I Remember...

Grandpa & Kody



On Friday night my Grandpa Clouse passed away. It feels a bit surreal right now. He died with his daughters (my mom) and Grandma all with him. I have a special place in my heart for my grandparents and love them so much.


For awhile I've wanted to write down things I remember about them or doing with them, but never got around to it. It makes me mad now that I didn't do it sooner. But I still want to remember everything so I'm doing it now. (In no particular order)


I REMEMBER...


Spending many summers and Christmas' visiting Grandpa and Grandma in Virden.



PEPSI!




Riding on the tailgate and singing "to the dump, to the dump, to the dump dump dump" as grandpa or grandma drove the pickup up to the big hole in the ground... the Virden dump!




Helping grandpa irrigate. Riding with him to turn on the pump and walking along the ditch as he started every tube. He'd tried to teach me, but I'm not sure I ever got one started.



Visiting grandma at the post office and being treated to a dum-dum every time we went. I also remember getting to stay with her once and having to hid behind the counter every time a customer came in.




Grandpa paying me to touch the electric fence. I'm pretty sure I only did that once!



Playing with all the cousins down at the river, in the ditch by the house and every time they flooded the lawn.




Grandpa's endless supply of certs and lifesavers in his closet.




Shopping with Grandma at Boyd Brother's and always leaving with a bullet Popsicle... the best!




Their year supply of pop (mostly Pepsi) in the fridge in the shed.




Every time Grandma would come to Utah, we would stop at Pikets so she could by some new clothes.




Staying an extra week in Virden one summer. I got extremely homesick and I'm sure they were never more ready to send some one home!! They spent a lot of time trying to keep my distracted.




Spending 2 of my favorite summers living with them in Mesa. Once when I was 16 and again when I was 19.




Playing Runs and Bunches




Doing crossword puzzles every morning and trying to fill in the ones Grandma had missed, but hardly knowing any of them. I preferred the one in the T.V. Guide!




Watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire every week and thinking we were so smart!



Having family prayer every morning before I would head to work.


Yelling for Grandma cause there was a blasted cockroach and I was to chicken to step on it. I did get braver as time went on.




Grandma got a long stem white carnation for Mother's Day. I always thought it was funny cause their was no note, ribbon, or even a leaf on it. We decided to experiment and put it in water with food coloring to see if we could get it to change. The next morning I came up the stairs and it was pink. I couldn't believe it had worked. And then they both started laughing. Grandpa had got up early and dunked the flower and fooled both me and grandma. I look forward to my call every Mother's Day to ask grandma what she got this year.


Missing them so much after I moved back home that I went back down to spend Christmas with them.



Having Grandpa and Grandma attend our wedding in the Logan temple.




Visiting them not long after Grandpa had his stroke. He was using a walker and Lucas would sit on the seat while Grandpa took him for rides out to get the mail. Lucas was about 18 months. Lucas fell in love with Grandpa and actually learned to say "grandpa" on this trip.


Grandpa and Lucas



Every time I call on the phone, all I have to do is say "Hi Grandma" or "Hey Grandpa" and they'd know exactly who I was.



They have always made me fill special and loved!



I know I'll think of more as time goes one. I'm going to miss my grandpa a lot. I'm grateful for eternal families and I'm glad I'll finally get to give my mom and grandma a big hug this week.


Grandpa, I love you!

F.O.U.R

The four week old...




How is that possible?!




He's started sleeping between 5-6 hour stretches at night which makes me happy! Apparently he's a growing boy cause he stills sleeps a ton during the day too. When he's awake he loves to look around, but isn't to fond of his tummy time! He's developed a good set of lungs over the last week or so, but luckily doesn't use them to often. His brothers adore him and Kody has taken on the role of second mother. He loves to hold him, pat him, rock him, ssshhhsshh him, and shove a binky in his mouth! If it were possible... he'd feed him too!

I offered him his first bottle today and he took it like a champ! He's also adjusted to the "cuter"
binkies. No more big green things.

He's just so darn cute... I'm so grateful he's part of our family.












The (almost) twenty four month old...







