Clawson Family

Hi!

2010-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yup- it's been a year (almost) What a year it has been!
We are loving our new home and are still "decorating it" or whatever one calls it. Andrew has been working on the backyard tilling the backyard with a shovel, he's going to plant grass and make a vegetable garden. Our grass in the front is lush and green. We lived with dirt until mid-end Decemeber. Andrew made a flower bed in the front and put 3 rose bushes and planted some daffodil bulbs. We have lots of rose buds almost ready to bloom, and the daffodils are now peeking out of the dirt! I can't wait until Spring comes!I don't miss Santa Rosa as much- I think ever since we bought our home, that I was then able to put down roots and call Southern California home.

The kids have made good friends here. I am so grateful that they have found good friends.

I am still going to school- taking a Nursing 50 class and wondering to myself- is it worth it? It's a rough class.

We are happy here and we've enjoyed all the rain that we've recieved here-

Here's a quote that I found and love and wanted to share.

"If ever you are tempted to
become discouraged or
to lose faith.....
Hold on a little longer.
You can do this!
You are part of a special generation.
You were prepared and preserved
to live at this important time
in the existence of our
beautiful planet earth.
You have a celestial pedigree
and therefore have
all the necessary talents
to make your life an
eternal success story."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Love it! Hope everyone is doing well!

Sarah

Conference...

2009-04-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for General Conference this past weekend. I have been under a tremendous amount of stress for the last few weeks. I feel like I can't focus in school anymore. My testimony was starting to slip, until the other day I know I have been complaining about my calling and how rough it is... and thanks to my friend, Karen, who I love and miss, said to me... "It would be calm if we had no callings.." (something along those lines) I immediately said, " Without callings, the church would fall apart and the gospel would cease to exist..." and she responded and said, " Spoken with someone who has a testimony....." Thank you Karen, for waking me up!!!!! Talking to you the other day was an answer to my prayers!

I have been looking forward to General Conference.. with renewed faith. I listened.. I prayed.. and had questions in my mind, and it was answered.

I am so looking forward to this week, and going to make changes,(baby steps!!)

Thank you all for your patience with me,

"Fear not, be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

Love it!!

Here's to a new week!!

Ok!!Ok!!! Don't Kill me Alright!!

2009-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

So- It's been 4 MONTHS!!!! Phew! How Do I fit 4 months in a blog??

I shouldn't be blogging.. I should be working on my Plato/Wright Essay... but I am sitting here staring at the computer screen drawing a BLANK!!! I'd rather be Facebooking and stalking everyone! ;-)

So, I thought I'd post something, so that I can keep my friends!!

Anyway- Here's some highlights on what the Clawsons have done the last 4 months.....

* Mommy made the children and the hubby suffer as I went to school during the short 6 week winter session.

* Mommy continued to make the children and hubby suffer as I went back to school after a 4 day break in between semesters!!! Don't hate me alright!! :-)

* Mommy and Daddy makes the children suffer as we go to church for long hours.. meetings galore!!! (I'm think the kids think that they better have a place in Heaven!! Snickering!)

* Mommy makes the family suffer when there's drama going on - I don't have to 'splain myself alright!!! (still snickering)

* Mommy leaves the children to go and clean someone else's house... (come on.. the children think it's the best... and destroys the house!! not snickering anymore!!)

* Mommy and Daddy gets walked all over- not 'splaining that one either....

* Mommy and Daddy leaves the kids one day and goes house hunting.... and we say- not doing that again!! (the leaving kids part!)

* Mommy and Daddy look at houses.... thought this was supposed to be fun!! After a while they all start to look the same.... This is also our way of torturing the children- by draggin them everywhere with us for hours!!! (we're still thinking of ways to torture them some more! snickering again!! ;-)

* Mommy tortures Daddy and begs him to explain tonicity and hypertonicty and hypotonicity.... in the tropical rain forest!!... Yes.. my Anatomy teacher likes to make weird comparisons! (stopped snickering..... :-/)

* Mommy and Daddy are busy and busy with our callings-... Sometimes we say- Oh boy!! Let's go to a different ward and just sit at church and have no resposnibilities!! Then we wake up and think- oh.. Dream on Baby!!! We've been snookered!

(There better be a place for us in Heaven!! )

* Mommy and Daddy lets Emma Wemma have a slumber party for her first double digit B-day.. ( What were we thinkin'?) Oh yeah!! We love Emma!!! We had fun making mini pizzas and blowing up a million pink balloons, and letting children run around crazy- Good times!!!

* Daddy goes to a meeting for Ashley's Science Camp- Ashley sees her best friend's mama crying... because she will miss her daughter.. Emma, Luke say.... BYE BYE Ashley- BYE BYE!!! (snickering) I have to say... It will be nice to have peace and quiet for a few days.. without the phone ringing all the time... - but of course I have to say I will miss my tween!!

* Mommy took the kiddos to Disney and CA Adventure... and ended up throwing up driving home..... I know (tmi)

* Mommy and Daddy and the children are hoping that after all the (sniff) torture that we put them through looking for a new home, that one of our offers will be accepted... We're DONE!!! ( I love our realtor... so if he reads this... don't get us wrong... We love you and appreciate all the work you've done for us...)

* Mommy and Daddy will be celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary in a few days- and all we can think about is.. how are we going to pay our taxes, and waiting to hear about whether or not our offer has been accepted..... Fun Fun!!!

* Mommy and Daddy love our children... and are so grateful to have each other. We are so deeply blessed! We can feel love and support from our family and friends... And hopes that our faithful readers still love us!!! ;-)

Knotts Merry Farms

2009-01-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Emma got DRENCHED!!! We were so lucky that we had traded in a pair of jeans at Target that morning- so we had some dry clothes to wear- She had to take her shirt off and put her jacket on and zip it up!
Emma got to invite a friend of her's from church to join with us-

Having fun!

Fiesta Hats ( same idea as the Tea Cups at Disney)

Andrew took this picture of us on Ghost Rider- which in my opinion is the BEST wooden rollercoaster I have been on- and I have been on quite a few of them.... AWESOME!!! I was kind of scared for Luke--- But he survived!

LA Temple- Christmas Lights

2009-01-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

We went to the Temple after church before Christmas- We had fun and had a nice time there! This was our 2nd time doing this- so maybe it has become a tradition?

A mishmash of pics.

2009-01-07T08:27:00.001-08:00

Luke made a snowman out of marshmallows at his christmas party at school.

Ash made the honor roll- We're proud of her!

Luke's tooth fell out.. the tooth fairy put a golden sacajawea dollar under his pillow.

Gingerbread house decorated by Emma

2009-01-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can see it, but Em made a sign that says " Emma's Inn"

Andrew and I had Em all to ourselves, so we had fun making personal pizzas, decorating this.. We need to have special time with each child... it was fun!

Nutcracker pictures

2009-01-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

Don't they look beautiful/handsome? They did a really good job!!!

blogging from my blackberry

2008-12-31T10:40:00.001-08:00

Hello!!! I thought I'd try blogging from my phone and see how it works. We are enroute to Big Bear to go play in the snow. We have never been to Big Bear.. So hopefully it won't be so crowded there...

