"Yes...There is a Santa Clause"

Christmas was great this year! From decorating the tree to all the fun lights and seeing Santa to spending time with family. We have been so blessed this year with many thoughtful gifts and well wishes. Early on in December Kaily asked if there was really a Santa. The kid is only 3 so I didn't want to disappoint her by telling her that "Santa", the one who brings the gifts, isn't real so Clint sat down and told her the story of St. Nick. She LOVED it and is quick to tell me that the Santa in the store is NOT the real Santa, but one of his "helpers". She asked me if she could be one of his helpers this year. I told her she could and she decided to she wanted to be Santa to Conner. She picked out a cute flip phone for him and was so excited to give it to him on Christmas morning. Even though she had already told him what it was it was cute that she was still so excited. I have quickly realized that I can't tell my 3 yr old ANYTHING without her repeating it to someone, usually at the wrong time, but I'm getting off the topic...Christmas.

We woke Christmas morning to a white blizzard. YEAH! I love it when it snows on Christmas. We went to my parents house for brunch and exchanged gifts with family. The kids got some fun toys and cute outfits. Clint and I got things for our trip in a week and some fun decorating tools for when I bake.

From there we went to Clint's brother's house for dinner. His mom and youngest brothers came into town for the holiday. We then spent the next 3 days in Provo visiting family. We don't get down there very often anymore so it was fun to hang out with Clint's family, mostly his sister. I am so grateful for Amy. She is a great SIL and reminds me why I LOVE Clint's family so much. She is great. Thank you for letting us stay there for so long.

Here are some pics of the month. We hope you all had a great Christmas and we love you all.

Where to start...

I know, it's been FOREVER since I've been on here. I've gotten a few calls asking me if I'm giving up blogging. The truth is I have been running non-stop since Christmas. Clint's family has been in town and that means we have been in Provo almost every day. Sorry for the break, but I will get back to this, hopefully tomorrow I can put up some pics and get things going again. Oh yeah, one other reason for the lack of blogging, I've been reading the Twilight series. I got sucked into it and am now finding my way out. Luv you all tonz, hope you all had a great Christmas and we love you!

"Lights, Lights, OOOO"

For FHE last week we ventured down to SLC to see the lights on Temple Square. It was SO cold, but we had a great time. Conner couldn't stop talking about all the lights, "Light, Light, ooo," and he LOVED the Chistus statue. We couldn't keep him from crawling to it the whole time during the presentation. Kaily LOVED the nativity outside the North visitor center and she couldn't stop asking questions about all the art and statues inside the VC. She was very cute. We spent a good 2 1/2 hrs there and by the time we left we were all frozen. Kaily thanks Heavenly Father every night in her prayers for the pretty lights at the Temple and asks to go back all the time.

YUMMY!

I love this time of year for many reasons, but I think what I like most is being in the kitchen baking with family. Last night I was at my mom's house, I was keeping certain gifts there so a little girl wouldn't find them. As always when I go to my parents house, my dad was cooking. Last night he made a yummy potato soup. After dinner I made chocolate chip cookies. Today it is snowy and VERY cold outside so Kaily and I decided to bake. I needed to make bread so she helped me do that and I think we will make more cookies, mom's fudge and magic cookie bars to take to the neighbors later. There is nothing like the smell of goodies baking! Kaily is so interested in how to do things and she loves to help me in the kitchen. Even Conner likes to get in on the action. He crawls around the floor saying, "hot, hot oooo, hot, hot oooo."

My Christmas List

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper or baskets

2. Artificial or real tree? Artificial, I don't have to clean up the mess, although I miss the smell of a REAL tree

3. When do you put up a tree? Depends on the year, this year we did it the week of Thanksgiving

4. When do you take it down? The week of New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? NOPE!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My red bike that I got when I was 7.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My brother, Kory

8. Easiest person to buy for? Clint, He likes whatever I get him

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail them, although, I've done both

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't say, I might hurt feelings

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I think about it

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas time? treats

16. Lights on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? I like most of them, no favorite

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Depends on the year

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year it's a bear

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Both, When I was little we would open Grandparents gifts on Christmas even and family and Santa on Christmas. We still do something similar now.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The traffic

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? I don't really have one yet

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? My dad's cranberry pork roast

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To watch my children open presents, especially Kaily. I love to see the excitement on her face as she sees what she gets.

Are you sure?

