Five For Friday

ASU Institute Building
(very AZish look at the landscaping)

1. Last week when we found out we were going to the ASU game, Doug and I immediately headed out to the campus bookstore. Even though I never actually attended ASU, I was on the dance-line there for two years. How--you may ask? They allowed me to just take the band class required to be on the squad. Kinda weird if you think about it. Anyways, driving through campus flooded back memories of going to institute dances. Of course back in the day, the institute building was really old and pretty run down. I was amazed when I saw that they had a new building. Not many campuses (unless you are in Utah) have their very own building on the premises. It makes me excited to think my kids will have a seminary across the street from their school when we move back. Here and other places they have early morning seminary, which isn't bad just more convenient for the parents :)

2. I almost banned Sonic up until a few weeks ago. I think they would have lost one of there best customers--ha. Until........ours finally jumped the band wagon and are doing the half price drinks. I don't take the kids everyday, but twice a week after picking up Taylor we head out to the drive-in for treats. We all have satisfied tummies for under $4. Not too shabby! The only bummer part is it's from 2-4pm which means, I have to wait nearly all day to get a drink.

Jared is making some sorta freaky face--go figure
(maybe a little excited about the grape slush?)

3. Since football season is over and Taylor finished up basketball camp we have literally had nothing after school (other than Taylor's dance). Doug has also not been able to moonlight until he gets some mandatory certification, which means he is home after work. I know I have complained about how early the sun goes to bed, but I have to admit it is nice to have the kids bathed and fed by 6:30pm. This week we have done several things as a family. It's definitely nice for a change!

Doug playing "chicken feet" dominoes with the kids
Bones enjoys family time as well.
He is trained to sit right by the back door on his mat.

4. It's been three months since I have cut my boys hair. I originally started growing it out for our Halloween costume and then just plain got lazy. I really LOATHE cutting their hair. It's a screaming battle. After Halloween I decided to try and grow it out for the "California" long hair look. In my opinion, my boys hair just wasn't cut for that look. Actually, Luke probably could have gotten away with it since he has natural curl. My other boys were looking like helmet heads so I butchered them yesterday. I secretly think Jared was happy to have his "spiky" hair back rather than having to comb it everyday.

The boys loving the open windows with their new haircuts!

5. I really ho-hummed about this last piece of information, so hopefully I won't step on my friends toes by doing it. I didn't want to spill Angie's exciting news for her about their new house (hence why I am choosing the backside) Granted this photo was taken a few weeks ago, and sadly their house won't be done until after Christmas. I think the Gordon's were hoping to be in (as would I), but it doesn't look like it will be happening until the first of the year. They just barely put their house on the market *sniff, sniff* and are having to be out and about more (for showing purposes) Any of you who ever had to sell a house know exactly what I mean--leaving on a whim so someone can "look". Add that stress keeping it clean, being 8.5 months pregnant (AND NO STILL DOESN'T LOOK IT) you have an MIA Angie. I would have added in a belly photo of her, but I am not sure I could sneak one by. I will say she looks darling as ever and still can walk faster than me on our walks. I have no idea how--she continues to amaze me! I am still working on her to update her blog, I'll keep trying.........

Gordon's brick home--you would never find this beauty in AZ *sigh*
(back view)

good deed: donated a gift for tree

Thanksgiving Recap

(left to right)
Keighley, Jamie, Haleigh, Jenny, Kiersten-- (cameron diaz look alike)
(front) Makayla

It seems like Thanksgiving was forever ago, but was just last Thursday. It was such a crazy day, I feel like I robbed one of my favorite holidays of the year with all of the chaos of events. We have gone home for the past three years to AZ and it has been such a treat. I love to sit and talk with my nieces who I see on such rare occasion. Since Doug is the baby of six many of our nieces and nephews are near our age (okay pretty close :) They are now all married except for a few of them. When Doug and I got married Makayla was only 18 months old. Now, if that doesn't make me feel old I don't know what does!

Hollister girls

I also love when we are around family, my kids are completely content and play with their cousins. Which means I NEVER see them. It's fun to see how Taylor and Jordan have grown up over the years together they are only 3 weeks apart.

me & Janet

I also got to spend more time with my sister than originally expected. Between her crazy work schedule and going back to school for her masters, her time is precious. It was fun to be able to hook up with her and Aaron on a few occasions for lunch and dinner. She is one of my favorite people to be around and my best friends.