We've been having a GREAT vacation! We went to the movies in Irvine... Went on a GIANT ferris wheel- the biggest one I've ever seen- and I've seen a few!

We went to Knotts Berry Farms on Monday, and had a blast!It was so much fun to go on all the crazy rides with the kids.. Luke went on his first upside down ride (like the tidal wave at great america) he loved it!!! He wasn't quite tall enough to go on a ride similiar to Top Gun, but he waited for us patiently- while the rest of us got on as a family.. I didn't know how Emma would do- I guess my kids take after me!!!! We've been having fun together- playing games, watching TV, staying in our jammies all day.

I don't know if I can figure out how to download a picture from my phone... But yes, I will have to post pictures like I promised.

Hope you all have a Happy New Years! I got cute hats and tiaras for us for tonight. Andrew's going to make pizza and we'll probably play games and watch movies... It's sad to think that all this fun will end in a few days- Hopefully we can go to the beach, go bowling before this vacation comes to an end.

Updates....

2008-12-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends~

Hope this Holiday Season finds you all healthy and happy!

I just thought I'd write and update you all about what's happening with the Clawsons......

The children and I are all off for 2 weeks, so we're going to really try and enjoy it! Andrew won't be off until after work on Christmas Eve day for a few days. We are looking forward to enjoying spending time with the family during those few days. Hopefully we will be able to give our children all the attention that they need or want for the next few months in a few days! (smile)

The kids are doing well in school- I'm proud of the way that they've grown. Ashley only has 6 more months before she goes to Jr High! Scary!!!!! I'm not sure who is taller now, her or me.. but like everyone else in the Clawson side says, " it's not hard to be taller than you (me)!"

Emma got her braces a few days before Halloween, she has been able to adjust to it. She has to wear it for 18 months.. Ashley only has a year left before hers is taken off. I'm not sure if Luke will need them, I'm crossing my fingers that he won't, it is so darn expensive!

Last week, all 3 kids performed in the Nutcracker at their school. What a WONDERFUL experience it was to see all the hard work that they've done - come together- into a beautiful program. The kids really enjoyed doing that. I will post pictures on the blog later, when I have some time. They all looked so CUTE in their costumes. We were able to make a movie on MY new camera that I got for my birthday, but Andrew needs to figure out how to make copies and then we'll send them off to family... We also found out that the director was able to get a video made and will have copies available after Christmas break.

I finished my last final on Monday, and just saw my grades online, and saw that I still have my 4.0 gpa!!! Andrew wasn't surprised- he actually said, " I wouldn't expect any less from you!" So, I hope he'll still be proud of me even if I don't keep that up!!! I guess education is so important to me. I wish my kids would see that. It's just too bad that my grades from when I was 17 and 18 at the JC has to follow me around- I had a 1.8 gpa back then!!!! I'll be taking a class during the winter session, Psych 9. We'll see how that goes, hopefully I can keep up with the fast paced classes.

Andrew is still loving his job- So, I'm glad that we're here... It makes a big difference in our family when he's happy and I'm happy as well. There are times where we get too busy and that's when we get a bit cranky- but it doesnt last for long! :-)

We just found out on Monday, that we will have to look for another place to live. The owner of the house, this nice big house that we love... has decided to give it up and turn it over to the bank. We were stressed about what we were going to do. We don't have money saved for a deposit to put towards another house, so after going to church today and talking to someone about the situation, a woman told us to talk to a man who deals with foreclosures. He was able to give us some information. He said from the time that the bank puts a notice on our door, we have 5 months or maybe more to move. So, we feel a lot better knowing that we don't have to rush and find a place right away. Hopefully we can save some money and be able to find another place or maybe continue to rent this home from the bank, who knows what the situation is, there's a silver lining somewhere! I know of it and I feel it! Our Branch President told us today during tithing settlement, that because we are full time tithe payers that we will be blessed, I just had a warm feeling inside, that everything will be OKAY!

We are really truly blessed... After church today, our branch had a gathering to share Christmas treats.. I was looking at the members, and how much LOVE... LOVE... that I have for the members. The branch has become my family. I know that I feel alone at times, with no close friends like I used to in SR, but, there's so much LOVE there....Yes, there are those who gossip, or have bad attitudes, and such, but, it's everywhere...

I am so grateful for my family and for Andrew. Andrew and I have grown so much as a couple since moving here. We've had some rough times, but we've had to rely on each other with no friends to go talk to. Emma asked her dad today who his best friend was, and he told her," your mother." How good that was to hear that he sees me that way! He's my best friend for time and all eternity!

So, my dear ones...I hope that this season makes you look inside yourselves and see how blessed all of you are! Everyone is blessed with something, it's up to you to find it and acknowledge it (them).

Much Love to You....

The Clawson Family

Prop. 8 Story

2008-11-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share an experience that I had the other day. I posted a picture with the big "yes for 8" sign on my car.. I know it's an "in your face" sign, but it's something that I believe strongly in. Those who know me, know that I don't put signs up or announce to the world my political/moral beliefs, so this was a first for me.

Anyway, I was driving and noticed that i needed to get gas, so I pulled into a gas station. I pulled into an empty "stall", and someone else was in front of me filling his car. A man in a big SUV pulled in behind me, I guess he saw my big, "in your face" sign on my car, and started getting mad at me, so he pulled over and parked to the other side of my car. Another man (older man with a wife) pulled in behind me- "waiting in line". I found myself blocked in and trapped, the man that parked his car aside mine got out of the car and started walking around my car, yelling at me and at my car.. started walking to the man that was filling up his tank in front of me.. pointing to me and making obscenities at me.. I was TERRIFIED!!! The man waiting behind me saw how scared I was and pulled back out so that i could wiggle back out and escape. I had a silent prayer that i would get out asked for protection. Once I got out, i saw the older man get out of his car and start walking to the other men.. basically scolding him for freaking me out. I know that once I put this sign up on my car, that it would stir things up and cause problems, but it was something that I felt strongly about, and felt that I would be protected. I am so grateful that it was just me in the car that day, and not my husband. I feel that if it was Andrew, then it would have been more physical. I have read so many stories about people getting hurt over this.... Anyway, just wanted to share... I hope and pray for every one's safety while there is so much chaos in this perilous times.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

Emma was a ladybug, Ash was a cute kitty cat, Luke was Dash from the Incredibles... They got TONS of candy! Dad stayed home to pass out candy.

I have been busy blogging- so keep scrolling down.....

Birthday--- Braces--

2008-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures that was taken on my Birthday. Andrew took us out to a NICE Indian place. The family gave me my present there and I proceeded to set up my camera and snap some pictures... Enjoy!

Doesn't Em look cute? (I'm biased I know!)

Yes on Prop.8!!!

2008-10-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Now that I have a new camera.. I can do better with blogging! Just wanted to show you my prop 8 sign on my car. I have gotten a few reactions out of it! It's a good thing I'm deaf!!!!

Pumpkins Galore!

