Splash Park & Duce

Lucas loves Duce.. He can keep him entertained for a long time! We stayed at Talease's so Lucas got to spend even more time with him.



On Friday we went to a splash park in St. George. Lucas had such a fun time getting wet, as long as it didn't spray him in the face! Kody loves the water...he thinks it's great fun to stomp in it.

Napster, Business, and a Park

Thursday morning we decided to finally take Reese's 6 month pictures (now that she's almost 7 months). She's such a doll. We went to the Spanish Fork Library to use their flowers. I'm still trying to learn all the "cool" places to take pictures! Lucas wasn't to cooperative with the camera (as usual) and Kody's following in his footsteps. I think he could hear the playground calling his name!

Not long after we got home from that, Jess walked through the door. It was so fun having her here, even if it was only for a day. We went over to Tawn's for lunch and then walked to a park so Lucas could play again. Reese and Kody just hung out on the grass...aren't they cute!

Love Reese's eye's peeking over the glasses!

I decided to have Jess model for me so I could practice with the camera.

For more of Reese and Jess go here.

And by here, I mean my new business blog. I did it...I applied for a business license. Now the site isn't much to look at yet, but soon I'll have some designs posted and pricing, and NEW HEADER... all that good stuff! I'm still learning, but I'm loving it!

Little Blue Pool

Yesterday I told Lucas that if he would help me clean up the downstairs, we could get out the pool and swim. He was so excited! The pool is quite small, but that didn't seem to stop him from having a great time. We invited Reese over to take a dip in the nice murky water and Kody slept through it all!

I've been practicing shooting my camera on "M". I definitely have a long way to go, but it has been fun to see the difference in certain shots. Most of these are of Reese since Lucas won't look in my direction when there's a camera involved!









oops...a little nose dive into the water!



practicing going all the way under...he's getting better!

Weekend Fun

We spent Saturday night up in SLC for baby Talon's blessing. Nathan & Mariann's townhome complex has a pool and Lucas was so excited to swim he could hardly contain himself. Kody was a little unsure at first, but he eventually warmed up to the the idea and started to relax in his little floaty.













Today was special as Nathan blessed baby Talon. He's such a handsome little guy and we love him so much. Nathan & Mariann are such good parents.





I just want to wish my hubby a very Happy Father's Day. He's a great husband and a wonderful dad to the boys. We're so blessed to have him in our life. We love you!



And to our father's and all the other men in our life, we hope you had a wonderful day. We love you all so much.

10 Year Class Reunion

Those of you who graduated with us in '99, please click the link to the left. We are starting the planning process and hope to keep you updated through this website.

Thanks a million!

All About Me

My mother-in-law sent me this little Q & A, and rather than do it on email (because that would be the more private way to do it) I decided to post it on my blog...for the whole world (or handful) of people the might jaunt over here once in a while.




1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Katie - no, Elizabeth - yes...after my awesome grandma, Elizabeth Clouse

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That would have been Tuesday, when a prayer was answered.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING
For the most part, yes.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Sun Dried Tomato Turkey. I'm not much of a sandwich person, can't stand it when the bread sticks to the roof of my mouth. I am getting better about this, and I will eat them on a hoagie bun.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
2 of the most handsome little boys you ever did see!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I would hope so...


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A Lot?
All the time!


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yup...


9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Never...I'm scared of heights (now my hands are all sweaty ...thanks!)


10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
When I was pregnant with Lucas, the only thing that sounded good for dinner (every night) was Marshmallow Matey's. Other favorites...Captain Crunch, Golden Crisp, Oat Cluster Cheerios, Apple Jacks, Waffle Crisp. Currently I'm digging Vanilla Clusters Honey Bunches of Oats. One of my all time favorites a french toast cereal that was shaped like little french toast's...haven't been able to find it for a long time. (okay, that was an extremely long answer)


11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, but I did just buy some Dr. Scholls tennis shoes with no laces...and I'm loving them!

