I wish I could still touch my toes!

Well we hate to brag, but I believe this picture speaks for itself...he's a genius!!
What a cute little bug, he seems to be growing at mock speed! My memory may be fuzzy, but it seemed like Cooper couldn't even stand in this little exerciser until he was like 6 months old. What a happy kid!

OUR FAVORITE JAMMIES

2008-06-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

We love these jammies, we could just eat him up everytime he wears them! And as always a cute little smile on this chubby little face! Payton has turned out to be a wonderful baby! It's not hard to get him to smile and if he is on his feet and jumping then he just couldn't be happier!

My Lovely Wife

2008-06-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a picture with you all to show aff how beautiful my wife is when she is pregnant with our children. I love her more than words could express. She is my lifesaver...

Steve what you didn't know...

2008-06-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

My best friend Lonna recently posted some unknown facts about her husband James in honor of Father's Day. I read them to Steve and we both really enjoyed them and thought they were really funny and then Steve said he didn't have anything like that, I beg to differ...so here is my list of things you may not know about Steve.
1. He has the softest feet I have ever felt, this is something I am incredibly jealous of seeing as I have the roughest feet I have ever felt.
2. He has an amazing singing voice and was in Showtime choir at Ricks College, and performed in a group called KC and the sunshine kids. They traveled the country performing. He has performed at a World's Fair and for 2 US presidents.
3. In the 18 years he has had a driver's license he has owned 12 cars.
4. He broke his sternum playing football in high school. Pressing my head against it makes him drop like a sack of potatoes, it is my only defense against him tickling my feet.
5. He is a really great cook, and he never follows a recipe! He's actually worse when he has directions in front of him.
6. When he was 5 or 6 his mom enrolled him in ballet, and his instructor told his mom that if she took him to New York he would be cast immediately...she never told him this because she knew he would be embarrassed.
7. He is an award winning photographer, several times over.
8. He cried while he took my bridal pictures.
9. He cried when we were married.
10. He cried when we found out we were pregnant, at our ultrasound, and during the birth.
11. He cried during the Notebook, you get the picture...
12. He loves to go hunting, ok that's something that everyone knows, but he has a great respect and love for the animals that he is hunting. He hunts to help preserve the species, not just to kill something and I respect him for that.
13. He dated a woman who was 15 years older than him and had 2 kids.
14. He has night rage, which at the time isn't funny but we always have a good laugh about it in the morning.
15. He loves waterparks.
16. He got shin splints dancing in cowboy boots while performing in Tuacahn in St. George.
17. He always lets me decide what movie we get to see when we actually get to go and see a movie.
18. He taught me how to fly fish, and outfitted me with all of the equipment...you should see me in my waders.
19. He was engaged once before me, and always lets me know that he's glad that it didn't work out.
20. He has kissed over 125 girls, what a lip slut!!
21. As a result of all that practicing he is a very good kisser.
22. He can't cut his own toenails without injuring himself.
23. He would pass up dessert for another helping of mashed potatoes.
24. He eats the pepper that comes with your Papa John's pizza...who does that?
25. He has so much love for his boys and for me. He lets us know all the time how much he loves us and we love him for that!!

Happy Father's Day Steve, you make me proud everyday that you are Cooper and Payton's Dad!!! I love you!

my little Thomas lover

2008-05-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been a long time since I have posted pictures...the following 2 or 3 posts are from months ago and I have been a huge slacker, but I wanted to post them so that I can feel caught up. Here is Coop in his thomas slippers with shorts which I just think is hilarious!! I promise to get caught up, we have some great pictures of Payton that I can't wait to post! He is getting so big and his smile consumes his whole face!!

Happy Blessing Day Payton!

2008-05-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here he is on his big day! Never mind that it ended up being in the 70's and he is wearing a very heavy sweater! Hopefully one day his child will be born in the winter and will be able to wear it! It was a really fun day with family all around. All the kids were outside playing golf, tee ball, and of course trying to fish in the pond!

Such a poser!

2008-05-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Only the son of a photographer would pull faces like this when the camera comes out to play! I love this cute face, even if he is showing us his sad face. Even though he's frowning you can still see the smile he's trying to hide...I LOVE IT!!