2008-10-31T15:25:00.001-07:00

Andrew was a very good boy this year and got me a camera for my birthday! So, here's some pictures I was able to snap! NO ONE is touching my camera!!!!! Enjoy!

Jack O' Lanterns

I've done 47 things!

2008-10-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

...Things I've done and Been to (Mine are in RED )

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (in the process of )
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (& Book of Mormon)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

I've Been Tagged!

2008-10-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, OK.. Don't hate me!!! I've been super busy!!! But I'll do this -only for you Jessica!!!

My 8 Obsessions right now...

1. Keeping the house clean... which is rare with 3 kids!

2. My calling as RS Pres. is basically taking over my life!

3. Reading books...

4. Finding crockpot recipes (like i said, I have been busy...)

5. Andrew is an Obsession for me!

6. Kids !!!

7. Making sure the kids do their chores!

8. Food Storage

8 words or phrases that I use often

1. Whatever!

2. Stop fighting!

3. Clean up your messes!

4. You're beautiful/handsome (to my kids)

5. I love you

6. Ok, how about we do this.......

7. Give each other loves ( to kids after I tell them to stop fighting)

8. Time for prayer..

8 things I want to do before I die...

1. Watch kids grow up

2. Have grandchildren

3. Travel to Mexico and see where Andrew served his mission

4. Go on a Deaf mission with Andrew

5. Visit as many temples as I can

6. Graduate from college (working on that one!)

7. Go on a cruise and travel

8. Get my dream car- a baby blue VW beetle convertible

8 things I want or need right now...

1. Debt to be paid off

2. My house clean! (my sisters are coming tomorrow!)

3. Sleep!

4. Will someone do my homeowrk for me?

5. Need a new camera

6. Twilight books # 2 and # 3

7. Braces and my teeth fixed

8. Peace of mind!

8 people I tag..

1. Emily

2. Sara H

3. Elisa

4. Becky

5. Melissa

6. Valerie

7. Cindy

8. Rachel

Now I can move on!

2008-08-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Ok- I guess the Twilight series was an obsession. I wasn't feeling good for a few days, and my sweet hubby went to Border's to purchase Breaking Dawn for me. I finished all 720 something pages today....So, Now, I can move on... and get my laundry done and do all the fun stuff that mommies are supposed to do! Pah!

2008-08-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ok! OK! I'm going INSANE! I started reading the Twilight book yesterday afternoon, finished it after dinner, read the 2nd book when I went to bed around 9 30, read New Moon until I looked at the clock and panicked when it read 1:32 am! I have children to wake up at 6 30!! I woke up at 5 am, continued where I left off in the 2nd book, woke the kids up and did what was neccesary to get them out the door- got back in bed and finished at 10:30 am. Took a break walked around, got a drink of water and stuff. The lure of the 3rd book Eclipse was too strong to resist. Kept reading it- of course I had to take time out during the day to make a quick dinner, (winks) and take a bath- because I did not want to disturb my reading yesterday! So... I'm all done with all 3 books! I think it's a total of 1700 pages or something!!!! in 24 hours! I am officially a Twilight FAN!!!! I just don't know whether or not I want to see the movies.... seeing how I get SO dissapointed when it's not the same as the book! Maybe I'll have to give it a try! Anyone want to join me?

Twilight

2008-07-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I succumbed and gave up! After hearing about the Twilight series and when I heard it was about vampires- I was like, "Not interested!" I wasn't feeling good today- and I've had the book sitting around- so, I decided to read it. MY GOSH!!! No one could get me away from the book except to eat! I read the whole book today- all 500 pages! Now I can't wait to read the second book, "New Moon." Just wanted to share!

Settled Down

2008-07-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Now that things have settled down, I thought I'd post some pics of what we've been doing this summer!

ATVing on my parent's property in Washington. Everyone had fun!

We decided to stop in Fillmore, UT on the way home, to check out a museum. My great grandfather was involved with the building of this building which was supposed to be the State Captiol for Utah. It is only 1/3 or 1/4 finished. It was only one of the "wings". They did not finish building it because it was decided that the state captiol would be in Salt Lake city. We saw pictures of my relatives on the wall and there was a book of my great grandfather. I was thrilled to pieces!

Here is what the building was supposed to look like when completed.

An Evening at Huntington Beach

The cute kiddies

Of course! Andrew couldn't help but bring his fishing pole! He actually caught a few fish!

SHARKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, it was a leopard shark that Andrew caught last weekend at Hungtinton Beach.

Rockin' N Rollin'

2008-07-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Earthquake!!!!!

Yes, you read right! I was on the videophone talking to my sister, and all of a sudden, I feel a loud BOOM! I was sitting on the couch- unable to think but hold on to my couch for dear life! It took me by surprise! Yes, I have been through many earthquakes, but still... My sister saw the shaking images, my t.v. was shaking and my couch was as well. Tigger ran around like crazy- meowing- unsure of what happened. I felt a few more aftershocks. The epicenter was a stone's throw away and it was scary to think, that if it was any worse, there would be a problem. I tried to call Andrew- the phone lines- no matter how many times or different numbers I tried to call had a busy signal. I finally got a hold of Andrew's work- I think it was the secretary- he had gone out to lunch. He paged me back and told me that he was out at lunch and didn't even feel it! Good Riddance! I called the children's schools, thankfully it happened during lunch recess, so the children were already outside. Everything was ok. So, I felt better- but this ordeal has made me realize that I better have my emergency kits ready, and I know we have one, but we probably need to update it. and make it possible so that if I'm at home alone with no hubby, I can carry it.

Blast from the Past

2008-07-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Just thought I'd post some old pictures- my happy pictures as I call them. I still don't know where my cable is for my camera to transfer it to the computer, and I am clueless on how to transfer pictures from my blackberry- I did try!!! So, I came across these pictures when I scanned them for the family reunion last month, and thought I'd share! Enjoy!

Don't we make a cute couple? This was taken the day after he proposed to me.

My mother's father: Grandpa Call holding me.

I think this one is when I was 6 years old

This picture of Emma always cracks me up!!! Isn't she cute?!

Ash and Em at my favorite Pumpkin farm that doesnt exist anymore- Westside Farms

My father: Grandpa Potter, holding Emma in Yosemite

Back in my glory days when I used to run- I used to be fast!

Me napping with my father-

My little Monkey Lukey Pukey Wukey

2008-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Finally an update on the Clawson family! The kiddos have been out of school for 2 weeks! Ashley got an award for being on the honor roll for 5th grade. We're all proud of her, because we know how she works hard. Math is a hard subject for her. Her teacher has been really good with Ashley, and tutored her 2x's a week after school. I can't believe that my little girl is going into 6th grade!

Emma did well in school, we hope that she'll have Ashley's old 4th grade teacher. Mrs. Fairfax was tough, but we think Emma can rise up to the challenge. She's a smart little cookie!

Luke also did very well in school, he's hoping to get Emma's old 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Jimenez, who we loved. I spoke to her and told her that I hoped that Luke gets in her class, and she told me not to worry, because she'd already been "fighting" for him. Smile!