Our favorite jewelry store

Doug and I have been on the hunt for a wedding ring for a few months. It has been about 9 months since he lost his ring and really wanted to replace it. Unfortunately, taste has gotten expensive and he didn't really want to settle for a cheaper ring. (very typical ala Doug) The one I bought nearly 12 years ago was engraved and actually pretty heavy. When we were home visiting we went out to again look at what Coffin and Trout had to offer. Of course he immediately found the ring he liked once we walked into the store. Again, so typical of my husband. He tried it on and decided it would make a good replacement of the first. (never the same as the original of course). I actually really like it and found myself drooling over anniversary bands behind the counter. Baby steps, baby steps. Since Doug didn't get much of a birthday this year we decided to take it and put it on layaway. So in a few months he will once again be married--ha.

Doug & Dad

Today also happens to be my FIL's birthday. He has supported and helped us out in so many ways we could never re-pay him. Dad C. has a great sense of humor and loves to tease us all to the core. I feel lucky to have him as a second dad and lucky that he raised such an amazing son.

Hope you have a great day Grandpa Dale!
We love you!!!

(even if you look like grandma Mary & Loraine with a hat on :)

good deed: mailed a just because package

Wordless Wednesday

**Don't you love friends like this??**

good deed: took Angie to lunch

SPT-Me & My Shadow

After two weeks of MIA on Lelly's challenge....I'm back! This morning I woke up feeling slightly better than last night, but still not up to par. I haven't exercised in two days and I am seriously having withdrawals. So, I was in my pj's until noon today home with two sick children. My shadow and reflection make me realize how much I take being healthy for granted. I am not sick very often, and can't believe how much it hinders your daily routine.

There is nothing like a little chicken noodle soup, especially from ChickFila to make you feel better. Either it was mind over matter or I was really on the mends from a short 24 hour virus. Phew. I knew my strength was back when I started to clean all of the nastiness out of my house. For some reason it grosses me out when we are all sick to have those "flu bug" sheets on our beds. Each one of us was refreshed with clean sheets today and I even opened up the windows. Pure bliss! I was excited to pull out the flannel sheets and Taylor's Christmas sheets. I always admire Pottery Barn ads and the bedrooms they create for Christmas time. Unfortunately, that is not in the budget so these polar "winter" sheets are the closet rather than fancy ones. It comes in very handy for festivity purposes. (after Christmas special for $15 @ target) Aren't they cute?

Later this afternoon after the weather warmed up considerably I felt like I needed to get out and walk. I decided running probably wouldn't have been very smart. So, me, Bones, Jared and Luke took a little 3.5 mile stroll. I was feeling a little giddy so I..........

couldn't pass up taking this photo of me and my shadow clicking heels. It was much more challenging than it appears. (I have no idea why my shorts looked like that--nothing is between my legs I promise) but I was so happy to feel more normal by dinner time. AND I got the best news ever on my answering machine yesterday. One of the bishopric members called and said Doug and I weren't responsible for the Christmas party this year. (I actually pushed play two times just to be sure I heard correctly) I don't want to jump to the conclusion of a release, but yee haw for not being in charge for this year!! ") We ended the night with a pot of oh, so yummy chili. I have no idea why it turned out extra spicy, but it certainly cleared up the sinuses.

good deed: donated some of Taylor's clothes

From Fluff To Fame

Love these new towels!!

Last week Kohl's had 50% off on all of their towels. I have no idea how, but our towels end up looking shabby and are full of holes by the end of each year. I took advantage of the sale and even better brought my grandma along which adding an extra 15% on to the sale price. This means I got $20 towels for $6.99 each. It's so nice to have nice fluffy towels once again.

Weston giving me "huggies"

The flu bug hit our family starting last week with Jared. It wasn't too terrible just the body aches/fever one. Yesterday it caught up with me and hit me pretty hard. I had intentions on helping put up the tree and ornaments for FHE, but I was more of an observer. I also have to give credit to all photo documentation to Taylor, because without her we wouldn't have any decorating photos. I think this is the first year I haven't had anything to do with the tree. I have to give Doug credit from getting it down out of the attic, assembling, fluffing the branches and ornaments. Nice work honey!

Doug getting a little crazy with the lights

I must say he did a great job all the way down to the presents. I have to admit I was feeling a bit scroogish when it came to the whole decorating thing this year. However, after plugging in the lights something magical lit up the room and I think I am officially ready for Christmas. I still haven't decided whether or not we will do what we did last year outside, we'll see........

Our tree
2007

This is also the first time that we have actually placed our gifts under the tree early. Normally, Santa brings them in with the stocking goodies BUT there was absolutely no place to store them. A few years ago I sent in a thing for the BYU alumni magazine with Doug's medical school graduation, this year I decided to do the same. It came out this past month and is found in the alumni section under 1997. I didn't realize how many people read this until a few of our old high school friends saw us at the Mesa Turkey Trot. They mentioned reading about Doug in the magazine. I was bummed they didn't put the photo in like last time, but beggars can't be choosers right? At any rate what an accomplishment to have 14 years done of schooling.