He's made us all aware that he'll be two in a couple of weeks. Kody loves to make the messiest messes... and I wish it were just with toys!

Exhibit #1... the other day he woke up from his nap, but I didn't hear him get up. Pretty soon I see him walk out of my bedroom. I could see white stuff all over his lips and shirt. I ran to the bedroom to find he had taken my tube of lanolin cream (for nursing) and 3 tubes of diaper rash cream and frosted my night stand and sheets.

Exhibit #2... he's obsessed with water. It drives me crazy!! He likes to climb on the counter in either bathroom, turn on the water, and dump it on the floor. If we've forgot to lock the doors we know exactly where to find him, usually with a huge puddle or soaking wet carpet

We tried to buy a gate to block off the kitchen, but we can't find one that will fit! It's his favorite room in the house. He can now open the fridge, climb the drawers to stand on the counter, use the water dispenser on the fridge (we now use the lock mode), empty the dishwasher, play with any dishes in the sink and, again... dump out water all over the floor.


I think I spend more time chasing this little boy than I do anything else. I welcome nap time with open arms!


Despite his busy personality he's also one of the sweetest little boys. He gives great hugs and kisses. He loves to have his arm rubbed while he's trying to go to sleep. He can make us smile and laugh all the time. Love you Kody Boy!







The four and a half year old...





I love this little boy. He has so much personality. He can talk you ear off about anything and everything. He's loves to play the Wii and doesn't like that we have to limit his time (or that we use it as incentive)! He's learning that his brother follows his example and some times that doesn't turn out like he wants.


He's been playing Smart Start baseball with his dad, which he completely loves. They teach the fundamentals and rules of teeball and then they get to play a little game. He's improved a lot and his dad even bought him a new bat.


He's currently a big helper with chores and prefers to do 4 since he's 4 years old. Some mornings he loves to surprise me by making his bed right when he wakes up. He still loves to be read to and can recite almost any book back to you. We like to play a game where I start singing a song from a movie and he tells me the movie. He's got quite the list that he can name.

I'm so glad when daddy 'stays' home...

Lucky for us, Jed was able to take Thursday and Friday off last week. I wanted him to take a couple of days off after our mom's left to help me out a bit. I figured it wasn't to much to ask since he's only had off the day that Ryker was born. It was so nice to have him home. He took Lucas golfing which I gather was quite an experience. Lucas talked the entire time and got some looks from other golfers. They got rained on a bit, but I'm pretty sure they had fun together.




Friday morning we headed up to Honeyville for the weekend. It was our 10 year class reunion Friday and Saturday and we were in charge. We planned a dinner in Logan that was catered by Hamilton's. It turned out really good after a minor mishap. The address they had given was wrong which meant all the invitations were wrong. Not a good start, but everyone took it good (I think). It was great to see those that came and I think everyone had a great time. Saturday we planned a family activity at the Brigham pool. We're thankful to those that came with their families. It wasn't as warm as I had hoped but the sun did shine and the rain held off until we were out of the pool about 5 minutes. Our kids had a blast. I love their faces on the two pictures below! Thanks to everyone who came... and I'm very grateful that I don't ever have to plan it again!!







After the reunion we stopped by to see Grandma Valentine. We love visiting with her and hearing all the fun things happening in the family. She's an amazing lady.



We headed back Sunday after dropping my mom off at the airport. Last week my grandpa Clouse had surgery and things aren't going so well. She flew down there to be with my grandma. You can read the updates on my mom's blog. It's hard to watch people you love go through these things... especially from a distance. Grandpa... we love you!

And to Jed, our dad's and grandpa's... Happy Belated Father's Day. We love you all!

Feeling Blessed

I feel so lucky to have had help for the first 12 days after we brought Ryker home. My mom was able to stay with me for a little over a week. I'm sure she was ready to head home, but I wouldn't mind if she moved in! Jed was amazed that things he wore one day were washed and hanging up the next! (So maybe I'm not the best at laundry... but I'm trying to do better!)

She was a huge help with the boys and I really appreciate it. I have the best mom. Jed's quite jealous that Shara gets her for two weeks! We love you mom and hope we didn't wear you out too much.