Andrew has been busy with work- same old- He likes his job- there are just some "idiots" as he calls it that he has to deal with. Smile.

I just finished a semester. I took 4 classes and I just found out that I got straight A's this semester!!! Kudos to my family -especially Andrew for always helping out; making dinner, helping clean, taking care of the kids etc... I love you!!!! Now I'm starting to get a bit nervous about taking a year of Anatomy along with Psych 9, Speech 9, English 1A. My counselor told me that once I've got those classes under my belt I would only need 4 more stinking units before I can get my A.S. degree! I have been doing some research on the deaf in the nursing program. There are not many deaf nurses, just a handful. There's even a club for the deaf in the medical field, and a book! It's exciting to research and find that it is POSSIBLE to do this! I have a VR counselor who doesn't really support me in pursuing my dream. She said to me, " Who the heck would hire a deaf nurse?" I told her that I did not appreciate her squashing my dream. She basically told me to be "realistic." UMMMM...

If I do get accepted into the nursing program, I'll have to find all the assistive listening devices to help me, like for the stethescope, and such. So.. wish me luck!!! If I do get accepted, I'll start next fall. It's nerve wracking to realize how fast time flies, and before I know it.. I'll be deep in the throes of a cadaver studying all the body parts!

We're all doing well! Andrew and I are very busy with our callings. It seems as though we never get a chance to just sit and relax at church. I am getting ready to go set up for Encrichment meeting. We're making aprons made out of towels. I have a fabulous committee, that is willing to help me with whatever needs to be done! KUDOS to you!!!

On another note, on Monday, Tigger got out of the house, and was missing for 3 days! We went looking for him, and we found him at our old house with another "friend" cat. So, we were all happy that he's home and safe. Now we know where to look for him. It was heart wrecnching to take him away from his "friend." Emma kept telling me that Tigger ran off and got married, so when we saw the 2 cats together, she kept telling me, " I told you mommy! he ran off and got married!"

Still Alive!!

2008-05-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody!

Yeah, I know it's been a month... Can't I make excuses huh? This post is just to let you know that yes, we're still alive and kicking! The children's last day of school is May 29th, so they're pretty stoked that there's only a few weeks left. My last day of school is June 11th (that's when I have my last final) As far as I know, I'm getting straight A's in all my classes, so hopefully I can just keep that going for a few more weeks.

Andrew is still being WONDERFUL! He surprised all the sisters in our branch, including me, by making huge cinnamon rolls for mother's day. The women had a hard time believing that Andrew made them. They thought it was either store bought or made in a bread machine. I know for a fact that there were quite a few women who were jealous that I have a husband that can make delicious cinnamon rolls! Smile! I'm lucky aren't I?

I took Luke in to the orthodontist, and he got fitted for an appliance to help him stop sucking his thumb. It's going to be costly, but I hope that this will work. It has 4 spikes and will be hanging on the roof of his mouth. He will need to wear it for between 4 to 5 months. He gets the appliance put on this coming Monday.

Last week, we celebrated Luke and Andrew's birthday, Luke wanted a build a bear, so we took him to the Build a Bear factory at the Ontario Mills Mall. He picked out a cute monkey and put a heart inside, stuffed it, and picked out clothes for it. He picked out a fly fisherman outfit, complete with a fishing pole with fish on the string! Luke named his new friend, Andy, it's cute!
Emma has one that she bought with her birthday money a cat named Sophia, and the 2 kids look so cute carrying it around and cuddling with their "friends"

Andrew purchased fly fishing stuff that got stolen out of the garage when our garage got broken into last year. He is planning on taking Luke on a fishing trip this weekend, so, we'll see!

Ashley has been going to different band concerts and playing the flute. She enjoys playing the flute, so hopefully she can keep at it and get better.

Hope all is well!

2008-04-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

HEY!

Everyone's in bed, it's only 9:50 pm! I just finished writing an essay that's due tomorrow morning. It was very personal and healing for me to write. I really like my English teacher and even though I have a lot of homework, I don't feel stressed somehow. Hard to explain.

I have a busy week ahead of me. 3 midterms this week and one a few days after Spring break. I am looking forward to Friday!!! Yippiiieee!!! I know that the week will be over before I know it!

Tomorrow, Andrew and I will be celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary. Have we been married that long? Or better yet, it seems longer! Smile! I wrote him a love note and put it in his car, hoping that he finds it early in the morning when he goes to work.

I really enjoyed watching General Conference and liked how our new prophet opened up in his closing remarks. It makes him seem more human.

I'm sorry I have not been able to post any pictures as of yet. I have not been able to find my camera! Someone has been hiding it from me!!! Will have to find it and start taking snapshots of the young un's.

Tigger update: He's doing so much better!!!
Have a great week!!!

2008-03-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

It's time again for me to post! We've been in the house for just over a month and we're still not settled in yet! I have been toooooo busy with school and homework. Andrew has been busy taking over some of my responsiblities, like doing the bills and cooking, etc. Even though I've been so busy, I haven't had any problems with vertigo or been sick- only had the stomach flu a few weeks ago, so I have been really blessed. It seems as though I am never caught up with homework, laundry or anything else for that matter. Oh well!!! I had a little talk with Andrew last night, about how busy we have been, and how maybe I shouldn't go back to school next semester, because I don't have as much time with the kids, but he says "NO.. it's important for the kids to see you go to college and strive for an education, and set that example for them." I moan and whine..."But it's hard!" hahaha! He always says, "Oh don't give me that! I've done it all!" Just wanted to murmur for a minute I guess. In reality, I love school even though there's a lot of homework, I feel better about myself. I feel my brain is now seeing the light and functioning again!

As for my excercise classes, I am doing really well.. I am now fitting into my too small clothes that I wasn't able to wear a year ago. SO!!!! tapping my back! Hopefully I'll be able to get smaller as time goes on. I love excercising!

I'm home today, Emma has the stomach flu, woke up in the night and started throwing up. I had an essay due this morning, so I left for a few minutes to go turn it in and get my homework assignments. So... Maybe I'll have the chance to get all caught up with homework!? We'll see!!!

We can't wait until my Spring break, that's in a few weeks in April. We got a free hotel stay for 2 nights in San Diego for signing with All State Insurance. So we're excited to go there for a few days, and just have fun! Andrew and I hope to go to the San Diego Temple, he has never been there, and I have wanted to take him since I went there last Aug. with Katrina. It's GORGEOUS!!!! So, thats something I'm really looking forward to!

Well! Hope all is well with you guys! Sorry I am so bad with posting...

Enjoy Spring!!!

Love ya all!

Hello!!!

2008-03-06T16:03:00.002-08:00

Hi All!

I know it's been a while! I've already been in school for 3 weeks now. The homework has been piling, I am trrying so hard to be on top of it since tying to settle down in a new house takes a lot of time. We already feel at home, There are a few things left to do, like set up the office and put curtains and pictures up. Hopefully we can tackle that soon!