12. DO YOU THINk you 're strong?
Are you kidding me!? Have you not seen the "guns" I pack around after carting around a carseat for 9 months! (No comment from the family, please!)
I would like to believe that I'm strong spiritually and emotionally also.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Lemon (Peach City in Brigham) or Chocoloate Chip Cookie Dough

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their haircut. I'm always looking for cute hair styles, but too chicken to venture much past my current style.

15. RED OR PINK?
Love them both.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My patience or lack there of.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
Probably Shara since she lives the farthest away.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Don't send it to me, post it on your blog!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Camo capri's, not shoes.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Steak, pasta salad, and french bread

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Abc4 news.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Jed says I'd be Yellow, cause I'm bright, fun & and a scardy cat. (huh?)

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Victoria's Secret Heavenly

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Holy cow, I have not talked to a single person today on the phone...that's got a to be a first, especially this week. The last person would be Tawnya, last night, when I called to tell her I bought the tickets to San Diego.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
You betchya.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Probably college football (any game BYU's in), basketball, baseball. I'd be okay if I didn't watch sports.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown

28. EYE COLOR?
Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No

30 FAVORITE FOOD?
This is a toughy... LOVE Mexican (Los Hermanos, Cafe Rio), and Chinese (PF Changs).

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGs
Happy Endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Madagascar... watched daily. Last real movie, "Dan in Real Life"...very good, highly recommended.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
brown

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. Sun = love! I may slowly be turing into a spring/fall gal.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses from Jed and the kiddos, hugs from everyone else.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Strawberry pie and Peach pie


37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Tawn

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
Nappy

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I haven't read a book in a long time... I do want to read "The Host", if Tawnya would hurry and finish it!

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
nothing, just plain black.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV.Late LAST NIGHT?
Probably Law and Order SVU, our latest addiction.

42. FAVORITE SOUND
Lucas and Kody's laugh

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Probably the Beatles, only cause I can't tell you any songs the Rolling Stones sing!

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Grand Cayman

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I can snap while making a triangle with one hand and a square with the other.... seriously, you should try it!

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Brigham City, Utah.

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Can't wait to read all of your answers.

Thanks!

So I took your advice and got rid of the pink. Still love it with the pink, but a bit distracting on a picture. I think I'll save it for a business card, etc.

I inverted it for darker pictures. Hence the different versions.




My beautiful sister and cute little Reesie Peesie...


My attempt at holding the camera up and taking a picture.

Watermark

What do you think? I'm not planning on starting a business (yet), but I still had fun creating it. Would it be tacky of me to still include it on some photos?

Easy Does It...

It's a good thing that our yard isn't a race, or we would have lost long ago! I've been extremely anxious waiting for our grass to come in enough so that I could work on the flower beds. I decided on Saturday that it had had enough TLC and we were going to walk on it regardless! We got a couple truck loads of compost to fill the beds, which wasn't Jed's idea of a fun Saturday, but I sure appreciated his help. Yesterday, me and the boys went to the Nursery to pick out some plants and flowers. Lucas loved picking out the flower colors and pulling the wagon. I spent all afternoon planting and I must say that I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. After about 75 petunias, this is the finished product (for this flower bed). Now lets hope everything stays alive!





This is my flower box that Jed made. We got some old wood up at my parents house and he put it together. We have one more to make, but not quite enough wood so I'll have to wait until we go back up there to get it. I love how it turned out.

Quick Trip

This past Tuesday, me and the little boys went up to my mom and dad's for a little visit.

During the couple of days that I was there, I was able to start and finish my apron project for the (cousin) graduating seniors. (Lynsee and Tia...sorry if you read this and you haven't received yours yet, so much for a surprise!) I had been seeing cute aprons all over the place, but didn't want to spend the money. So, I made my own. I love how the turned out. Thanks mom for letting me borrow your sewing machine!


The pictures are a bit fuzzy, but you get the idea. Apparently Nappy's a bit upset that I made her try on the apron!


We were able to visit my grandparents at their new home at Nancy's. Lucas was able to play with his cousins and was a little jealous with all the toys they have!

I took my mom to the airport yesterday so she could fly down to Arizona for some R&R. I'm jealous. Now that schools out, she's a free woman!

Here's a picture of the boys up in Honeyville. Love their dimples!