Birdy see, Birdy do

2008-05-29T15:59:00.001-07:00

This bird kept following Cooper around the park, it was honestly one of the funniest things I have ever seen (the people on the bench got a kick out of it too!). That bird also liked being chased. Cooper kept telling it, "you can come home with me, right mama?"

A rite of passage...

2008-05-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid we always came to Logan for family vacations, to see my dad's family and we always went to Willow Park. So taking my family to Willow Park seems almost surreal to me. We have taken Cooper every year, but this year is so much fun, because he is so excited to see everything and to run and play! I think 2 year olds are just about the most fun (and challenging) people on the planet!!

Colds, and Flus, and Vomit OH MY!!!

2008-05-05T08:58:00.001-07:00

So Coop has been feeling ill alot lately, and it is so sad to see your kids sick, but Cooper has said some pretty funny things while we have been battling the flu bug! The first one is ongoing, whenever he sneezes while we are out of the room he yells,"I have BOOOOOOOGERS" I don't know why it's funny it's actually something you have to hear...so use your imaginations. The second thing is Sunday morning after having thrown up several times we had reached the dry heaving stage, and during one of these dry heaves he said, "mama it's not working" oh so sad, but so funny. Anyway we hope to all be well soon, we are ready to not be confined to the house because the weather is finally getting good!

Two heads are better than one?

2008-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I still haven't tried to find the USB cord and my g drive is still not operating, so no pictures yet...So I thought I would share something that I am doing. I am taking Real Estate classes. Steve and I have always planned on doing this someday and we decided that now was better than never. I have to say though that child bearing has taken a toll on my brain, and I am wondering how in the world I am going to remember everything...there is so much information! I am excited to be able to work with Steve and still be able to be a stay at home mom (which is what I truly love!) But I am excited too, to have the opportunity to play with adults a couple of days a week! So if anyone is looking for a Realtor I should be of service by the beginning of June. Kenzie if you want to go house hunting for fun...I'm up for it! Anyway that's what's new here!

Cooper's Story

2008-04-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you Emily for tagging Coop! He is such a funny little boy and I honestly cannot believe how much he has grown up in only 2 short, fast years! I really don't even know where to start. He is a sports fanatic! It started out with this huge obsession over basketball during last years March Madness, that is when he started saying, "Backetball" every few seconds. It has now morphed over the past year into all things sports. He amazes me when he jumps on the ottoman and tells me he's snowboarding, or when he slides across the floor on his feet and informs us that he is surfing. Ping pong anyone? Because he pretends that he is playing that too. He has the amazing ability to turn anything into a basketball though! He "shoots" clothes from my laundry basket over our towel rack in our bath, now that is stretching it. We have one other obsession and that is trains! Thomas the tank engine is talked about alot! We bought Coop a train table for Christmas and now he will lock himself away in his room for an hour at a time playing trains. He is a super snuggly kid and wants a snuggle all the time, I really hope that never goes away. Lately he has learned to swallow air and burp, I really don't know where he learned this, Steve and I really don't do this! But the burps are always followed up by a loud, "Scuse Me" speaking of loud he also yells instead of sincerely says, "Sorry" when he does something wrong. And I know that something has been spilled or tipped over when he comes into the room out of the blue saying, Sorry Mama. He loves to be thrown around and wrestle with dad. He loves to play with other kids, but not kids his own age, he likes older kids. He loves to be outside and begs every chance he gets to go out and throw rocks in the pond, ride bikes, blow bubbles, swing on the swings, or color on the sidewalk. He is a parrott and repeats EVERYTHING!! The other day he told me to, "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" He also comes into the room and immediately asks, "What you doing?" I could go on for days but I won't. I never knew how much I would love him, and I am amazed with everyday that that love deepens. I can't imagine, now would I want a day without him. He is the sunshine and the sparkle of everyday and I love to see how the world is looking through his eyes. He is so quick to forgive and smile and I hope that he always carries that wonderful love and passion. I love you Cooper! Love, Mom

NO PHOTO!!

2008-04-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Ok so I haven't posted in a while and it's killing me because I have so many pictures that I would like to share, but there is a problem. For some reason our G drive (the one I usually insert my memory card into) is not working. So if someone smarter than I has any ideas on how I can get pictures onto my computer without having to insert my memory card into my G drive then I would love to hear them, until then I will have to wait for Steve to bring home the laptop. I hope to post soon!