I am doing pretty well in my classes, I have quizzes every week in both my English and Computer Information Systems classes, and I do well. I am not as stressed as I was last semester with that stupid English teacher. I love my teacher now... He makes it fun and makes you responsible for your learning and treats us like adults. I love my kickboxing class! My teacher has been kicking our butts! (literally!) I was unable to walk normally yesterday or today! I'm still taking Physical Fitness, but the teacher sure likes to talk and leaves us with like 40 minutes to workout, so I don't feel like I'm getting my full excercise in. Hopefully she'll be quiet soon!

I am truly busier than I have been in a long time. I havent been able to sit on my sore bottom (thanks to Karen! my kickboxing instructor) and watch t.v.! haha

Well... Just an posting to let ya'll know we're still alive and kicking! (I am barely!) And we're happy... getting back into our routines of reading together as a family... and dinner time.. I am so grateful to have such an understanding husband who knows what homework is like and his understanding and patience, I dont know if I did the same thing when he was going to school.. I guess I see all the hard work he has had to do, with going to school and working 40 plus hours a week and have 3 little children. I am very proud of him for accomplishing everything he has done... I hope I can make him proud and do the best I can. Although he says he was happy with a "C" grade, where for me, a "C" means failure..I think I get too serious with my school work because I want that "A", which I do get, but then and again, I do miss out with my kids. I hope that I can find that perfect balance that will work for me.

Emma is going to be 9 years old on Sunday the 9th... She's growing up so fast! I remember her beautiful birth and how she was born as the sun was rising. I have yet done anything for her birthday, so I hope I can get something together either tomorrow or Saturday. Hope everyone is doing well!

First Day of School!

2008-02-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

It's the first day of the Spring Semester for me. I'm up early, trying to get a headstart. I'm taking 9 units this semester. I'm taking English, the same one that I dropped out of last semester, CSI 1A (Computer Information Systems). I'm also taking kickboxing and Physical Fitness. So, we'll see how that goes!

For those of you that don't know, we are moving in a few days to a different house. We've been packing and taking stuff over to the new house. A family friend moved to Massasschutts and couldn't find a buyer for her home, so she came to us and asked us if we could move into her house. It's a 3700 sq feet home with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. I'm thinking.. what are we going to do with all that space! I'm used to a 950 sqfoot apartment, and more currently a 2600 sqfeet house. Sooo... we'll see. Just wanted to let you all know, and sort of make sorry excuses as to why I have not been blogging! Once we're all done and settled, and internet hooked up, I'll start again. Time to get going! Wish me luck!

Just some pictures for ya'll to look at!

2008-01-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

The view outside my window! I love it! There are dark grey clouds on the bottom of the mountains. This is Mt. Baldy.

Love this actor!!!! Have to blame my good ole' father for getting me hooked to the classics! "Singing in the Rain" and "White Christmas" among others.

Don't know if you can see, but kids are with Darth Vader in Hollywood.

"Luke, I am your Father........"

Children's Discovery Museum in Temecula. Kids had a blast there! It was only 3 bucks a pop!! Whoo whoo!

Tigger under the Christmas tree!!

I'M BAAACKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!

2008-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

It's been a while, going on 5 months since I last posted!!!! Time flies when you're busy! I got an "A" in my algebra class! I'm happy about it! I was very determined to get a good grade. I dropped out of my English class, because the teacher was unbelievably horrible! I had to deal with discrimination from her, so half way through the semester with lots of hours and homework and essays under my belt, I had to bow out. I was so, so sick physically for 3 full months, going to class so sick and coughing blood. Once I dropped out, I started getting better, and one day in November my interpreter for my Algebra class noticed that I wasn't coughing anymore. I was amazed at myself, I used to think I was a wimp, but now, I know better. I did not miss one single class through all this, (until I dropped out of Eng. of course)

I have been thinking about my future, about what I want to do. I know most of you know I have wanted to be a nurse for so long, a labor and delivery nurse. I have been fighting with some people who don't think I can do it. I realize now, after looking through the prereqisite for becoming an RN, and the demanding school schedule, that it is not right thing for me to do right now. I have a WONDERFUL school counselor who is so positive and thinks that I can do anything! She suggested that I look into the possibility of going the LVN route. (Licensed Vocational Nurse) So....after talking about it.. it seemed right. I can go to school part time, and if I am able to get certified. Maybe work part time, until my kids are older, then I can consider going back to school and get my RN degree.

Just last week I had an appt. with my counselor about classes that I would need before I can apply for the nursing program. She was able to look at my old transcript from SRJC, and apply it to my current transcript. and said that I would only need 5 more classes before I can get into the nursing program. I was sooo shocked and so thrilled! 5 more classes?? That's all??? Soooo,this coming semester I'm enrolled in a computer class and the same English class that I dropped out of, but with a BETTER teacher! I did some research this time. I found that the teacher I had last semester was the worst ranked teacher in the whole college!!!! Anyway, the 5 classes I need are : English, Anatomy,Psych 9, Speech 9, CIS 1A (computer class). That's it!

I can apply for the nursing program next Feb. I would have to take a nursing class next summer, before the actual program starts next fall. So... Wish me luck! I am so excited beyond words. I feel like I have grown to like myself more as a person. I have fought through all the sickness, and I am proud that I was able to have the courage to get through my 1st semester back at school.

I am currently taking a physical fitness class at school, during the winter semester. It's everyday Mondays thru Thursdays for 2 and half hours. I work on weight training and work on cardio machines. After 4 classes, I didn't lose any weight, I actually gained one pound, but I lost 3 % body fat. So that says something! This class lasts for 6 weeks, I have 4 more weeks to endure! I have been feeling so much better about myself and have a lot more adrenaline. So, I decided to take 2 more PE classes in the Spring. I'm taking Kickboxing and Physical Fitness (same one as I am in now). I feel like I need to continue my exercise, or else I would just go nuts after going 6 weeks with full blown exercising. Hope I can survive! :-)

Anyway, the children are doing very well in school. they are looking forward to having February off! I hope to be able to take them to the beach more, and for walks, now that i have all this energy! Ashley has gotten taller and more mature. Emma is the same old girl with her bankie (blankie) up her nose! Luke is really having a growth spurt!

I'll post some pictures.... I'll have to commit to start blogging again!

Anyway, that's all for now folks!!

Enjoy some pictures!

Here are the kids with the Simmon Kids, (the Simmons came to stay with us for a few days and went trick and treating with us! FUN!)

Arent my kids CUTE? (I'm biased I know!)

Thanksgiving Dinner with our special friend Patty! She's our adopted aunt or grandma! We LOVE her!

We went to the La Brea Tar Pits. It was awesome to see all the fossils of the animals from prehistoric times! Saber tooth cats, huge mammoths etc..

We went to Hollywood, and looked around, walked on the Hollywood walk of fame. whatever thats called! I saw Doris Day, and immediately thought of my dad, and the movie "An Affair to Remember" Andrew and I watched that movie the first day we met at my house! Memories!!!

What a Crazy Week!

