The Nicholas Clan is Sublime...

We just got back from the Nicholas Family Reunion (July 24-26) at the Girls Home in Mantua. It was such a blast. Ellen and Boyd were in charge this year and they did an awesome job. I haven't been to the Girls Home for many years. It's a great place to have it because there is lots of grass (not a ton of shade), but the kids can play and not get as dirty, unless they play in the fire pit! The first night Lucas and Kody both slept terrible! Kody was traumatized by the tent and ended up sleeping with me both nights. I took him to the dr.* last night and he as a sinus infection. That would explain his unhappy little self.

Our Theme Song

(sung to Take Me Out to the Ball Game)
Take me to the reunion
Take me to the Girls Home
Let's bring some games and we'll play all night
Sing karaoke until morning light
Cause it's root root root for our family
The Nicholas clan is sublimeFor it's 1, 2, 3 days were here at reunion time.



Be prepared for an overload of pictures. If you want to see them bigger, you'll have to click on them.


Slip 'n Slide - best entertainment EVER!

Stick Rodeo

Each team had to come up with a brand... my team was the "Lazy 5"...not to suprising that we also came in last!

Karaoke

Random Pictures

Vay and Amber showed us how to make eclairs over the campfire...yummy!

On our way home on Sunday we stopped to visit with Grandma Great Valentine.

[*As a side note... I also learned something new at the doctor. The color of snot (green/yellow = infection, clear = cold) is false. If it lasts more than 10 days clear or not, than you should see a doctor.]

Don't Be Fooled...

I was really dealing with a bunch of grumps while trying to get some birthday pictures of Kody!


**Apparently he hates balloons cause this was the reaction we got when I tried to tie it to his wrist... oh ya, and because I just scooped a bunch of rocks out of his mouth!


**Because he has a mean mom who likes to shove a camera in his face... oh ya, and because he's 3 with some serious attitude!


**Had to crawl a whole 10 feet to get to her mom, boy was she mad about that... Oh ya, and I think she was starved!


P.S. And if you look closely at Kody's bday pictures a couple posts down, you can see a tear trickling down his face! But I think it adds character!

P.P.S This is my 8th post in 4 days!

Lens

I got my new lens today and so far I'm loving it. Unfortunately it doesn't auto focus on my camera so I have to get use to focusing manually. One of these days maybe I'll be able to upgrade the camera. Lucas was kind enough to let me take some pictures. I had to take advantage since that doesn't happen all to often.






Does he not look so grown up?!

A Day of Celebration

Tawnya and I took the kids swimming at the Spanish Fork pool yesterday for Kody's birthday. Kody loves to float around in his little tube, and at one point fell asleep. Lucas had a blast and we even did the slide a couple of times. He's getting better about going underwater without freaking out afterwards. And he's learning how to float.


What happens when you don't double check the camera settings first!










Landon & Tawn came over for cake and ice cream later on that night. I dare say Kody enjoyed his Moon Cake!






He was awarded a nice bath afterwards!


The birthday gang!

Happy Birthday Kody!

By this time, one year ago today, our little Kody had already entered this world. It seems like yesterday, but on the other hand, it feels like he's been here forever. For the most part, he's such a happy and content little guy. He loves to be where his big brother is, although it doesn't always end happy! His smile is so darn cute, especially when he shows those 3 crooked teeth on the bottom. He also has 1 on top. He'll walk as long as he's got your finger to hold on too. Just recently he started standing on his own for about 2 seconds before dropping to his hands and knees. He mastered the stairs a couple months ago, but now thinks he can go down head first. I'm always reminding him to "turn around". He won't wave bye, or blow kisses, but he gives awesome hugs & can clap like a mad man. And if you ask him to jump, he will... or at least try by by throwing his body up and down! He still has a very contagious giggle, which always makes us laugh! Sometimes, when he's tired, he'll cuddle on our shoulder, but he always has to have his little hands tucked underneath him... I love it. He loves to play peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. He could hang upside down all day if you let him. He's accumulated many nicknames over the last year... Kodes (This is what Lucas calles him), Kody Boy, Kode Man, Kodster, Munch, and Munchkin. He's the sweetest little boy and we are so blessed to have him as part of our family.

WE LOVE YOU KODY!










1 year stats -
Weight: 22.9 pounds
Height 29 inches

Weekend of Visitors

On Saturday, Grandpa & Grandma Valentine came up to celebrate Kody's birthday. He was spoiled with some fun things... new pj's, clothes, diapers, books & toys. Lucas could hardly contain himself, he wanted to help open all the presents and play with everything Kody got. While the kiddos took a nap, we watched "Dan in Real Life". Grandpa & Grandma took us out to eat Mexican at a place here in Spanish. We're glad that they could come up, even if it was a quick trip. We sure love them!