SHENANIGANS!!

2008-04-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wrestling has become the name of the game around here! I can hardly wait for wrestling to include another little boy! The shirt over the head was a big hit and the source of a lot of laughing! So if you come over and want to win Cooper's affections just put him in a half nelson and yank his shirt over his head!

And here is a little photo of a cute boy we like to call Squishy aka..Payton.

Already goofing around!!

2008-03-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Cooper finally likes Payton!! He never was violent, just disinterested...but that has now changed. Steve had a genius moment and put Payton on Cooper's back and had him give a horsey ride, and ever since then Cooper thinks Payton is so funny! He cracks up when Payton is stretching and pulling funny faces and he loves to be the big brother giving rides and things. I am ecstatic about this...it has made my day a little easier, and my lap a little more free (without both of them on it!)

One Sleepy Family!

2008-03-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is how the Afternoon at the Clark house is spent.

Pet Obesity...at it's finest!!

2008-03-20T21:51:00.001-07:00

Out of respect for the only other female that lives in this house with me, I really shouldn't expose my overweight sister...but it's just too funny! Often times we find Sis in this position and I am always afraid that she is stuck, that she is too fat to roll over. She is not stuck, I believe that she is just stretching that body out! I can understand how she feels having recently been as big as a house myself. So if anyway has any diet tips for my sweet Sis please forward them on and help a sister out!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Since when did Easter and St. Patrick's Day land within a week of each other? Anyway, I didn't remember it was a holiday until after I had dressed Cooper, but before I dressed Payton, so one of them is totally in the spirit of the holiday and the other one I was not about to try and change!! Anyway, Happy Holiday to you all, I'm sure you will all be eating corned beef and haggus!!

An Upgrade!!

2008-03-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

So the other hoop was just not challenging enough anymore, so at Christmas we found this hoop for only $5, and it said it was great for indoor/outdoor use. We were thinking this hoop would be great for outside, and less trips to the school for me. Well we cracked it out of the box the day I went to have Payton and discovered why it was only $5, the entire thing is made out of cardboard! Not exactly ideal for outdoor use! Oh well! The amazing thing about this whole thing is that we have it set to it's highest setting which is like 5 feet I think and Coop the little basketball player that he is, is making baskets!! Not just every once in awhile, but almost every time! It's too bad that he will be so vertically challenged! Watch out NBA!!

2008-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well we've made it through our first 10 days and so far everyone is still alive! Payton is pulling this little pucker face, which in the picture is a little creepy, but is very cute in person. Cooper is doing better than any of us thought that he would, he does however ask to snuggle more now than ever before and he likes me to put Payton in the swing so he can have my full attention. I proudly report that he has not thrown any balls in Payton's face, which I thought would have happened by now. I can't believe how much love I have for both of them, and how proud I am of them everyday. Cooper seems 10 times bigger than he did before we brought Payton home! He makes my heart absolutely melt when I see him talking to him or kissing him when he thinks no one is watching. So we've made it! The baby blues have now passed and I don't feel like I am on the brink of tears every second of the day anymore, I am now just so excited for what the next day will bring! Thank you to all of our friends for all of the phone calls, and dinners, and most importantly the support!

BROTHERS

2008-03-07T17:22:00.001-08:00

2008-03-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

The Paytenator

2008-03-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Family!

2008-03-07T13:05:00.001-08:00

IT'S A BOY!

2008-03-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

PAYTON CHAMBERS CLARK
ARRIVED AT 5:21 ON MARCH 5, 2008
8 LBS 4 OZ 20.5 INCHES
DARK HAIR BUT LOOKS JUST LIKE
COOPER IN EVERY OTHER WAY.
WE WILL HAVE PICTURES AS SOON
AS WE CAN DOWN LOAD THEM.

The Diaper Christmas Tree

2008-02-29T19:17:00.001-08:00

Is this not the cutest baby gift you have ever seen? This came from my nice neighbor across the street, Nicole! It is a whole package of diapers rolled and stacked, with rattles and a bottle and I honestly think it is so clever! Cooper calls it the diaper Christmas tree, and he keeps adding his binkies to decorate. A little baby news... I am being induced on Wednesday March 5th, so let the countdown begin!!!

