Special Treat

Libby, Lucy, and Jenny

We postponed our San Antonio trip last weekend and I have to admit I was slightly bummed, but I felt like I needed to be here to support my grandma who is having such a hard time with my grandpa. It is looking like he only has a few more days, but seems to be the stubborn, strong man we always new him as and is still hanging in there. Bless his poor heart, he has stopped eating all together and can barely hold ice chips down. It's been hard to watch someone deteriorate so quickly, but at this point we are praying he goes in peace, because really he is not living a life that he would want. It really is a miracle his pulse and heart rate are still considered "normal" It ended up not being to disappointing that we weren't able to Texas, we are in the process of rescheduling and I was able to see Jay and Lucy who popped into town last week. Ironically, Libby also happens to be one of her close friends whom I danced with when I was a young girl. We all met up at In & Out Burger with all the kids.

As we were outside Doug and Jay were in some deep conversation.

We didn't chat as long as I would have liked, which makes me realize we really need to head up to see the Johnson's in Durango. I didn't realize that it's only an 8 hour drive. Quite doable considering we used to drive 14 hours at the drop of a hat. Thanks for hooking up with us for dinner it's always a treat to see you!

Easter Recap

We have been a tad preoccupied with my grandpa becoming severely ill. Due to this, things have gone by the way side especially my updates. Easter came and went. Being the mom that I am I took my kids out after church and tried to capture a few shots with the matchy attire. We had some laughs (as you can see). I try to just let my kids do whatever for a photo I find it to be much easier to get a happy face.

There was a point where Weston was infatuated with the leaves and pretended he had a mustache. Such a character that kid is. He definitely amuses us all.......

At last we captured a semi-decent one. I am not overly thrilled with, but I'll take what I can get. Later that afternoon we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Clouse's for the annual dinner and egg hunt with all of the cousins.

I am not really sure exactly how many eggs my boys collected, but we came home with entirely TOO much candy.

Taylor, Jordan, Makalya and Haleigh

The tween's and teenagers were obviously too old and too cool for the egg hunt so they decided to have a little fun with their Easter eggs. I thought it was pretty cute.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the back yard. The weather was absolutely lovely, so I spent a lot of time playing around with the camera (if you couldn't tell).

Taylor and Jordan practiced a few jumps (for upcoming cheer tryouts). Don't we all wish we could get that high without a trampoline??! The boys didn't do much jumping unless you count tackling on the tramp. They all had so much fun. It was definitely a great Easter!

The Clouse Boys

Weston, Aaron, Brett, and Jared

First Piano Recital

8 months ago we decided to purchase a piano in hopes that some of our children would learn how to play.  Today we witnessed our first piano recital.  Starting out at level 1A back in October, Taylor has made great progress in just a few short months.  Now playing level 4A, she was required to memorize her piece, Amazing Grace. Way to go Taylor, you did a great job!

"Amazing Grace"

Spring Festival

We spent our evening at the kids spring carnival.  They had several booths, bouncy things and of course a colored hairspray booth.  Jared was the first one over there and came back disappointed they were out of pink?  His newest saying is pink is tough.  By the time the boys went back they only had green, black and white left.  Needless to say Luke and Weston thought they looked pretty cool. On a side note, Weston is into making weird faces for photos these days. Hmmmm...........As if we needed to see a better viewpoint we took some self portraits as well.

Luke looking a little hulkish

Weston passing as the youngest Jay Leno

Jared thought he may like this look and wanted to try bleaching his hair like this for the summer.  Thank heavens it washed out, it's a little to yellow for my taste!

Practice Session For Mom

As I was scrambling trying to find an updated decent photo of each of my children I realized that I had absolutely none. With Easter fast approaching I felt it was appropriate not only to take advantage of our gorgeous weather, but take some updated photographs of my kids. I am normally a matching freak when it comes to a photo shoot, but being in a time crunch I'll take what I can get. I have learned that lighting is key for photographing in manual mode.

Despite the whining and complaining I managed to squeeze out a couple of smiles (with some major candy bribing of course). I instructed my kids to meet me in a field right after school so I could capture their bright smiles.

I am learning that as my kids get older it is harder for them to make a "natural" smile. I suppose that is part of growing up and being independent, but Luke's pirate eyes or Jared's funky squint makes me crazy. Weston on the other hand just gives me the same cheesy grin in every photo. I am sure this won't last. I took quite a few and ended up liking only a couple. I was so worried about the lighting and positioning that I didn't even realize I stuck them in front of this dead palm! I am sure I will have a redo session come Sunday when they really are all "matchy."

Thanks kids for being so patient with me, I know having a camera in your face 24/7 makes you all a tad crazy. But, with my new calling for girls camp (camp photographer) I am going to need all the practice I can get. Thank goodness my 2nd photography class is this Saturday.