My kids are growing so fast that it seems like what fit them last week doesn't now. It's not quite that drastic, but it feels that way. Any way, I was folding some new clothes I bought for Christmas and as I looked at them it seemed that they were WaY to big to fit my kids. I looked at the sizes just to make sure and then held them up again, shook my head and put them in the box. They were the right size. Why do my babies have to grow up so fast? Does anyone else have that problem, looking at the clothes and thinking that they MUST be too big for your kids cuz you still think of them as "little"?

Little "helpers"

I've been trying to get some Christmas projects done, but how do you work on Christmas stuff when you have a 3 yr old and a 10 month old who never want to leave you alone. Sometimes they will leave me alone long enough to get the stuff out and then it's like an alarm goes off b/c they come running and want to to get into everything I am doing. Kaily wants to "help" and Conner just wants to eat or rip everything he can get his hands on. So I have been staying up LATE, like 2 am, to get things done. Am I done yet? No. One week left...maybe I can get it all done before Christmas is actually here.

Happenings

WOW, I can't believe that Christmas is around the corner. I have been busy trying to get projects done while Clint has been trying to finish up this semester. Next week he has finals and has already taken one for Clinical's. Kaily has 2 more weeks of Preschool before she is out for the month and Conner, well he has gotten more busy and more opinionated.

We got Clint's schedual for school next semester and I am so excited. He will be home for most mornings the first part of the year, which means I can go running in the morning instead of the afternoon or evening hours. He will have a full semester of the med/surg clinical and then the last 5 weeks of school he will add an OB rotation to that. During the summer he will take the Pathophysiology and another course that Weber is requiring of him. After that he will take the LPN test to get a new job and start wking in the field. I am excited for the next few months. He is feeling overwhelmed but is doing well. His teachers tell him he is smarter than he gives himself credit for and, if you know Clint, you'll understand that statement.

Kaily has become quite the little helper. She is so good with Conner and I honestly don't know how I did it without her. She is great! She asks me if she can do homewk everyday. She is a sponge and just wants to learn everything. Her favorite shows on PBS are no longer Dragon Tales and Barney, they are Sid the Science kid, Word Girl, and Martha Speaks. I love to hear the new things that come out of her mouth for example today she was telling me all about how on STSK she learned, "molecules come out of your mouth when you speak and then they go in other people's nose so they can smell your breath. That is why you should always brush your teeth so you can have good breath so the molecules aren't stinky." She is so smart and remembers EVERYTHING! She definitely keeps me on my toes.

Conner is getting so active now. He LOVES to climb on EVERYTHING! His snuggles and kisses melt my heart. He loves to try to eat my toes and he growls at everything. Hopefully I can get it on camera and post it soon. It is the funniest thing.

10 month activities

I can say, "up, on, off, hot, mama and dada" I can say, "light" I love to smile I weigh 20 lbs and am 27 in. long I have 3 teeth I love to go to Grandma and Papa Kemp's house I love to tease my sister I throw tantrums when I don't get my way I LOVE to eat food off of Mom and Dad's plate I growl at everything and everyone I eat some # 2 and # 3 foods I hate sleeping by myself I love my mom I love playing with my dad. I can climb all 14 stairs and go down now I can crawl and cruise, but I won't stand alone My hair is the same color as my sisters, so you can't really see it I wear size 3 diapers I wear some 6-12 mon, 12 month and 9-12 mon. clothes I can clap and when I do I make the sound "YAY!"

prayers

"Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving myself and thank you for my blessings and thank you for loving Mommy and Daddy and Conner because they are special for me to love them...." Kaily has been watching Enchanted and there is a part in the movie where one of the characters ask another character if he loves himself. Ever since then Kaily has been asking us if we love ourselves. What a great lesson she has taught me these last few days. I loved this prayer she said one night after watching the movie and talking with me about it. I hope she will always love herself and see the beautiful girl she is. I pray that I will always see it in myself too.

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We packed our bags and headed to my parents house for dinner where we were treated to a YUMMY dinner full of Turkey, stuffing, rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, sunshine carrots, jell-o salad, potatoes, gravy and a few other dishes I can't remember right now. Then for desert we had the Pumpkin pecan pie I have on here already and regular pumpkin pie. It was a small gathering this year with only my parents, my gram, my youngest brother and his family and us. We missed everyone who couldn't be here with us this year. After dinner Conner and my Dad went downstairs to watch football. On Friday My mom and I went shopping. we don't do the CRAZY 4 am shopping we wait until later in the morning. I think I am finally done with all my shopping for Christmas, minus stocking stuffers. Later that night we went to my Uncle's house for a family gathering. I had so much fun with all the cousins and their spouses. So much fun in fact that we didn't leave until almost 11 pm. I love spending time with family! i wish I had gotten pics, but I was so busy having fun I forgot to take my camera in.