Breathing a little easier!

2008-02-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

First of all I just want to thank everyone for all of your concern and support! The phone calls and the gifts were so nice and we really, really appreciate everything everyone has done! Kenzie the cell phone was the best gift in the whole world, along with everything else in your cute package...it made entertaining a 2 year old so much easier! We came home on Monday afternoon and we had to do breathing treatments for a few days and then we were done! So we are in the clear now, we are no longer contagious and the house has been significantly cloroxed! The picture is of Coop doing a breathing treatment (isn't that little mask cute!) Coop did not like the treatments, so he was happy to throw the dragon away!

The RSV Monster strikes!!

2008-02-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well unfortunately this message is coming from the Logan Regional Hospital room 301. Since everyone has decided to have RSV this season, we thought we would too! The funny thing is everytime we call someone and they see the hospital on their caller ID they are sooo excited and then we drop the news...no baby, just RSV. Anyway we are as bored as can be and are just excited that Cooper is OK and that we are just getting better everyday! He is being a real trooper and I feel bad for how bored he is everyday. We got to the hospital at 3:30 am on Friday and we think we will be here probably until Monday. I am also glad that so far the baby has not decided to come early! I will gladly carry him to term! On Thursday night when we were deciding whether or not to go to the ER I was having contractions every 5 minutes for almost an hour and I was freaking out! Anyway, we will update Cooper's condition and if you're bored feel free to give us a call!

TAGGED

2008-02-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged! I hope this interesting enough for all of the 3 people that look at my blog.... so Lonna, Emily, and Kenzie this insightful information is for you!

10 Years Ago...
I was living in a really gross apartment with 2 of my really good friends and a compulsive liar. She was very interesting and had a lot of really interesting stories to share. I was also the new Assistant Manager at Einstein's while I was going to school.

What's on my To Do List...
What's not on my to do list? Well everyday I have high hopes that my bathrooms will get cleaned, some laundry will get done, and Cooper will have a day filled with great learning opportunities. But if I really could get things done the way I wanted I would have a shopping spree at the Container Store and get myself and my house organized once and for all.

Snacks that I Enjoy...
I love 7 layer dip (minus the refried beans), a cheese ball with crackers, donuts, ice cream, anything chewy fruity, and snickers. This may be why I am always having a wee too much sugar in my wee wee at the doctors office...go figure!

If I became a Billionaire...
Well let's just say there would be a For Sale Sign in the front yard. I would buy a nice house with lots of land, I would stay in Cache Valley because I love it here. I would hire Bob from the Biggest Loser as my personal trainer, and I would hire someone to decide and cook what's for dinner every night! I would definitely hire someone to decorate the house and someone else to keep it clean! We would travel and play as much as possible! Of course we would put lots of money away so that I would never have to worry about it again! Oh and I would be shopping with Emily everyday for my new wardrobe!

3 Bad Habits...
1- I am the ultimate procrastinator! I hate this about myself, but for some reason, probably out of necessity my best inspiration comes in the final hour. 2- I truly am a slob. I HATE this about myself, but I have to be honest. I really try not to be and it is probably my biggest internal battle...sit on the couch or get things done! 3- I watch way too much TV. I would rather stay up until the wee hours of the morning catching up on all my shows than sleep.

5 Places I Have Lived...
This is a really short list. I grew up in the same house for eighteen years in Brooklyn Park, MN. I then moved to Logan, married Steve and 6 months later moved to Nibley.

5 Jobs I Have Had...
My first job was as a telemarketer at Fingerhut, then I was the concessions girl at the Brooklyn Center indoor pool, Ground Round Restaurant, Kohl's, Holiday Inn Reservations, Einsteins. That is every job I have ever had.