2007-09-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures this time, sorry! I thought I'd keep you posted on life in the Clawson household. This past week has been ridiculously busy! Ever since I started going back to school, seems like I have hours and hours of homework and am overwhelmed with trying to juggle everything. Andrew has been such a good sport about coming home to hungry kids and making dinners.. ( I have also been sick with a bad sinus infection!) I literally spent all day yesterday doing homework. I'm thinking.. when will this ever end?! I'm going through a rough patch trying to figure out how to balance my time with the children, homework, housework, being a wife, a soccer mom, my calling, and now as a student.

I had a breakdown earlier today crying and complaining to Andrew how hard it is. I have a very strict English teacher who flip flops all over the place and is not clear about what she wants. It's frustrating!!!! She likes to give out lots of homework!!! I feel like the homework takes away from my family time. So.. we'll see how it goes.

Andrew was able to calm me down and get me started. He was such a big help today, critiquing my work, and making lunch and dinner for us today. He even cleaned up! I have such a good husband don't I? I am so grateful to have him! Anyway- enough of that!!!

The kids had soccer games today. Luke is still learning the rules of soccer.. Emma is pretty darn good at it! She is pretty aggressive!!!! I can't believe how well she plays! Her team won, with 6 players!!! The other team had 8 players! We are very proud of the kids!

Only 2 weeks left of school for the kids, then they're out for a month! Time flies!

Hopefully I'll be able to relax tomorrow and not think about homework and just focus on my family! Hope you are all doing well!

Soccer!!

2007-09-10T09:19:00.001-07:00

Emma and Luke in their soccer garb! They did such a good job at their games!

Disneyland!!!

2007-09-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

Space Mountain was our first ride of the day! We had so much fun! (ahem! except for Luke!) It was also our last ride of the day, and it became Luke's favorite! :-)

Minnie Mouse!!! Aren't the kiddos cute or what?!

In Toon Town lounging on a car! Sorry folks! No getting your driver's license until you're 25 years old!

Everyone knows these famous Teacups! The kids had a blast spinning their teacup.. I was forbidden to spin the one Andrew and I were on, otherwise he would have puked on me!! Yech!

This picture was taken after the day was over, in the parking garage. I wanted a picture of the kiddos in their new Disney garb!

Well! If you want to read a story... be prepared not to get up for a while! A friend of mine from Santa Rosa's mother sent us 2 free tickets to Disneyland. I started looking online for tickets for the children. We were broke and couldn't afford to buy tickets for them...Tickets for the kids would have cost $172!!!! NO WAY!! Anyway, while looking for cheap tickets, a name popped up in my head many times. The name was "Queenie", she's a mom of Luke's classmate from kindergarten. Anyway, the name kept popping in my head and, so I decided to give her a call, and basically said to her," I don't know why I'm calling you, but your name kept popping in my head. Do you know of how or where I can get cheap tickets to Disneyland?" She responded and said,"oh! I work there! I can only let 3 people in not your whole family." I'm like..."oh really!? I only need 3 tickets for my kids!" So we proceeded to plan on a day and time to meet.

I decided that I would surprise the kids. They have wanted to go to Disneyland eversince before we moved here, and they stopped asking to go, I guess they figured that we would never go.

Andrew told the kids the night before, not to be surprised that he would be home the next day. He told them that he had errands to do with me. (he never takes days off!)

He told the kids to get their backpacks in the car and we would drop them off at school (ok, ok!! so we lied a bit!) The kids got really confused when we passed the school. I preteneded to get "frustrated" with Andrew... heehee! I told the kids that since he had never taken them to school, that he was just confused! They accepted that! Then we kept going and they were so worried that they would get a "pink" slip for being tardy. So I calmed the kids down by telling them, "oh I'll explain to the office, don't worry! We'll take care of it!" Well needless to say they accepted that!

We got on the freeway, and school had already started and we told them, "ohh!, I guess you'll have to go on the errands with us!" the kids were not excited at that prospect.

Andrew and I had a hard time trying not to laugh! When we finally pulled into Disneyland, they didn't realize it until I rolled down my window and paid for parking, and the attendant said " Welcome to Disneyland! Have a wonderful day!" I immediately looked back at the kids to see their expressions. I wish I snapped a few pictures! It was unforgetable! They did not believe that we were actually there!

Emma told us, while we were waiting at the gate for Queenie to let us in, " I am in shock!"

What an unforgetable experience for us! We had the time of our lives there! I know people think- oh Disneyland.. everyone's been there already! But for my children, it really meant a lot to them. I am so happy that we had the opportunity to do this, and for free!

We came on the best possible day! We basically were able to go on all the rides. A day we will not soon forget!

Now you can get up! Smile!

We're Still ALIVE!!!

2007-08-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

I cant believe it's been almost a month since I last blogged! A lot has happened since the 9th! The kids have been back in school full swing.. They took turns getting the flu- (including me!) They are doing well in their classes and love their teachers! I go and volunteer every week in all the children's classes. I am able to get a sense of where the kids are in comparison to the rest of the class. They are doing fantastic! Their teachers tell me how much they love and enjoy having my kids in their classes. and I can see that they behave well. Luke Just won an award from the principal on Thursday.

I thought it would be embarrassing for the kids to have me come in to their classrooms, but on the contrary- the LOVE it when I come in! The teachers are very appreciative of my help and I do the dirty work for them! Making copies, correcting papers, making homework packets, taking care of homework packets, a few of the many things that I do...

I'm a college student! I am so proud of myself! I'm going back to school- it starts Sept 3rd. I have been busy going to the school and meeting with counselors... getting interpreters set up.. getting myself registered, taking the assessment placement tests.. and today I went to the Department of Rehabilitation office and the school as well. I hope that the Dept of Rehab will be able to pay for my schooling or help.. I'm taking 8 units this semester, Algebra and English.. I'm in the class before English 1A to review my writing skills.. So hopefully I'll be able to do OK and be able to handle the homework load on top of everything else that I need to do. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed for me!

It's been just over one year since we moved down here! Aug 4th was our one year anniversary! Time flies! I think I am finally adjusting to life here, keeping myself busy with different things.

I am going to have a friend here from Utah for a week..so am looking forward to having her with me! We're going to go to 2 temples, hopefully 3 while she's here. We 're going to go to Newport Beach Temple tomorrow night, and San Diego Temple Wednesday, we still haven't decided if we're going to go to the Los Angeles Temple or not... (lots of driving for me!)

Well... Hope everyone is doing well! Keep in touch! I will be posting soon with pictures!

2007-07-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

First Day of School!

Emma being cute while standing in line waiting for her teacher..

You are all probably thinking huh??? First day of school in July!? They go to a year round school. Ashley is in 5th grade now, Emma in 3rd, and Luke in 1st. The year has flown by so fast! We just realized that in a few weeks that we will be reaching our 1 year mark since we moved here. One whole year!

Andrew and I have decided that I'm going to go back to school hopefully this semester. I'm going to go to the community college a few miles away from my house, and see if i can get registered..I'm excited and nervous all at the same time! All these years of saying I'll go back when my kids were all in school. I would have liked to go last year, but because Luke was in school half days so, it wasn't ideal. We would still need to figure out what to do with the children when I'm in school while theu're off track. Keep your fingers crossed that it will all work out for me. I have been really hoping that my vertigo won't affect me.I haven't had an attack in a long time so.. I'm hoping for the best.