I didn't skip SPT today, it will just be a little bit later in the day. So check back soon :)

good deed: wrote thank-you letter

3 And 4 Legs

The trunk was packed to the ceiling
Thank goodness we have a large trunk!

We fit all of our stuff inside of our van by the skin of our teeth. We had things placed in every nook and cranny possible in our car with hardly any room to spare. Our family decided it would be much easier to get Christmas shopping done for our kids early and avoid mailing them. Luckily we came out with three small bags allowing us to transport all of the goodies. After packing it, I couldn't believe how ridiculously spoiled my kids are!

White as far as the eye could see
near El Paso, TX

Wake-up call was about 3 am this morning. We had intentions on leaving early, but Weston woke us up a tad earlier than normal. He has a terrible cold so instead of lying in bed I got up to get an early start. I took the first of the three legs since I was sort of wired. (well I thought so) At about 6am I was struggling to stay awake. I had my i pod blaring and my diet coke next to me to keep me company. The first "leg" of the trip everyone slept until about 7:30am which was great compared to our venture to Arizona.

Passing cars on the road with snow---so weird.

We saw on the weather reports where Dallas had snow yesterday, which is crazy. Come to find out much of West Texas got their own mini winter land as well. There was snow from El Paso to Fort Stockton, nearly 300 miles! I was snapping photos right and left since it was so odd to see a blanket of snow on our drive home. It looked like some parts of Southern Utah on the I-15.

Everyone was so happy to eat Rudy's
Yummy!

Doug took the 2nd shift of the drive for about 7 hours and I finished up the last leg pulling into our favorite bbq Rudy's. This was the 1 of 3 meals that we all seemed to eat, even Weston (so you know it was good :) We arrived in record time today with only 3 stops total, which means 1400 miles in 14 hours. The kids also traveled so well today making the drive quite bearable. The kids were so excited to be back at home, especially my two young boys. All the kids ran straight for the backyard to greet our furry family member. With the cold yucky weather San Antonio had, Bones was due for a bath.

Bones enjoying a bath

Doug volunteered to bathe him while I finished unpacking stuff. So after our lengthy 3 legged trip we all agreed that we are happy to be back with our 4 legged friend! (I think he missed us as well and got bigger) Special thanks to our great neighbors and friends who tended Bones while we were gone. And it looks like I finally need to pull out my winter clothes it's down in the 40's. BRRR. Tomorrow I'll be playing catch up with all of you and lots of laundry!


good deed Saturday: got some gift certificates for our neighbors.
good deed: took the first shift of driving.

Running Out Of Time

Jenny, Justin, and Mom

This week has been literally a whirlwind. Normally it is pretty crazy coming into town for various reasons. (since we only do it three times a year) Just making rounds with our family takes a ton of time in of itself. Add that to looking for housing, Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping and the week is sadly over. We have had such a great time and especially thanks to family Doug and I were able to get a lot accomplished without kids. I actually wanted to hook up with friends, but that just didn't happen. Without going into a ton of details I decided to document via photos.

We discovered Oregano's pizookie's thanks to Janet and Aaron. I am afraid this could be dangerous for our family. As you can see Aaron and Taylor were very into it.

Basement homes in Chandler

Housing, housing and more housing. These are the homes that we liked, unfortunately, still a bit pricey and much to far than I would prefer to live. All of the new builds seem to be out in the boon docks!We also decided we would rather build when we are living here. I can't imagine having to do that long distance. Much TOO stressful. I did find a fridge I like. (below)It's a start right?

The fridge I want

Doug "animalized" his burger at In & Out. One of the youth in his class told him about this and so he tried it. As you can see it did not disappoint and had to document it of course!

Randy and Doug

Doug officially has a "real job" lined up starting in August with Dr. Hardison. The light is coming closer and closer each day. We feel blessed to have found a practice and such a great staff of people. Ironically Randy graduated from the same residency program as Doug and no, he doesn't normally dress like this it was his afternoon off.

The Mesa Turkey Trot was yet another success. Jared wanted to run in the 2 mile run with his cousin Aaron. (sadly I forgot my camera so no photos.) I actually cut 5 minutes off my time from last year. I paid for it after the race my legs were like J-E-L-L-O. However, I am not sure if I could run farther than 6.3 miles that would be pretty painful!

dad & mom in front of the goods

While we were "trotting" my in-laws were slaving over the Thanksgiving feast. Coming to the Clouse's you never leave disappointed. The food was fabulous! The photo doesn't give it justice.