I love this quote!

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities."The means of this refinement is our Christlike love. There is no pain it cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot remove, no hatred it cannot alter. The Greek playwright Sophocles wrote: 'One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love' (Oedipus at Colonus, in The Oedipus Cycle, trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald [New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1949], 161 62)."The most cherished and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love. The greater the measure of our love, the greater is our joy. In the end, the development of such love is the true measure of success in life." Joseph B Wirthlin,

Loving the journey and learning from it

As I sit here I have a daughter that is watching PBS kids, YEA for PBS kids, a son that is pawing at my leg and trying to sing along to the songs on the blog. He is also trying to pull down EVERYTHING he can off of the computer desk, trying to type with mommy and basically, just get into whatever he can. I LOVE my kids. I'm not being sarcastic, I'm being serious! I love the fact that my son growls at me when he gets mad and well, he just growls all the time, that he squeals to get my attention and when that doesn't wk he tries the direct approach; get in front of my legs and pull as hard as he can. I love the "play time" between he and Kaily that he only seems to want right before she goes to bed. I love that when he hears Kaily's voice he goes to look for her and when he finds her he squeals with delight. I love that as soon as Clint walks through the door Conner makes a B-line for him and then waits with arms stretched as high as they can go for Clint to pick him up. If Clint waits too long the arms stretched out turns into a lunging type dance. I love that Kaily wants to learn and she gets so excited when I try to help her read. I love that she loves school and her teacher. I enjoy her helping out more now and try to find things for her to help me with because she is so eager. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that her tantrums have become almost nonexistent unless she is overly tired. I love that she wants to help everyone and that her love for others is so big. I love her prayers at night when she tells Heavenly Father all the things she is grateful for, which is everything she can see in whatever room we are in at the time. I love her thoughtfulness for others feelings, even when they are on television. I love her sensitivity.

All of the things I love, however, are all of the things that can drive me crazy about her. Funny how that wks; you can be exasperated with your kids one min and just adore them for the very same thing the next. It makes me wonder how our Father in Heaven feels about us. I was reading a friends blog the other day and it reminded me of how important it is to remember our worth as children of God. As a parent I think I am beginning to understand just what he feels for us as his children. How thankful I am to know his LOVE for me. That even when I throw tantrums and do silly things that I should know better that He loves me as much, if not more than I love my kids for the same thing. I know that just like my son wants to sit by my side and be with me all the time that's how I need to be with my Father. It amazing the perspective it gives.

Doctors and Nurses

Today we went to the Doctors, again. Conner is sick, this time he has two ear infections and the Dr. put him on a different medicine. It's hard enough to get him to take the Amoxicillin, let alone this other stuff. The good thing about this new medication is I only give him 1/2 of what I was giving him of the other. That makes it a little better. Poor guy, this is his second ear infection in his left ear in two months. I mentioned that to the doctor and he told me it was exactly one month ago that I brought him in for the first one and almost exactly 2 months ago that I brought him in for the other stuff. It breaks my heart to see him in pain and I can't do much for him. Clint gave him a blessing last night for comfort that he would be able to sleep and it seemed to wk, for the most part. I can't tell you how excited I will be when he can go for more than a month without getting sick. It makes me feel as if I'm doing something wrong.

Today I also registered Clint for next semester. I am so happy that he doesn't start Clinicals until AFTER we get back from Florida. That took a lot of stress off of him too. He is excited for his clinical this next semester though; he starts out with med/surg and then goes to OB. He's more excited about the med/surg; I think that goes without explanation.

Ramblings

Is it just me or does this month seem to be flying by?! Seriously, I can't believe that Thanksgiving is almost here and then Christmas is just around the corner. Oh, and that brings up another topic, Christmas music. The radio stations are playing Christmas music already. Did we just skip Thanksgiving all together? Personally, I think it's a little early, but if you ask Clint he says he can listen to it all year. You can be sure that I will not put Christmas music on here until December.

For Clint there is only 3 weeks left of Fall semester and then we are done until January. Wish us luck...more actually, wish Clint luck. With that said, there is only 7 more weeks until I go to Florida for the Half-marathon. Can I just tell you that I'm sick about it. I really don't know how I'm going to do. The point is to finish right...hopefully I can.