On Sunday, Mariann, Nathan & Talon stopped by for a surprise visit. Talon is growing so fast. Lucas especially loves to play with uncle Nathan. And, for the first time ever, Lucas refered to Mariann as "Mariann" ... not "Mariman". Thank's guys for stopping by, we had a great time visiting with you and kissing that baby!

cousins

Random Facts about Me

Camille (Tawn's sis-in-law) tagged me a while back to post 8 random facts/habits about myself. It's taken me awhile, but I'm finally doing it.

1. I love it when I've opened a can of pop and then forgot about it, only to pick it up later and have it still feel full. Consequently, I hate it when it's gone! I'm normally not much of a pop drinker, but if it's in the house, I do indulge more often.

2. I go through spurts of not being able to fall asleep at night. It doesn't happen often, unfortuanately this is one of those weeks. It drives me crazy since I'm usually out as soon as I hit the pillow. 2 nights this week I laid in bed for over an hour (the last time I looked at the clock it was past midnight), the other nights I've taken a Tylenol PM. When I was younger (13 or 14 I think), I went through this period where I was scared to go to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes all I could see was unhappy things (war, blood, death). It was awful and I'm pretty sure I drove my parents crazy! I would get more and more anxious the closer bed time would come. My mom finally gave me some advice, and I still use it to this day... If I'm having a hard time falling asleep, I start to sing primary songs in my head and before I know it, it's morning. I do this quite often, even if I'm not having a hard time sleeping.

3. Our ward was split a couple weeks ago and I've had a hard time with it (but I'm doing better). They took 2 wards and made 3. This is the 3rd split for us in less than the 2 years that we've lived here. I guess this is what it means by stepping out of your comfort zone. We still know lots of people in the ward and we look forward to reaquainting ourselves with those from our previous ward (before the second split) who are now part of our new ward. It's good we're all still in the same neighborhood, maybe we'll get to see some of our other friends too. Change is good, right??!!

4. I'm addicted to having my lawn mowed. It gets a trim about every 3 or 4 days. I love how it looks when it's just mowed (and the weeds aren't as obvious)! Although we still have much more work to do in our yard, what is done makes me happy!

5. I have to have something heavy on my feet in order for me to go to sleep (comforter, pillow, etc.) A sheet just doesn't cut it, even if I'm hot!

6. I'm finally a permanent part-time employee for Pearson. I have been a temp employee ever since I started working for them over 2 years ago. They'd have to renew my contract every 6 months and at one point, my job was ending, but now...I don't have to worry anymore! I have the best job in the world, next to being a mom, of course!

7. One day I'd like to visit the Dominican Republic. The place I would have served my mission, but got married instead. I don't regret that decision at all, although I would've been able to speak Spanish! Jed, of course, thinks we need to visit Brazil first.

8. We own a lot of movies! I'm not much of a movie person (Jed on the other hand...), but I do like movies with happy endings. I'd have to say romantic comedies are my favorite! Just for kicks and giggles, here's a current list of some of my favorite movies. It rotates often...

1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (All time favorite movie)
2. Dan in Real Life
3. Fools Gold (something about Matthew & Kate working together makes for good movies)
4. 27 Dresses
5. National Treasure 1 and 2
6. A Few Good Men (I know this is rated R, but I've only ever seen the TV edited version)
7. McLintock (favorite western)
8. Enchanted
9. Mr. & Mrs. Smith
10. Hairspray

And there you have it.... 8 random things about me.

Aprons

Last week I spent a good portion of nap time and bed time sewing a couple aprons for gifts and one for the little man. We made his out of some scrap fabric that I had. I didn't have a pattern, so I had him stand still while I traced something on paper. It's not perfect and could probably be a bit wider, but he's mighty proud of it! We couldn't have it stay clean for long, so he helped me make some No Bake Cookies, and then he wanted to watch Ratatouille. Very fitting I think!

The other two aprons are for gifts. I decided to try a half apron for one of them. I kind of made it up as I went, but I love how it turned out. We have a fabric store here in Spanish with the cutest fabric ever...









Yes this is me... yes those are my slippers.... and yes, I walk on the insides of my feet!
**blurry photo courtesy of Lucas

"Dentist Doctor"

Saturday was our 6 month checkup at the dentist. We love our dentist here in Spanish Fork for a few reasons...

1) Dr. Tomlinson is super nice and so is the staff.
2) They are open on Saturdays!
3) He is great with kids.

He let Lucas be his little assistant while he checked my teeth. Lucas loved it! He even got to press the little button on the instrument that shoots air. Then he told him that he could press the special button once. You should have seen his eyes when he pressed it and water shot across the room. It was great!