Kathy, Dean, Jenny & Doug
Happy Birthday Kathy!

As if it wasn't enough to run a 10K and eat until we were stuffed we decided to cram one more thing into our Thursday agenda. Doug's brother Dean got tickets to the ASU game. (It also happened to be Kathy's b-day) I am afraid we were the jinx being there (since they lost terribly to USC), but it was still a fun to attend. Go Devils!

Debbie's family room

Today was spent power shopping for Christmas. I am happy to report we are finished with our kids and family members. That is a HUGE relief. Tonight we headed over to dinner with my dad Susanne and grandparents then on to Doug's sister Debbie's house. Her tree has always been a favorite of mine, isn't it stunning? I guess that is why she has this store. She is super talented and has agreed to help me decorate our house (if we find one). I say this every time, but it's hard to believe that this week is already over. Tomorrow we are off to say our goodbye's and try and fit all of our stuff in along with our Christmas gifts. Wish me luck!!


good deed: brought Kathy flowers for her b-day.
good deed: finished my Christmas shopping.

Excited, Nervous, Anxious

We are currently looking for housing, Doug signed his contract, and pin pointing a place of residence. I hope to check back soon with all of you! Happy Thanksgiving.

good deed Wednesday: went to the temple
good deed: balanced checkbook

Good Nutritional Value--Not

The famous exit that Taylor loves on the drive

Literally in the middle of Texas

For various reasons I would like to forget the drive out here. It was uneventful and pretty miserable. Probably one of our worst ever. We ended up leaving later than normal around 9am. You wouldn't think that 4 hours later would make a difference, but it did. We had to stop a few more times due to hunger pangs, etc. Normally, we stick with the "healthier" fast food chains (Subway), but not this time. We broke down and ended up at Burger King, Jack In The Box, and Pizza Hut-- bleh! On top of that their was complaining, fighting and annoyed parents. Not a pretty picture. We rolled into the valley around 10:30pm and were wiped.

Sunday was significantly better (after sacrament meeting-that is). The family came over for dinner and once again the food was much, much TOO good to pass up. Mom and Dad C. can seriously make amazing food. Doug and my kids had requested ribs, so that was what we ate. Yum! Thankfully my in-laws have a treadmill or I may be in trouble for the turkey trot! I really prefer running outdoors, but there has been so many scary incidences with women running alone, therefore no canals for me. We are off to eat more food......at this rate, you may not recognize me by the end of the week. Ha!


good deed Saturday: made arrangements for Bones.
good deed Sunday: sat and read the paper with Doug.
good deed: said my personal prayers.

Five For Friday

I couldn't resist taking a photo of all those 5's

1. About a week ago I was due for an oil change AND that fun "car checkup" I put off last time. I always cringe on these occasions because they are a pretty penny. BUT, I always said if and when I got a new car I would take care of it. So here I am doing the deed. It's hard to believe that we have owned our car for three years now. I sensed that my breaks were wearing a little thin so I had asked them to check them out as well. I expressed that I had never gotten new ones and wondered what the approximate mileage you could get on them. Of course he said it depends on the driver, etc. Roughly he said around 20-30,000 is normal. That was when I said well, I guess I do pretty good because my car has 55,000 miles on it! Woo-hoo for my driving :)

Cute Patrick

2. We had a family move into our neighborhood this past summer. They have three boys and a girl like our family. This is Patrick and is seriously a crack up. He speaks like an adult and always wants you to watch him do tricks on his bike. I had to bring up Patrick because I was running with Doug a few weeks ago and he said, "Hi sister Gordon!!" I almost didn't correct him, but felt compelled to. I think he was a bit embarrassed, but it was pretty funny. I am waiting for the day people ask me, when did you have your baby??!

3. I put a rush on my Christmas cards this week and received them in the mail on Tuesday. I was a bit nervous since I have never ordered online cards. I checked several companies and found this one to be the most reasonable. I think they turned out pretty good, and hey their done right? Luke and I spent yesterday afternoon stuffing envelopes. Now all I need to do is address them and in the mail they go.

4. A couple of Sunday's ago I had to run home and grab something during Sunday school block of church. On my way back, I was driving through a residential neighborhood and being tailgated. This urks me to no end when people do that. What if there were kids near the road? I was doing the speed limit and it also happens to be an area that cops hang out. Well, the person behind me apparently thought I was driving much too slow and sped by me super fast. She sped by me to pass! I bring this up because it wasn't a teenager, but an OLD lady with handicap tags on her mirror. What in the world? Maybe she had to go to the bathroom, was late for somewhere or something, but geesh!