Kaily is LOVING preschool and her teacher says she is doing really well in there. She is always a great helper and loves all her classmates. Conner is getting so big. We have his 9 month check-up soon. I'm sure they will tell me he weighs 20 lbs. now. He is cruising all over the furniture and LOVES to climb. His favorite toys are a ball and the piano.

Well, that's it for now. Sorry for all the ramblings, but there you have it. I have lots more I would like to say, but I will refrain.

Reflections

WOW, turning 30! I'm doing a tribute to myself. Here are some pics of me growing up. I skipped Jr. High and High School simply b/c I don't want to dig those pics out. I don't know where they are. Happy Birthday to me. November 9, 1978. Not the most attractive picture.I don't know how old I am in this one.This is Jason, Me and Jon. I love this pic of us. I really miss them sometimes and all the great fun we used to have.The funny part about this picture is that I STILL have that blanket. It is all worn out and you can see through it, but I can't get myself to throw it out. 3 1/2 yrs 6 yrs. 8 yrs.My last Zone Conf. in the mission.

2003 2008

I am thankful to all the people I have met along this path, all the adventures I have had, all my wonderful friends that have helped me become who I am, mostly I grateful to my parents and husband for putting up with me.

30 Years ago

In 1978 the most popular television Shows were:

1. Laverne & Shirley (ABC)
2. Three's Company (ABC)
3. Mork & Mindy (ABC)
4. Happy Days (ABC)
5. Angie (ABC)
6. 60 Minutes (CBS)
7. M*A*S*H (CBS)
8. The Ropers (ABC)
9. All in the Family (CBS)
10. Taxi (ABC)

The most popular songs were:

1. "Baby Come Back" ... Player
2. "Stayin' Alive" ... Bee Gees
3. "Thicker Than Water" ... Andy Gibb
4. "Night Fever" ... Bee Gees
5. "If I Can't Have You" ... Yvonne Elliman
6. "With a Little Luck" ... Wings
7. "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" ...Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams
8. "You're the One That I Want" ...John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
9. "Shadow Dancing" ... Andy Gibb
10. "Miss You" ... Rolling Stones

The most popular movies were:

1. Grease
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
3. National Lampoon's Animal House
4. Jaws 2
5. Heaven Can Wait
6. The Goodbye Girl
7. Star Wars episode IV: A New Hope
8. Hooper
9. Foul Play
10. Revenge of the Pink Panther

The cost of living in 1978...How much things cost

• Yearly Inflation Rate USA7.62%
• Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 805
• Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 11.75%
• Average Cost of new house $54,800.00
• Average Income per year $17,000.00
• Average Monthly Rent $260.00
• Cost of a gallon of Gas 63 cents
• 1LB of Bacon$1.20
• Dozen Eggs 48 Cents

It's amazing how much things have changed in just 30 years

What Kaily says

Kaily has been saying some interesting things lately. I thought I would share some of them with you. "Mom, if Jesus is your brother than that makes him my uncle."..."After falling down, "Mom, my legs decided they didn't want to wake up this morning, they're asleep."..."Dad, I want to vote, can I vote for the new President?" Clint: "No, you're not old enough." Kaily: "Well I'm old enough to go to school and I'm big enough to write, so why can't I vote?"..."Are you two fighting?" Speaking to Clint and me. "No, we are having a discussion." "Well you need to take a deep breath and discuss quietly, my brain hurts from you talking so loud." She comes up with new things everyday. I can't believe how smart she is getting.

Happiness

I was watching my children this morning and was filled with such love and joy. I truly love being their mom. There are some days that I wish I could change my name and some moments that I wish I could crawl under the bed and not come out for a long time. For the most part though, I really like being a mom. The second time around has been so different for me. The main reason is that I have Kaily, she is mostly great at being an older sister. She loves to boss Conner around and he is learning to defend himself from her. He mostly just likes to look at her in awe, like she is THE coolest person ever. He loves it when she does crazy dances and when she is sharing with him. His whole face lights up when he sees her. He has started crying when she is sad and will crawl to her and be loving, in his own way...sometimes it makes her cry more and she says he is a bad baby. I just laugh and try to explain to her what he's trying to do. I love it when Clint comes home and Conner practically JUMPS out of my arms to get to him. They are getting such a cute bond. Today while Kaily was at school he just wanted to play. So even though I had tons of things I needed to do I sat down and played his games with him. I really enjoy spending time with them together, but I love it more when I have one on one time with each of them.