While my mom was here, Shara and Abby flew up from Arizona to see Ryker. It was so fun to have them here. We don't get to see them often enough. I'm hoping to find a time where I can go down and visit after her little guy comes. Abby loved baby Ryker and was willing to hold him all day long! She's going to be a great big sister! They cousins had such a great time playing together with only a few minor incidents. I'm so glad they were able to come... love you guys!

My dad & Jess were able to come down for the weekend so it was fun to have (almost) everyone here. Aaron was able to skype in a couple times to say hi to his girls so we did get to see him for a minute!

After my mom left, Jed's mom came for a few days. It was great to have her here. She kept the boys entertained with fun things to do. She also organized the closet where everything was on the floor after Lucas pulled the shelf out of the wall. I wasn't much help, but did my best to keep the boys out of the way. I know it wasn't a fun project, but I really appreciate her help with it. While she was here, Talon & Mariann came down to visit. Talon is such a happy little guy.

My kids have the best grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins! We're so blessed! Thanks to everyone... we love you all!

I Survived...

my first day (Thursday) as a mother of 3 boys with no help!








And we're all still alive...



miracles happen!




And then I sent 2 of them to Tawn's today and may or may not have purposely left them there! Just kidding! I would never think to do such a thing...


(I had errands to run)









It was acutally Ryker's 2 week well check today. 2 weeks... when will time slow down!




Weight: 9lbs 11ozs
Height: 21 inches
Head: 14 3/4 inches



Dr. B said he's perfect... of course I already knew that! He's the best baby and hardly ever cries. Even when the brother just older than him isn't so nice (i.e. throws a dinosaur at his head). I'm afraid Kody was a bit disappointed that when everyone left this week they didn't take the baby too!

Just one for now...

I have so much to catch up on from the last week, but until I upload all the pictures, you get just this one for now! I can't hardly get enough of the chubby cheeks. Oh boy is he loved!!

Leave it to the Professionals...

Shara: "Oh Dear", (just a little bit louder) "OH DEAR...

Mom: "It's not that ba..." burts out laughing before she can finish

Tawn: "YOU GUYS, THERE'S A WHOLE IN MY EYEBROW"






Mom: "Nothing a little Sharpie can't fix!"





Photo courtesy of Jed who thought it was the perfect event for a blog. I agreed. Sorry Tawn!

One Week

Little Ryker is a week old today and to celebrate he decided to pee on me... twice.

We love having him in our home. So far he's been a very good baby. He hardly every makes a fuss unless he's hungry. He sleeps in about 2-3 hour intervals at night which is always an adjustment when you are use to sleeping all night long! There aren't many moments when he's not being kissed, hugged or just plain loved!

Happy One Week Birthday Baby Boy... we love you!

Lots of Lovin'

It's good to be home! There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed and eating your own food! We came home Saturday afternoon.



I kept telling everyone I felt like I was having a 10 pound baby, but everyone just laughed. Now that's it true, I can hardly believe I did it. All of my babies have been really fast, but Ryker was the fastest and easiest. I was really nervous that it wouldn't be that way since I was being induced. (He is 1.5 times the size of Lucas and 2.5 pounds bigger than Kody.)









It's amazing how they change so fast in such a little amount of time. Kody has now taken a liking to him and likes to smother him in kisses and make sure his binky is in his mouth. Lucas constantly has an eye on him to make sure he's okay.










It's been so nice to have my mom here. She's been a huge help with the boys and I couldn't do this without her. She's been here to stay with the boys while were in the hospital which they loved! Jed was able to stay with me at the hospital and keep me company in the day which I really appreciate.



We've had a few visitors at the hospital and at home. Grandpa Mark came down to see us at the hospital and Grama Carole, Tawnya & Nappy came by later that night. On Saturday Grandpa & Grandma Valentine came up to see Ryker and Mariann, Nathan & Talon also came by. On Sunday Shane and Talease stopped by on their way back from Logan. I don't have pictures of everyone, but we are sure grateful for all our family and all their love and support.














And these are just because...