Lisa, the hygienist had her camera and sent these pictures to me. I'm so glad she did. Now when you ask Lucas what he wants to be when he grows up, he says "a dentist doctor". Perfectly fine by me! (As long as he doesn't join the AF and move his family to Japan...sorry Em!)




Dr. Tomlinson and Lucas checking out my xrays.


Dr. Tomlinson counting Lucas' teeth. He was such a great patient, but unfortunately he has to return next Saturday to have a little cavity filled.

Jed and I are both cavity free, but Jed has something on the inside of his cheek that he has to get removed and then biopsied.

Lucasisms

I had to jot down a few things Lucas has said lately...

1. He threw something down the stairs and I happened to catch it, but before I get tell him (for the umpteenth time) to stop throwing things, he said to me "wow mom, nice grab!"

2. On our way up to my parents house he asks me, "mom, are we going to dama's house?" I respond with "Yes Lucas, we're almost there" and he says "no mom, I think we're lost"!

3. Same trip to Honeyville, as we're almost pulling into my parents driveway (coming from Brigham) I see some boaters down on the lake. I told Lucas to look at the boat down on the lake and he replies... "mom, I think that's a gondola"! First...I think we've seen to many episodes of Little Einstein's and second...a gondola?!

4. Yesterday we had Landon & Tawn over for dinner. We all sat down to eat and Lucas told Landon it was his turn to say the prayer and than said "Otay Landon, be a leader".

5. Last but not least he'll start each sentence with either "well..." or "excuse me". Such as "Excuse me dama, why is your car so little?" or "well...i think not!"

A New Couch and An Ugly Ottoman

This past Tuesday I headed up north in hopes of purchasing a new piece of furniture (and to visit the fam). You see, my dad was employed by La-Z-Boy up until the end of June when the plant he worked at shut down (and outsourced to Mexico). He spent nearly 30 years with them (and would have had senority if I had wanted more than one couch!)



On Wednesday the plant had big warehouse sale for the once employed. Me and my dad went out to it...crazy! They were each allowed to purchase 1 piece of furniture and since mom and dad didn't need anymore, I decided to go look. After browsing the still packaged furniture with only slits in the plastic to see the fabric and a nice paper drawing of how the couch should look, I settled on a couch (with a high recommendation on fabric from dad). Brand new couch for $125... not to shabby! I also purchased a $10 ottoman, pretty much the ugliest thing you've ever seen, but I have high hopes for it's future!



Along with the furniture they had lots, and Lots and LOTS of treasures... I bought Jed a staple gun that attaches to the compressor and a rubber mallet.



Now that my dad no longer works at La-Z-Boy, he's hoping to make his B & M Boot Repair business a full time job. He's been doing it part-time for the last 8 years. He is awesome at repairing boots and shoes and can pretty much fix up anything you bring him. He also makes canvas bedrolls that keep you nice and cozy when sleeping outdoors (or indoors), especially in the cold. And...he sales Wyoming Traders men & women clothing (scarves, canvas & wool vests, coats, etc.) So, if you need any shoes or boots repaired, give him a call at 435.279.8384. You can order the other things on his new website B & M Boot Repair (it's also under the website links).





Lucas & Nappy modeling on my new prized possession!












Mom & Nappy. It is so hard to get a picture of my mom with her eyes open. She has some serious rapid, non stop blinking when the camera comes out. This is about the 12th picture and after I made her close her eyes while I counted!

We also went up to Melanie & Jim's so Lucas could play with CJ and Logan on the Gator. He had so much fun, although he's a terrible driver.

Lucas, Kody, CJ & Reese

Logan & Lucas







Jim grows a massive, beautiful garden every year. He let the kids go pick and eat some peas. He was trying to teach Lucas how to open the pods.



And here's Kody showing of his professional pat-a-cake skills!

It's Independence Day!

Lucas showed us just how independent he can be. While I was taking a nap and Jed was watching a movie, Lucas decided his body was a nice piece of canvas for coloring, along with our bathroom sink and our comforter (and I must have been real tired cause I slept through it all).

On a positive note, Crayola deserves a gold star for making washable markers!

Jed and Lucas thought it would be great to be pirates...

Aaarrrggghhhh!

We did get a lot accomplished on this holiday... My mom and dad brought down our new couch (I'll post about it later) which fits nicely in our front room. We cleaned out the coat closet and then organized and added another shelf to the loft closet. Lets hope we can keep it this way for a while!

We watched some firecracker and firework displays from our lawn. Thanks Messenger's for entertaining us!! Lucas thought it was great!