Just Drive

The 5 year mark of owning our car in is slowly approaching us in just a few short months. I will have to say other than the carpet stains, and a massive car wreck (last February), it has gotten us to where we want to go. I really do like my car, despite my itch for a new one. (who doesn't get that anyhow?) I feel like we have almost become as one and honestly spent more time in the car than doing else these days. I couldn't believe as I looked down the other day when it read 80,000. Not to mention it had shown I went 80 miles as well...cool huh? My car has also created many fun memories for my family and friends.

Running Gang
Tiffany, Amber, Tishia, and Jenny

The past two Monday's we have taken field trips out to the hills to run. Last Monday we ran 5.5 and this week we made it up to 8. (which nearly killed me).

A few of us (what looks like almost our entire ward--ha!) celebrated Denise's birthday at Cheesecake Factory. It was a surprise for her 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Denise! The Luau salad was to die for. Oh, and the sinful caramel de leche slice of cheesecake.......... so yummy!

Krista and Jenny

One of my oldest high school friends was in town last week and I couldn't pass up a lunch at Costa Vida. It's always fun to catch up and pick up where you left off (I hadn't seen her since last summer). Another perk for living in Arizona.

Doug and Eric

For conference weekend we drove up north to enjoy the cool pines with a few other families. The weather was a tad chilly the first day with some serious wind, but by Sunday we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. Doug couldn't resist loading up the bikes so him and Eric could take full advantage of the mountains.

Zoie, Taylor, Hayden, Brooklyn, and Hoku

The girls built a really cool fort, well most of the work was by Zoie. It was so nice to see the kids entertain themselves without television, electronics, or internet. Definitely, what childhood should really be like.

The boys of course were engrossed in building the fire, roasting marshmallows, shooting guns with their dads, hiking, and playing dodge ball most of the time.

Besides all of the eating we did (just look at the junk on the table) we managed to squeeze in some conference--this is proof we did (I promise the t.v. is really on).

Conference Weekend
Strawberry, AZ

We had 5 families come up and between all of us their were 17 kids. Despite being slightly outnumbered we still had a great time! Thanks for coming Schwenke's, Hunter's, Varvel's and Gustafson's we will have to do it again!

Organization Emergency

Before

Where ever I have moved it hasn't taken people long to figure out my clean/organized gene that I inherited from my mother and grandmother. A lot of times I get the question how in the world do you have the time for that? The problem is, I really don't and often times am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Unfortunately or (fortunately?), that is me and the way I operate. I don't really have an answer for my formula or a "rub off on me" solution. Like some people think creatively my brain works in a organized mode of thinking. At any rate my friend Tiffany had mentioned the other day how frustrated she was about her pantry. She expressed how she really would like more organization. It was then I chimed in and offered to come and help her out. We had an organization emergency! I think she was a tad taken back at first, but after explaining to her that I actually like to do things like that she allowed me to help.

The finished product

And just look at the results. The best part it it took no more than about 30-45 minutes to do! What do you think?

The Game Ball

We've only played for one other little league (San Antonio), but I have to say that Chandler National Little League is pretty huge out here. Since 2002 they have taken a half dozen teams to the championship level. Let's just say they are proud of that factor. Today was opening ceremonies. They had each team walk out and strut their stuff. They mentioned that this was their biggest year yet for registration and have nearly 1000 kids.

I am excited that we were drafted onto a team that had an organized coach. Coach Ken works the boys hard, but also knows how to have fun. At this age having a good balance is super important. He explained to the boys at each game one kid would be nominated for the best overall player. Today Jared was that shining star. He was able to take home the "Game Ball" and was so excited. He played shortstop for the first part of the game proving how quick he could be on his feet and the last part of the game was their pitcher striking out three players right in a row! We are so proud of you Jared!! And to top it off they won their opening game. I hope this is just a glimpse of good things to come, because we haven't had the best luck the past few years. Go Angels!

My Papa

I couldn't even tell you how my grandpa got shortened down to being called Papa. But, I was the oldest child who claimed my grandpa's name or shortened it to "Papa" And I was Jenny Poo to him and sometimes jackass--(he liked to tease) These two hands have probably taught me most of the things I know (aside from my parents) Papa and Grandma have been a second set of parents to me my entire life.

From a very young age (I think around 3). I would spend EVERY weekend with them. Papa would let me drive just about any tractor and grandma took me shopping each Saturday. My Papa has been a hard worker all of his life working on machinery, grading roads and fixing up tractors. Up until a month ago he was still working out in his barn fixing up a road grader for his neighbor. February 16, he fell completely loosing his balance for no reason. He was later told that he had had several mini strokes. Since that incident they have been in and out of the hospital on three separate occasions. He has lost his ability to walk almost completely. He has been in severe pain (and won't take pain meds--stubborn man!) They have found that his prostrate cancer which he was being treated for the past year has metastasized into his spine. Any form of cancer is never good, but he has decided chemo is just not the answer. The shots made him feel terrible, and he has now refused to take them. He has been through enough and just wants to be home. It's disheartening to see a man who had so much spunk spiral down so quickly.