"Perhaps most significant of all classrooms is the classroom of the home. It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are the laboratories of our lives. What we do there determines the course of our lives when we leave home. Dr. Stuart E. Rosenberg wrote in his book The Road to Confidence, 'Despite all new inventions and modern designs, fads and fetishes, no one has yet invented, or will ever invent, a satisfying substitute for one's own family.' " Thomas S. Monson

Halloween

We had a good Halloween. Kaily was SO excited to go Trick or Treating but there were only 4 houses on our block that were home. Everyone was giving her handfuls though, so she was happy anyway. When it started to rain she reluctantly agreed to go home. We had ONE trick or treater all night long. Before we went out Clint and Kaily carved her pumpkin, she wanted a sad one this year. Conner didn't want me to color his nose so after 10 min it was all over his face. Oh well.

Why Vote

I received this e-mail a few months ago, but I wanted to wait until now to post it. It is SO very important that we vote. Not only because we are voting for a new President but because you should vote locally for your leaders. I am posting this because as a woman, I think it's important to know about the women who gave their life so I could have the right to vote, why the right to vote is important, not only to us, but also to those who gave their lives for it... This is the story of women who lived only 90 years ago. It was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote. The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote. By the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.' They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cell mate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women. Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf So, refresh my memory. Some people won't vote this year because- -why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining? Don't let us take the right to vote for granted. It doesn't matter if we are male or female, we all have been given a right to voice our opinion. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote. History is being made. (Most of this was from the e-mail, I added my own opinions to it.)

Halloween at preschool

Today was so much fun. Conner and I joined Kaily at school for her Halloween party. She dressed up like Barbie Mariposa again and she looked so cute. When we got there they had the kids go to snack time where they got Bat bread, blood water and green slime pudding. From there it was on to the stairs for singing time and then up to craft time where they made spiders and their sacks for the carnival. Then off to the carnival where the got to bowl down ghosts, put a face on a pumpkin, eat a pretzel off a string, go fishing and more. Conner slept part of the time so that made it nice for me to help out. Enjoy the pics.

Trunk or Treat

Last night our ward had Trunk or Treat. They did a really cute job. They had a chili cook-off and then a carnival for the kids that had face painting, fishing for candy and toys, a ball toss, eating the doughnut off the string, and a few other games for the kids. When it was all done they went outside to trunk or treat. Kaily came away with a ton of candy. She begs me from the moment she wakes up until she goes to bed to eat it. And to think, Halloween isn't even here yet. Here are some pics of the kids.

Boo at the Zoo

We went to "Boo at the Zoo" at Hogle Zoo today. It was a blast, at least Kaily had a blast. There were SO many people there so it was insanely crowded, but Kaily had a good time so that was nice. We saw a bug show and they had vendors there form all over SLC. Conner was really good the whole time and Kaily was great. Thanx Chirelle for inviting us to go along.

Tell me your opinion

Your Birthdate: November 9

You are a born idealist, with more pet causes than you can count. You prefer to be around others, both when working and while relaxing. Generous and giving, you believe you can change the world one person at a time. You're open minded and tolerant. People feel like they can tell you anything. Your strength: Your go-with-the-flow flexibility Your weakness: Your flair for the over dramatic Your power color: Pine green Your power symbol: Circle Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

What do you think? Was is accurate or not?

I think this fits me a little. I don't think I have pet causes, but I may have when I was younger. I think that's what my parents would call it. I have also been called an idealist. I try to see the best in people and situations, unless there really isn't a "good point" and then I'm a realist. I also would disagree with the over dramatic part; I don't see myself as overly dramatic in any way. I have been accused of thinking I can change the world by changing people. Maybe? That's why I ask for your opinion.