Anyway, the children love their teachers.. seems like we are so blessed to be in this school district. Ashley says that her new teacher, Mrs. Miller is the best so far! (probably because she hasn't seen her "other side yet!" haha!) Luke was really hoping to get into Mrs. Oatman's class and he's in her class, so he's happy as can be! Emma likes Mrs. Garcia, so hopefully it'll be the best for them.

Today it finally cooled down! I didn't turn on the AC! YAY!

2007-07-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today Ashley turned 10!!!

We had a very busy day! Ashley invited 2 of her good friends over. We got wooden letters for their intitals.. They painted and decorated them. Andrew made some pizza dough and the kids made their own pizzas. I made brownies and we had ice cream for dessert. We had originally planned to take everyone to the pool, but it was closed, so we went to another pool in Corona, and they weren't letting anymore people in. We didn't feel like it was full at all (but with my experience working at pools for many years, I think it was the lack of staffing as in not enough lifeguards.) So we went back home and decided to get all our water toys out, water guns, waterballoons, and Andrew hosed them off while they were jumping on the trampoline. They seemed to have a ton of fun even though the pools were closed.

Enjoying their pizzas

Having a ball on the trampoline!

Wondering if her wishes will come true!

It was an interesting date, that will never happen again in our lifetime..

7-07-07

Happy Birthday to you Ashley, Wendy, Danielle, and Pamela (tmw)

Clawson Family VACATION!!!!

2007-07-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

Day 1~ Driving to Utah.. see that beautiful Sunset?? It took us 10 hours to get to Mapleton, UT (including all our stops) We stopped in Las Vegas for Breakfast, The children saw people in the casinos, and it was a good teaching moment. They noticed how people were glued to slot machines.. "wasting their money"... We stopped only twice to get to Utah.. both times for gas and breakfast. The children were so excited that they did not go to sleep in the car when we woke them up at 4 30 am.

When we finally got there, I hurried and changed clothes and washed up a bit. I had a girls night out with some girlfriends.. We went to get pedicures and shopped a bit at the University Mall in Provo. We ate dinner at Los Hermanos...(Utahans don''t know how to make real mexican food!) We stayed in the restaurant chatted and laughed and cried..until they were about ready to kick us out at 11 pm! We then went to a lobby with couches and continued to chat, until a man walked by and said want some free ice cream? of course we all wanted free ice- cream! It was next door to the restaurant that we ate at. They were just opening for the first time and were giving free samples of their Italian ice cream- which I've got to say was delicious! I think we girls needed a girls night out. My first one since we moved to Southern CA. Here we are... all smiles in the garage parking lot. I forgot my camera but we had lots of fun! Jennifer in the middle and Katrina on the right...

Here's a cute picture of Emma with Joy, a cockatoo bird. April has 2 of them, it brought back so many memories of our family birds when I was growing up... I got Joy out almost everyday that I was at their house. I asked Andrew if I could bring Joy home, he remarked sarcastically " what for? so tigger can eat it?" sigh....

Day 2~ Sunday, We went to the Provo Deaf ward, then we went to Andrew's Grandma's house in SLC and spent all afternoon and evening with her. Different families came to see us.

Here's Luke in Grandma C's backyard having fun...

The kiddos with Great Grandma Clawson. These 3 were the ones she had never met! Now She can say she's met all of her great grandchildren!

Andrew's cousin's kids with our kids

Day 3~ After we left Grandma's house, we called different hotels and just decided to stop at one, in SLC, So we stopped at the Hampton's Inn A few blocks away from Temple Square which is where we spent most of our day.

It was a beautiful day! The weather was in our favor! we had so much fun and enjoyed going to all the sights and museums. I am proud of the kids, because we walked a lot that day....

In front of SLC Temple doors

Emma was getting a bit tired (understandably!)

The view from the top of the Conference Center.. It was mind bogglingly huge! ( I don't know if that's a real word! haha)

After we got tired of walking around Temple Square, we went to Lehi, and stayed with Karen and Sam, they fed us and let us sleep there. It was soo good to see them again. Thanks!

Day 4~ We went to a dinosaur museum I think it's called Xango, at Thanksgiving Point. We splurged a bit for this fun museum.. we spent all day there!! We left for lunch to meet Suzy, Doug and Jr, who was going into the MTC the following day. After lunch, we headed back and watched a 3D movie.. which was awesome but Luke took off his 3D glasses because he was too scared. Andrew and I both got headaches, I think our 3D glasses weren't working exactly right. Plus we were pretty tired. But you can see the children had a ton of fun!

Screaming in front of a dinosaur that they made in the kiddie section in the museum.

Digging for dinosaur bones

The kids made casts of different fossils, they had fun!

At the Old Spaghetti Factory with Suzy, Doug and Doug Jr.

After the museum, we went and stayed with Allen and April,

Day 5~ Andrew went fishing up in the canyons.. so I hung out at the Clawsons house until Suzy and Doug came to pick us up.. they took us to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Springville.. which was really tasty.. Thanks!! Then they took us to Costco to get discount tickets for 7 peaks. They took us to Karen and Sam's house. They put up with us again! Thanks!! Sam set up a movie projector outside and we watched "Night at the Museum", which was fun to watch. Andrew met us there after he was done fishing. It was fun to be with them and watch the children play.

Day 6~ After breakfast at the Smith's we headed out to Provo and went to 7 Peaks, where we spent our day! I slathered all of us in sunscreen and we ended up getting a little bit burned but not bad! We had so much fun there! Andrew and I went on the Freefall water slide, which looked a bit scary, but it was fun! I went airborne!!! Andrew took Luke on a tube ride called the "Cave in" and they flipped over! Andrew bonked his head Luke was underneath the tube, the tube was dragging Luke.. so Andrew somehow stopped in the middle of the ride and got the tube off of Luke who was probably freaking out at the time and let the tube go.. they finished the slide without the tube... they survived!! Andrew still has a bump on his head.. oh well!

We went to Allen and Aprils house after we were done, April had dinner ready for us when we got there. Thanks April! We were tired and hungry... we watched a movie in their theater room with a projector.. ( I want one of these!!)

Day 7~ We left to go camping a few miles away from the Clawsons house, we stayed at the Hobble Creek campgrounds. It was fun, and relaxing.. the kids played and played. Allen and 2 of his boys came by after he finished work and joined us for dinner. Nathan climbed up a very tall tree .. I was amazed at his climbing skills and am not looking forward to when my son starts climbing trees! My heart stopped a few times while watching him climb up and climbing down.

Day 8~ We decided to go home a day early, we were very tired and wanted one day to rest before Andrew started working again. We needed a vacation from our vacation! We packed up and stopped at Allen and April's and took showers, changed clothes and left.. (thanks for putting up with us!)