5. Is anyone bummed about the writer's guild going on strike? They are going on the second week. I know that doesn't effect reality shows, but Jon Stewart, The Office. Heroes, and other shows like 24 and Lost are halting. Good thing I have DVR'ed so many shows and haven't watched them yet or I may be having t.v. withdrawals!

good deed: replaced the fire alarm in one of the bedrooms

Neil's Still My Favorite!

Last night was the big show and I must say it didn't disappoint. We had surprisingly really good seats. You never know what you are getting when purchasing them online. I will say that those girls on stage are super tiny. They are tiny on television and even smaller in real life! Sabra and Neil were still my favorite by a landslide. I will have to say that Doug and I were both disappointed in Lacey. Most of her moves were doing a little shaky thing with her hips (I guess that is her specialty)

We arrived about 45 minutes until show time in which watched video after video playing on the big screens for entertainment. Once the lights dimmed you actually felt like you were at the show. Most all of the routines were the same from the season and they re-showed most of the interviews they did with the dancers on the finale (that part I could have skipped).

I was secretly hoping they would do my favorite routine, and they showed one (Sweet Dreams--table routine), but not all of my favorites. I was able to capture one on video of Neil and Lauren doing the devil/angel dance. It's definitely better live than through the camera. I will say it was definitely worth the splurge on the tickets! Enjoy!

Neil and Lauren

good deed: wrote kids notes in their lunches

Midnight All Week

Bunco Ladies
Ellice, Sara, Angie, Jenny, and Sandy
(missing Nicole)

I am not one to function on very little sleep and it's slowly catching up with me today. The first late night was Monday at Nicole's for bunco night. (okay so we forgot the game--but it was still super fun) I am so glad we started it!! Why we didn't several years ago I will never know. Anyways, we left her house around 12:30pm and as we were driving home we noticed some suspicious high schoolers roaming the streets. Where are their parents?? Anyways, Sara called the cops since they looked like they were up to nothing but trouble. We decided to be gutsy (4 girls in a car) and drive back by them just to see if they were spray painting or something. We have a serious problem in our neighborhood with it, it's terrible. Anyways, the next drive by we witnessed them trying to rip out the stop sign. Idiots! It didn't even phase them we were flashing headlights on them. We again called the police to tell them what we saw. We didn't hang around to see what happened, and quite honestly if we did another drive by we may have been spray painted or something.

my cute red ipod

Last night I was again up until past midnight. I decided to finish up some more projects to take home with me for Christmas. And we all know that mom's have to get things done with kids in bed. I got some stuff embroidered and then spent most of the time updating mine and Doug's ipod. I have become so incredibly sick of my running music I figured it was time to download some new stuff. This of course is always more time consuming than you think--but hey it's done and we have some new jams!

Don't you love the homemade warpaint?
He sang so loud and looks more like an elf--poor dude!

Today was Luke's Thanksgiving feast. It was so cute. The parents were responsible for putting them in pilgrim or Indian attire and they sang a few songs. Sadly, I didn't do so well again with the parent responsibility part. I sorta felt like I was having deja vu' with Luke's Fiesta float. All the parents had their children in full on outfits for the program. Oops. Who has a pilgrim outfit in their dressup box? Apparently I am the only person. Where do they get these?? And I wasn't about to make one, luckily they had an extra shirt to fill his Indian part. Looks like tonight we are in for another late one as well with with our concert. Details to follow..........


good deed: watched my friends kids while she went to the dentist
good deed: made Doug a new ipod mix

Hypermode

I may be looking like this by the end of the week--ha!

I have no idea if that is even a word, but that pretty much sums up this week. Why does it seem that once Halloween is over Christmas creeps up so dang fast?? Due to our last minute decision of driving home I have had to get several things done earlier than normal. Like Christmas presents for our family--no way am I going to mail them. Pink Christmas? At least I can say I did the majority of that one. On top of that, this happens to be one of the most eventful weeks. And another thing...I am I ready for a 10K? I haven't been so diligent running and ran 5 miles Saturday. I was fine while doing it, but man afterwards it kicked my butt. I guess I can thank the walk to the game for that one right? I hope to post throughout the week, but may run short on time. Here is the time schedule:


Monday: Bunco Night
Tuesday: Finishing up projects with friends' embroidery machine
Wednesday: Luke's Preschool Thanksgiving feast/So You Think You Can Dance concert--So Excited!!
Thursday: Enrichment
Friday: Clean house/Pack
Saturday: Leave after Taylor's basketball tournament
Sunday: Arizona for a week!!

Hope everyone has a fabulous week!!

good deed: cleaned the inside of Doug's car.