Fun at the Patch

Kaily's Preschool class took the kids and their families to a pumpkin patch yesterday. We had so much fun. Kaily introduced me to two of her friends, Seneca and Kayla. She had so much fun even though it was very cold outside. Here are some pics of the day.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's B-day. I want to tell her just how much I love and appreciate her. That wasn't always the case. While growing-up I actually hated her. She always wanted to go shopping and do my hair and all that other "mom stuff". Now I love to do those things with her. It's amazing what a mission has done for our relationship, not to mention becoming a mom myself. I never thought I would be one of those daughters who consider their mom their best friend, but I can proudly say now that she is. I know when I am needing a "time-out" from the kids I can call Mom and she understands. There are so many wonderful things she has taught me over the years and I am truly grateful to have her in my life. I know she wasn't perfect, but I know she did the best she knew how to do and what more can anyone really ask for than that. She is a great listener and a great friend. I know we all think our mothers are great, and we should, they do so much for us. I never knew how much my mom sacrificed for me and the rest of us by going to work and other choices she has made over the years. I know she loves her family and grand-children very much. My children adore her and Kaily tells me that Grandma is her best friend. I could go on and on about her, but I will just say Happy Birthday Mom and I love you!

36 Years

Yesterday was Clint's parents 36 Wedding Anniversary. I am thankful that Clint's parents have stayed together so long even through all the hard times. It taught Clint that he can work through anything. I love his parents so much and am so thankful that they welcomed me into their family as willingly as they did. I fell in love with them before I knew I loved Clint. So to them I say Congratulations on 36 years!

49

49 ODD Things about you! There is no TAG on this, but if you want to, FILL IT OUT! Learn 49 things about your friends and family, and let them learn 49 things about you!

1. Do you like blue cheese? Not a chance. I don't see the interest in eating moldy cheese
2. Do you own a gun? Nope,
3. What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic? lime, I LOVE their limeades
4. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No
5. What do you think of hot dogs? The are great in corn dogs
6. What is your Favorite Christmas movie? I don't have one
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? orange juice or water
8. Can you do push-ups? yes, but not as many as I would like to
9. Age? almost 30
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring even though it doesn't fit right now
11. Favorite hobby? blogging
12. Favorite Actor? I'm not partial to anyone
13. Do you have A.D.D.? Sometimes I wonder
14. What trait you hate about yourself? my mood swings and lack of self-discipline
15. Middle name? Marie
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1.) My legs hurt, I just finished running, 2.) I need to do laundry 3.) I need to get my butt in gear so I don't die doing the half marathon
17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday/today? 1.) diapers for Conner 2.) batteries for my camera 3.) oil change for my car
18. 3 drinks you regularly drink? 1.) water 2.) cranberry juice 3.) apple juice
19. 3 Current worries? 1) Money!! 2) Clint's school 3) being ready for Jan
20. Current hate right now? That there is NEVER enough time in a day to do all things things I need/want to do
21. Favorite place to be? With my family or in the mountains
22. How did you bring in the New Year? I don't remember I was 9 months prego!
23. Where would you like to go? To AZ for a few weeks to spend time with all of Clint's family or to visit my brothers back East...I miss them
24. Name three people who will complete this. I have no idea
25. Do you own slippers? Yeah but Clint and Kaily wear them more than I do
26. What shirt are you wearing? blue t-shirt
27. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I wouldn't know- never slept on any, but probably not. I prefer Flannel
28. Can you whistle? not really
29. Favorite color? It depends...lately it's been Sage green OR Blue
30. Would you be a pirate? possibly;)
31. What songs do you sing in the shower? I usually don't - I'm usually in a hurry, but I used to sing hymns
32. Favorite girl's name? I don't have one, but I have a lot that I don't like
33. Favorite boy's name? Again, don't have one
34. What is in your pocket? no pockets
35. Last thing that made you laugh? Conner making fishy faces
36. Best bed sheets as a child? No idea
37. Worst injury you've ever had? I think that's a toss up between giving birth and the car accident when I was 18
38. Do you love where you live? I love almost everything about it
39. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2, but only one is hooked up for TV
40. Who is your loudest friend? I don't know...Maybe Julie.
41. How many dogs do you have? none, and we probably never will
42. Does someone have a crush on you? I'm pretty sure my husband does
43. What is your favorite book(S)? Again I don't really have a "FAVORITE" If you know me I don't really have a favorite anything
44. Where were you born? Murray, Cottonwood Hospital, UT
45. What is your favorite candy? Snickers
46. Favorite Sports Team? Nada
47. What songs do you want played at your funeral? I Know that My Redeemer Lives, God be With You Till we Meet Again and Oh my Father
48. What are you doing at 12 A.M.? Sleeping or feeding my son
49. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I need to run today!

Husband Tag

A) The rules are posted at the beginning. B) Each person answers questions about their sweethearts and post a picture! C) At the end of the post, the person then tags people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.

