Saturday Sport Highlights

Luke's Soccer Lanyards
So cute!

Long gone are those lazy Saturday's I used to dread (out of boredom) What in the world was I thinking saying that word or even thinking it for that matter? At any rate, busy seems to be our family's lifestyle, and despite the craziness I really do enjoy seeing the kids involved. I spent the majority of my week (2 weeks ago now) making lanyards for Jared's football team. I decided to be extra ambitious and did Luke's little team as well. As for Taylor and Weston, I wasn't that good of a mom for them. Sorry guys!

Coach Travis giving them a pep talk before the game.

Today was quite a day for the Clouse's. We started off the day with Luke's 10am game. He has such a great little team. These kids are going on their second season together and what a year makes. Moving up a level, they now are really learning the rules and even have thrown in having a goalie.

Luke ended up playing defender for this game and forward for another quarter. I have to say I have been so impressed by his assertiveness this year. Last year he was so timid and shy and now he has no problems stealing or kicking a ball. Yay Luke!

Weston has been wanting to play sports for the past 2 years. You really can't blame him since he has been such a great supporting brother to his older siblings. As far as being assertive, Weston doesn't seem to have the problem his brothers did their first year. Weston ended up scoring a total of 6 goals today. Coach Ford has nick named him "The Machine" Although, I think Weston still refers his own made up nick name "Speed"

Unfortunately, we were only able to get a last glimpse of Taylor's team. It's quite difficult juggling 4 games in a two hour time frame. Her team ended up doing good as well, tying the score 3-3.

Jared running for the goal!
(photo courteous of Justin Hagerty)

As for the most exciting news of the day. Jared's team rocked the field. Going into the game with two losses I think the boys were feeling pretty "uncharged" However, the proved the coaches and parents wrong by making their very first win of the season. While watching Weston's game we received a phone call from a friend stating that Jared had just made a touchdown. Doug and I were so bummed we missed Jared's glory moment. Doug quickly ran over to his game while I stayed with the other little boys. Doug arrived with it being 3rd down. Jared ended up taking the ball and running a 55 yard touchdown. Making TWO touch downs for the team.

Luckily one of the kids uncle's had their camera catching all of the great plays. Way to go Vipers! Talk about an exciting Saturday for the Clouse Family!

Cabin Fever

Doug's parents built their cabin in Strawberry when Doug was about 5 years old. We have been lucky enough to use it whenever we want. It's a place to escape from the heat, relax, watch the tube and eat until your hearts content (and pay for it later).

My boys especially love to come to Grandpa and Grandma's cabin because it's a place they can explore, dig and just be boys.

My niece Jordan came up with a brilliant idea of putting a wooden swing up in the trees above the cabin. It was an instant hit.

This view gives you more of an appreciation just how high it is off the ground.

Doug and I took Jared and our nephew Aaron on a hike to the top of the mountain. The boys were putting on their tough faces.

Doug decided it would be fun to play around with the camera as well. Nice honey! (I see you too)

It took only about a half hour to climb to the top, but I'll have to admit even I was panting not to mention a little hot. Here is proof of our victory.

And then a little view as well........

Strawberry, Arizona. Isn't it pretty?

Because we consumed so much food, grandpa had to dump the trash MUCH more than he would of liked. His famous words, "Good Knight!" I just dumped the trash and it's full again??" We love you Grandpa Dale!

Taylor, friend Amanda, and cousin Jordan

Since I had never been down to the arts and crafts festival, I took all three girls down to browse.

Their wasn't many treasures to my liking, but they did have some bright things to look at.

I thought this old house was cool.

Last, but not least I had to capture Taylor in her element. She has been WAY into making videos and taking photos. And I am pretty sure she isn't very camera shy. Here she is making her famous "Fabio" face, or at least that's what she now calls herself. It was a great weekend to getaway, relax and forget about the everyday tasks that we do. Unfortunately now it's back to the grind!

Designer Blvd.

Jenny, Amber, Tiffany, Kati, and Tishia

The four of us and myself shown above are my running/workout buddies. On this particular Friday we were all geared up for the gym and got a last minute phone call from Kati stating that this is WAY more worth going to than the gym. (this is a huge sacrifice for her) Designer Blvd was closing their warehouse and it was there last day to clear out merchandise. Not realizing how great of deals we were getting we piled in along with our two non-school children and headed to Mesa. We walked in and people were seriously hording stuff. Once we caught on we grabbed all the greenery we could, metal items, etc. One of our friends ended up buying a hutch for $20. It was crazy!! We all walked away with way more than we ever thought we would. It's hard to see, but the cars were literally packed from trunk to ceiling including all floor space. All the finds we got were steals. I ended up getting an $89 topiary for $8! Now, that is my kind of shopping folks!

Taylor's First Talk

Taylor had her first talk in sacrament meeting a few weeks ago. I had no idea she even had to give a talk until I saw her studying and spending time doing research for it. She wrote it all by herself from start to finish. She did a wonderful job. So proud of you T! I couldn't go without actually documenting this special day and attempted to line the kids up for a quick snap shot. You would think I was torturing them from the moans and groans I got. This always seems to create drama for at least ONE. This time it was Jared. As you can see from the top, his face is in the corner refusing to even look at me. Not to mention pitching a huge tantrum over it.

I did however, manage to make them laugh at least once and was able to capture that moment I had wanted. At this point I'll take what I can get.

Sharpay For The Day

I am not one to be knowledgable about fashion, especially when it comes to clothing.  I tend to stick with the simple jeans and most of the time a TJMaxx or Ross style shirt.  A few weeks ago a friend of mine was in charge of a class for the teen elect program.  She thought I would be the "perfect" Sharpay Evans (from High School Musical). The only thing I had to do was wear the leather red pants (yes you read that correctly) and add a few bling and play the part.  I have to admit I was pretty nervous going into a class of 12-14 year olds I didn't even know.  But, I think I pulled it off quite well.  I smacked my gum, texted, filed my nails and even managed to take a few camera shots of myself during class just to be obnoxious.  All of which were to teach the kids that this was a totally inappropriate way of acting.  It was a little over the top, but it sure was fun!