And the Kodster... I'm a bit late in writing this since he turned 10 months a couple weeks about, but...

• has two teeth...in the middle on the bottom
• Says "ma ma"
• Walks along the furniture
• Puts up with much brotherly abuse

Think it's time for a haircut?!

Scrappin'

These are my first two digital scrapbooking pages...and probably the only two I'll ever do! I'm not much of a scrapbooker, it takes me to long to think up the idea and make it perfect. Although, the digital world is a lot more relaxing since you can add and delete with out the mess. Maybe I'll attempt again later, although I'm not sure what I would do with them since neither of the boys have a scrapbook. The have blog books!

To all you awesome scrapbookers (Denise): I admire your dedication to such a hobby. These aren't perfect and I'm sure are lacking in a lot of areas, don't judge to harshly!

Happy Birthday Nap

I don't know what I can say that could top what Tawn has already expressed, but Happy Birthday and we love (and miss) you lots! Hope you are having one awesome day.

Happy Birthday Video...Take 1

Happy Birthday Video...Take 2

Happy Birthday Video...Take 3

Meet Link

Originally named "Good Morning Balitmore". Yes, my child loves "Hairspray". We listen to the soundtrack a lot!





And what would a Lucas post be with out a Lucas funny...

The other day while limping down the stairs and favoring his ankle... "Mom, I hurt my uncle".

Poopin' in the Pot-tay!

Let's see...where have I been for the past week?


Ah yes, I remember. I've been a bit preoccupied with the much awaited, but ever so dreaded

POTTY TRAINING.

Holy Toledo this is not an easy process. For the past month I had tried enticing little Lucas by hanging new/clean underwear around his room...he could have cared less! But it was time so we started last week with a full day of commando. So far he's done really well with #2, but still struggles with #1. We go through many wet underwear a day. This little boy can potty more times in 15 minutes than I ever thought imaginable. I'm hoping that in the near future it will finally click and he'll be able to realize when he needs to go. The good part in all of this...I'm no longer changing a hundred (more or less) diapers a day. My diaper duty has been decreased by at least 75%.

Let me introduce you to two jars... the pee jar and the poop jar.



Jed told me I should name them something more appropriate like the reward jars. I think it's a bit too late when Lucas requests a "poop treat"! The rule was that if he went pee WITHOUT me reminding him, he could have a small treat. If he went poop and/or stayed dry all day, he could have a big treat. The morning after purchasing the sugary treats Lucas awoke wanting his Air Head Sucker. And because I'm mean, I insisted that he must first poop on the toilet before having one. Pretty soon I heard "Mom, come look". He must have pushed with all his might because there was nothing more than one single rabbit dropping in there. At that rate my child would be one wired little boy with lots of cavities! I've had to do some revamping on the previous rules, but lets face it, the treats were really for Jed and I and Lucas was an easy one to blame it on!

With potty training always comes stories. Well, let me tell you a story that I find extremely funny (and one Jed will laugh about later).

Scene: nice relaxing Sunday evening, parents lounging around on the couches, one child running around in nothing more than his awesome surf board underwear, and the other one eating every possible thing he can find off the floor.

Act I: Dad gets off the couch to use the restroom. Upon leaving the bathroom he wipes his washed hands all over the soon to be potty trained. He tells him that he peed on his hands. The mother immediately responds with"what in the world, you don't tell your potty training son that you peed on your hands".

Intermission - 15 minutes or so.

Act II: Naked little boy comes running out of the bathroom and starts wiping his hands all over dad. Mom starts laughing (silently because we don't want the little boy to think it's funny, but it is!) so hard she has tears running down her cheeks and is now hiding her face in the pillow. Dad tries to explain what he had done, but can't seem to keep a straight face. Dad totally got what was coming to him!

The end

Happy Mother's Day

We just wanted to wish our moms, grandmas, sisters and any other woman who reads this, a very special Mother's Day! We are blessed to have such wonderful women in our life. They are each examples of patience, kindness, and most important, selfless love. By just watching them, they continue to teach me how to be a good mom. We love you all so much!

Don't I have amazingly beautiful women in my life?!