1. What is your husbands name? Clinton, or Clint
2. How long have you guys been married? A little over 5 years
3. How long did you date? Date...Well that depends, date before proposal or date before marriage. If it's date before the proposal it was a month 1/2 if it includes engagement almost 7 months.
4. How old is he? 30
5. Who is taller? I am, but only by a little
6. Who can sing best? I think we would both say we are equal on that.
7. Who is smarter? I think Clint would say I am, but I think we have our strengths and weaknesses and we compliment each other.
8. Who does laundry? I do mostly, but he does jump in and help now and then
9. Who pays the bills? I do
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? It depends on what way the bed is facing
11. Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn to mow
12. Who cooks dinner? Most of the time I do, but Clint will cook every now and then
13. Who is more stubborn? I am by far! He has his moments though, but mostly he's a softy
14. Who kissed who first? It was a mutual agreement. It's a LONG story, but if you want to know, ask.
15. Who wears the pants? Me, but I try really hard to let him honor his Priesthood responsibility.

I tag Heidi, Becky, Lindy and D to tell us about their wonderful husbands! (And anyone else who would like to also)

Fall in Utah

I LOVE FALL IN UTAH! The leaves changing color and the crisp air make me so happy. Here are some pics. that I got off of ksl.com. If you would like to view more pics go to their website. Some of them are AMAZING!

Snow

We got our first snow fall on Saturday. I think we got 3 inches. It's almost gone now and temps are back to 70's as of Friday. It has been cold though, below freezing in most areas. I think this winter will be very different than what we are accustomed to from Orem. The storm hardly brought anything to them, as far as I could tell. I was down there on Sat and Sun. I'm just grateful for heaters that work. I got this picture off of ksl.com. (Little Cottonwood Creek one day after our October 11, 2008 snow storm. This picture was taken at Tanner Flats Campground. - Photo Submitted by Tom Larsen)

34 Years

Today my parents have been married for 34 years. I want to wish them a Happy Anniversary and tell them how grateful I am that they have stayed together all these years. While growing up I didn't have a lot of friends that had parents that stayed together; I'm so glad they chose to work through their differences and make things work as a family. Thank you Mom and Dad for teaching me what it means to love each other and showing me how to get through the hard times with love, understanding and laughter.

The boy who loves his mom enough not to leave her alone, even in the shower.

This is a story about a little boy who loves his mom. In fact, he loves his mom so much that he won't let her do anything without him, including writing this blog entry. Yesterday I was running on the treadmill and Clint was at work. Normally running isn't a problem and the kids entertain themselves. Not yesterday! For 30 min straight Conner screamed. Now some of you may think, "Well, why don't you figure out why he is screaming and then continue running." The problem with that is he was screaming simply because I wasn't holding him. This wonderful, cute little boy of mine hates not being held. He prefers me, but if I ignore him he turns to his dad and if his dad isn't here to rescue him he simply claws at my feet until I do something about it. I adore my little boy, don't get me wrong, in fact I would love to be able to hold him all the time. Unfortunately I can't. There is just no way that I can answer his demands all the time. So instead I listen to him cry and plead, "Maaam....Mama...Maaam." Really it's enough to break your heart. Oh and the whole crying while I'm running bit, I actually felt a little guilty because I thought to myself, "Normally this would be bothering me...I'm so glad I'm running."

The age of questions

I think I must be getting paid back for all the times people told me to be quite and stop asking so many questions. I really didn't know just how annoying it can get until now. Kaily asks questions ALL DAY LONG. Seriously, even if she already knows the answer she still asks. If I try to turn it around so she gets to answer her own question she says, "No mom! I asked you, tell me!" She gets more demanding everyday. She will ask me questions about the shows she has watched and about anything else she can think of. The best ones are the ones she asks pertaining to anatomy and science. It's because she loves to watch "Sid the Science Kid" and b/c of Clint's schooling. She is learning so much and has such a strong desire to know everything. I am so glad she wants to learn and is interested, but honestly, sometimes I just want her to be quiet and stop asking so many questions. But I will never tell her that. I don't want her to think that asking questions is ever a bad thing. I pray that I can just have enough patience to get through each day of non-stop talking. I know this is pay back. Parents you are saints!