My two favorite people
Papa and Grandma

My grandma has agree to let Hospice come in and give her a few pointers to help bathe, get medications, etc. Initially the word Hospice freaked my grandma out, but thankfully she is realizing they are their to help and assist her in any way they can. We are taking each day as it comes and I have been trying to spend most of my mornings down their for support and just to sit and talk to Papa. In the past few days I have learned so many things about him just through conversation. Seeing him in pain and agony is the worst part. I have cried myself to sleep for the past week. I know that once you get older things of this nature is well, just nature. But, me being selfish and not having anyone EVER close to me leave is just hard. I am sure he is scared and my grandma is scared especially not knowing what a week, a month or a few months down the road can hold. They aren't a religious group of people, but I know that they are thankful for the prayers that are made in their behalf. Papa is not only a strong man, but a GREAT man. He has touched the lives of so many, he will never know. Hang in their pop WE LOVE YOU and are praying for you!

Blue & Gold Banquet

Each den was in charge of different things for the Blue and Gold Banquet. My partner (Gina) and I were fortunate enough (at least we thought at the time) to be over balloons and confetti. I had envisioned making a huge arch of balloons like you see at most large events and marathons. Little did I know I had NO clue how to do it and how much time it would take to make such a thing. A few hours later we managed to pull together a few bouquets and an arch. Thank heavens for helium!

Jared earned a bead, his religious knot and a couple of belt loops. A year ago if you would have asked me about such awards I could have cared less. Since then, I have found myself pushing and encouraging Jared to try and get something each pack meeting.

Belt loops are one of the easiest things to earn, not to mention I think they are pretty cool. He earned the snowboarding and basketball one this month.

Jenny and Gina with our massive balloon chain.
It looked more like a giant lollipop.

It's always sad to spend so many hours decorating and at the end of the night having to take all of it down. I couldn't leave without taking a photo of our long chain of balloons. As you can see the boys wanted to join in as well. We made the executive decision to let them go in the air. (sorry for all you environmentalist out there I hope we didn't kill any birds). It was super windy and kind of cool to see them float off in the distance.

Orange Fever

One thing I won't pass up are tickets to a Suns game. I am not a huge television sports gal, but you bring me their live and I am there! Doug's partner graciously gave these awesome seats to us against the Utah Jazz. (it's really rare for us to go) I quickly realized that I didn't own anything but a Spurs shirt. Luckily I have a 9 year old HUGE fan and he let me borrow his. (thanks Jared!)

I took this photo to show our kids just how close we were to the players and I couldn't believe how HUGE Shaq is in person. He seriously towers over all the players. It was such a close exciting game. Phoenix pulled through in the last few minutes (phew) I really don't think I could have handled the stress of overtime. Go Suns!

"I Built This Garden For Us"

Doug and I have talked about being prepared for quite some time. However, their has always be some sort of excuse. Whether it was we didn't have the extra funds, being in school, time, etc. With the scary economy and job market one thing I think we all need to do is become more self-reliant. I am not sure if it was our dirt backyard, being in the wilderness for a few days, or inheriting a green thumb (from his dad). Doug decided to plant a garden. With the size of our backyard we could probably plant a nursery, however watermelon was his choice of seed. I think it was smart to start with one thing. Truthfully I am anxious to see if it works. Luke and Doug have been watering it religiously and sun has been on our side.

And you all know that being a "farmer" comes with a price. Don't you just LOVE the sexy markings it gives you? Hopefully, come June this farmer tan will pay off babe!

Spring Break 2009

I started our break with pink toes and even managed to get a little "pink" skin. (sadly my mini tan is now gone). Our weather has been absolutely dreamy! 50's in the evening and upper 70's during the day. If we could just stay this way (although I fear AZ would be a tad overpopulated). Anyways, this year our two week spring break flew by. Here are some of the fun things we did........

Weston learned to putt, putt. And was adamant not to get help. His technique wasn't the best, (it was more of a bat swing to the ground), but he had fun.

Luke and Weston

Thankfully some good friends DO have pools in their backyards. We frequented the Hunter's and Varvel's a few times. The water was freezing, but when you are a kid----let's face it temperature plays no factor.

Grandpa Dale and Luke

We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa Clouse. Luke even managed to get Grandpa to play toss up a few times (his favorite game).

Jared & Keston

Hung out with friends. Jared had a few sleep overs and finally mastered his rip stick. Although I was told the one he has isn't "real" (we bought the cheap version a few years ago). Apparently, the brand on this particular item is necessary.

We were entertained by Ms. Chloe Mae. She is just the cutest thing. I think Weston begs to defer on some occasions, after all he is bigger and he doesn't like the fact she just wants to be by him. Boys, anyhow. Thanks for sharing your playdough with us!

Heather, Jenny, Tiffany and Minnie

We celebrated a dear friends birthday. Not all could attend our birthday lunch at Paradise (we missed you Tishia and Amber). Happy Birthday Tiffany!!

I must have been feeling bright and cheery towards the end of break (I have never painted my toes yellow) I have gone from green, to pink and now yellow.