5 Things People Don't Know About Me...
This is a hard one, because as you all know I am an open book. 1- I am a big chicken when it comes to most things...roller coasters, water skiing or other such activities. 2- I have really gross feet. I hate to admit that! Steve is actually scared of my feet. 3- I am extremely ticklish, extremely ticklish!! If you touch my feet you could get kicked in the head! 4- I have a horrible fear of getting the stomach flu. I am getting better with this one since Coop came on board and have decided that if it happens it happens, but I am still scared of getting the stomach flu. 5- this one is embarrassing but very funny!! I saw Steve naked on the floor passed out before we were married. It's a long story and if you want to hear it, I am always willing to share. As soon as I came on the scene I got a towel and covered him up, but the embarrassing part is and the part that people don't know is that I looked before I covered. Yeah and you would have too!

Well that's all my deepest darkest secrets. I am really hoping that Steve's mom doesn't decide to check out the blog now that I have exposed myself about Steve's exposure. Oh well it's all in the past. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to walk down memory lane!

BFF'S

2008-01-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Where there is one, you will often find the other! Coop and Jack are best buddies! If I was quick enough with the camera I would delight you all with a picture of Cooper riding Jack like a horse, but Jack only tolerates it for seconds and well these days I am just not that fast!!

P.S. this is how Coop "smiles" behind the bink!

Chef Du Jour

2008-01-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Stir, stir, lick, lick!!

Well here is America, the next Iron Chef! Coop loves to help in the kitchen and even better he always asks to "wash the dish" I need to document the dish washing it may come in handy in oh 14 years!

Finding our HAPPY PLACE

2008-01-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know how you all enjoy watching TV, but this is how Coop gets it done! For some reason he finds a lot of comfort in draping the blanky over his head! What a nut!

It's all work and no play...sometimes

2008-01-09T15:47:00.001-08:00

Cooperelli, Cooperelli night and day it's Cooperelli...we make him earn his keep. He does love to "shobel" so it works out well for both of us!

It's a WINTER WONDERLAND!

2008-01-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

We got dumped on! So dad made a little sledding hill right off the deck, here we are on our maiden voyage, and we got a smiling picture so we know it was a success! After we were done on the sledding hill we were on the move in our sled! Dad got quite the workout...what a trooper!
Dad teaching Cooper how to throw a snow ball! He's got quite an arm and as a result I got a wet leg!
One fierce throw of the snow landed us on our bum!
Zoom Zoom Zoom, this trip is better than a Mazda!

And that concludes our day in the snow...until tomorrow!

All wrapped up!

2007-12-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

When it was all said and done Jack settled in for a long winters nap!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well Santa made it to Nibley!
Here we are opening our Christmas stocking! It was a slow process, we had to stop and open everything before we could see what other treasures we had!
Dad is helping out with opening the gifts, again a very slow process! Coop was so excited with just this present we should have just stopped there...
but he had no idea, that the train table was in the other room! He did the cutest little happy dance when he unwrapped his trains. They have become the center of all of his attention and we often find him running to his room shouting "CHOO CHOO!"
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, we sure did!

Christmas at Cabelas

2007-12-22T15:05:00.001-08:00

HO HO HO
NOT A SINGLE DOE DOE DOE.
EXCEPT FOR KELLY!
Santa just happened to be visiting Cabela's the same day we were! Cooper would not sit on Santa's lap alone, so it turned into an impromptu family portrait. Santa also kept telling me to sit on his lap, he must not have noticed my HUGE belly (dirty Santa!!). Anyway, this is Steve's kind of Christmas photo complete with huge bucks in the background! Merry Christmas everyone!

OUR BEAR LAKE TRIP WITH GRANDMA AND GRANDPA

2007-12-20T15:51:00.001-08:00

What fun we had at Bear Lake! It was late September and no one was on the beach! So we had it all to ourselves. Cooper found this little shovel buried in the sand and you would have thought he had found buried treasure! We also unearthed a GI Joe army guy, which was also a hit! He calls him his "guy"

A dad and his boys pulled their waverunners out into the lake with this huge tractor, and they kindly let us test it out! We may just have a farmer in the family! This is one tractor you will not find under our Christmas tree!

2007-12-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

OUR LITTLE HAM

2007-12-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

COOP HAS TO HAVE HIS PICTURE DONE BEFORE i AM ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES OF MY CLIENTS. HE IS A VERY SILLY BOY!

Here we are again!!

2006-09-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

We don't know what happened with our last blog, so because we are computer illiterate we will start over with a new one! So I hope you enjoy, we promise this time it will work and we will post regularly!!