Fetch

While I was doing dishes I asked Kaily if she could entertain her brother. She said she would and a few min. later this is what I heard..."Fetch"..."Conner why aren't you getting the stick?"..."Conner this is how you do it."..."Fetch"..."Conner!"..."Mom Conner won't play. I think he doesn't want to be a dog." Me, "Probably not; he doesn't know how to play." Kaily, "Well...I'm trying to teach him." (said in an exasperated voice). A few min. go by and..."Okay Conner this is how you play." I go around the corner and she is throwing a toy and then going to get it on all fours. She does this a couple of times while Conner watches her go back and forth. Then she says, " It's your turn Conner, fetch." Conner just sits there and looks at her. She waits and waits and then turns to me, "Mom, this isn't working. We need a dog. Conner doesn't get it." I laughed so hard trying not to let her see me. Conner crawls away to find something else to do. So funny.

Opinions

I have my own opinion of this whole bail out issue that our country is facing, but I have enjoyed reading others comments and opinions on their blogs. If you would like a good discussion on this and some good insight I suggest you go to a couple blogs connected to mine. Kemp Krew and The Hickens. Read the post as well as the comments. Oh, and if you don't get what Jon, my brother is saying, don't worry he's so smart I don't always understand him.

Kaily at 7 months

So many people say that Kaily and Conner look so much alike so I thought I would post pics of Kaily when she was 7 months.

Look at the post below and you decide if they look a lot alike.

8 Month pics

Today Clint needed all of us out of the house so he could study for a test so I decided it was time to get Conner's pics taken again b/c the only professional ones we have up are of him at 1 month old. We got them done at Kiddie Kandids (just giving credit where credit is due).

60

In honor of my dad's b-day I want to write 30 things I love about him. I could write more, but I won't bore you with the details.

1. His spirit, he always tries to do what he thinks is right
2. His smile, he rarely does a smile where he shows his teeth, but I love it just the same
3. The way he teaches
4. The way he loves my mom
5. The way he plays with and loves my kids
6. The "just b/c" moments when I was a kid
7. His hugs
8. His cooking
9. His laugh
10. That he believes in me
11. That he supports my decisions
12. That he loves and encourages Clint
13. That he visits his dad weekly and helps them out
14. His love of the outdoors
15. That he took me fishing and backpacking when I was younger
16. That he served a mission
17. That he listens, or at least pretends to
18. His love of good music that he instilled in all of us
19. His love and generosity for others
20. His love of gardening that he tried to pass on
21. His willingness to work hard
22. His love of sports
23. His competitive nature that he defiantly passed on
24. His love of learning
25. His excitement for life
26. His hands
27. That I can still call him Daddy and he doesn't care
28. That he wanted to be with me when I had my children
29. That he was one of the first people to hold my kids when they were born
30. That when I need him for anything he is always there for me

When I was little my dad was a super hero, and he still is in many ways. I know the faults and I know he is not perfect, but he is the best dad in the world...at least I think so. I think that every child should think his dad is the best. Happy Birthday DAD and we love you!

Dad's Party

We all gathered on Saturday at my parents house for a B-day meal for Dad. Kory grilled, I made Potato salad and everyone pitched in to help out. Kolin and Dani brought the balloons and we all had a good time celebrating Dad's life.

I got Tagged

I was tagged from Angelica, Thanks!

• Two Names You Go By: Karen and Mom
• Two Things You are Wearing Right Now: Comfy soccer shorts, t-shirt
• Two Things You Want Right Now: My baby to stop crying and more time in a day
• Two Things You Did Last Night: Watched The Biggest Losser and made dinner
• Two Things You Ate Today: Honey Bunches of Oats and Oreo's and milk
• Two Favorite Drinks: strawberry lemonade and Diet Coke with Lime

Five People I’m Tagging 1. Cathy 2. Stephanie 3. Stef 4. Michelle 5. Mom

Crawling

On top of all the climbing that Conner is doing he has started to do an army crawl. he knows how to do the normal thing, but he is faster and better at the scooting thing. His favorite place when we are upstairs is under the computer desk or under the chair. This kid LOVES wires! It's all I can do to keep him out of it. He also loves the bath. If he hears water going he makes a b-line to the bathroom and does what he can to get in. He is enjoying his new found freedom. He also figured out how to drink from a sippy cup. He thinks he is such a big boy now. I just love that he still always comes back to me and wants to snuggle up.

Chin

Last week we were at Clint's brother's house for a family get together. The kids were across the street playing in the neighbors yard when all of the sudden we heard this awful scream. Clint ran over there to see what was wrong. It was Kaily. She hit her chin in the handle of the see-saw when some other cousins sat on the other side. This is what it looked like two days later. Poor Kaily. She said it itched like crazy.