We met up with Allen and Jared at Cove Fort a historical fort built by some LDS... it was interesting to go and see. The one thing that stood out, was the guide was talking about how they had different irons for different purposes, including a special ruffle iron!!! I couldn't get that out of my head.. a Ruffle Iron!!!! you would think they would have better things to do than iron ruffles!!haha I rarely iron!! thought it was funny.. You can see the irons in the pictures that Emma took.. on the very last one on the right hand side is the ruffle iron, which still boggles my mind!

At Cove Fort

We stopped in Cedar City at an Iceberg.. Their shakes are hugmougous! WOW! We got home at 11:15 pm our time... It was so good to be home again. We found Tigger locked up in Luke's room, We don't know how long he had been stuck in there with no food, water or litter box. He seemed ok.. Anyway.. we had a good time and we rested a lot today, unpacked and did some laundry... Thanks to all who put up with us!

2007-06-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

The weather has been really nice these past few days, not going higher than 87 degrees. Its been beautiful. I took the kids swimming at the small country pool. Not very many people there but the kids had fun!

I decided I wanted to learn how to play tennis. We have a park with 2 tennis courts a few houses down from us, so thinking that would be a fun way to get some exercise in and time with Andrew as well. Andrew was so patient with me... we played for about 45 minutes, then let the kids take turns for another 15 or 20 minutes... I think I like it! I have never played tennis before...I'm looking forward to practicing and getting better at it! I don't think I will ever beat Andrew though, with his experience....

Well... We had stake conference this past weekend, and our stake is no more. We had 2 general authorities come to our stake, and speak to us. There were 4 stakes involved... Corona Stake, which used to be our residence stake, Jurupa Stake, Riverside Stake and Riverside West (ours).

Anyway, there were 2 small, struggling stakes, (Jurupa Stake and Riverside) and one huge stake...(Corona) Sooo... The general authorities decided to dissolve our stake and give some of our wards to Riverside and Jurupa... and take some wards from Corona stake and give to Jurupa. So a lot of changes including some ward boundaries. We also found out that our residence hearing ward got moved to another building...and some changes to the boundaries. We had a busy Fathers Day weekend, going to all kinds of meetings about the changes... Andrew and I went to a special meeting given by our new stake presidency.. (Pres. Bishop was released! Boo- hoo!) we all knew that would possibly happen) the new Stake pres. was talking to the bishoprics and their wives from the different wards in preparation for all the changes that will be made. Hopefully it will all go smoothly...

We're looking forward to going to Utah for our first family vacation in a year since before we moved here. Yes we went up to Santa Rosa, but that wasnt a vacation!haha.. so hopefully we'll be able to do fun stuff while we're in Utah. I think we'll leave at 4 in the morning, on Sat. I already have plans to get together with some of my girlfriends on saturday. We're going to the Deaf Ward on Sunday, then heading out to SLC to meet Andrew's Grandma and aunts, uncles, etc. We'll probably stay at a friend's house for one night.. in Lehi and go back to SLC and tour SLC, temple square and all. We hope to go to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point, and at some point go to 7 peaks water park, then we'll be going camping with Allen's family the remainder of our vacation. Hope we can find time to do everything we want to do. I will be sure to bring a camera this time!! Smile!

I'm glad that Elisa and Rachel are joining the blogger world..welcome!

Here's a pic that Emma snapped of herself saying "I really love you" so sharing her sentiments! Love ya all!

Happy Sunday!!!

2007-06-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend! We were invited by some friends to go camping at San Clemente State Beach. We had so much fun!! The one thing I forgot to pack, was my camera!! I was so sure I had everything in order! Until I was about 25 minutes away from home, i realized my mistake, Oh well!

We went and picked Andrew up from work, then headed on down to San Clemente, which was about half hour South from where he works. We got there around 2pm.. and set up camp quickly, then my children seeing the ocean right there, got antsy and got their swimsuits on as soon as the last nail went on the tents...The beach was about a 5 minute walk from camp. so it was nice to be able to walk...

We saw a whole bunch of dolphins.. it doesn't cease to amaze me how beautiful those animals are, gliding and jumping out of the water. It takes my breath away to watch them.

The girls are 2 silly little fish! they love going in the ocean and body surfing and trying out the boogie board. Andrew went way out in the water, so i thought I'd go and be with him... when I decided to go in.. the water was beginning to get rough and i had a hard time swimming. I think I got stuck in rip currents. I was going sideways.. which is all you can do in a rip current.. and after about half hour of swimming, i got tired of fighting the waves so I decided to get out... When I got out, the waves calmed down, and i was like ummmm what's up? I guess the ocean wanted to battle with me? smile

we had sand every where.. good thing we had showers! After showers the guys started a fire for our foil dinners, I left to go to another campground, My good friend from growing up was camping a mile down from us, so I took the opportunity to go and visit for a bit.

The other family set up a big movie theater, with a while sheet and projector, with a lap top. the kids loved it! There were so many kids from another campground i think 13 kids... who stood at the boundaries of our campground and watched... so we invited them all to come and join us.

I brought stuff to make smores.... of course we must have smores when we go camping right!? smile..

The next day Andrew made pancakes for everybody and we brought OJ and hot chocolate... yummmm....

When we checked out, we went to the beach again... and the kids swam and swam.... for 3 hours. We didn't get burned this time..I brought spray sunscreen so I was pretty vigilant about spraying sun block on them.

We are pretty worn out, but we had a lot of fun! We're now talking about our trip to Utah! We can't wait! We hope to see lots of people while we're there. We're going to take the kids to meet Andrew's Grandma (they've never met her before!) Anyway.. we hope we can do lots of fun stuff while we're there! We leave Friday June 22nd, coming home July 1st.

Well.. Have a good Sunday!!

2007-05-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

YIKES!!!

I took Ashley to the Orthodontist today, and they were prepared to put braces on her today, But i said. hold it, let me talk to hubby about the cost. It about flipped me over when they told me how much it would cost.. UMMM!!! :-)

I was able to find a payment plan that we could work with..it's like a car payment! Yikes! But in the long run.. Ashley will have beautiful straight teeth!

I was finally able to sleep in for the 1st time today snice it's the first day of summer vacation.. if you guys have any fun and cheap ideas please let me know... :-)

A friend has just invited our family camping next weekend to San Clemente State Beach.. so that should be fun! We are just starting to meet people here. I guess it's a matter of time and patience to get to know people. It was so easy iun Santa Rosa where I knew lots of people.

Today, the orthodontist had a form for me to fill out, and asked about our previous address, and I had to dig deep to remember our old address!! It was scary to see that I'm starting to forget.. Getting old huh??

We went to see the San Diego Temple together as a family a while back, it was beautiful! I can't wait until we can go back again.

We are planning on going to Utah the last week of June to see people and tour SLC with the kids, so that should be fun.

Here's a pic of the San Diego Temple at sunset..

Here's another picture with the lights on.. Cool huh??

2007-05-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

What is happening!!! These were washed ashore... Take a look!

Of Course, I had to take a picture of it. There were quite a few washed ashore... Interesting!

We went to the pier where there were a lot of people fishing. It was a nice evening.

Thanks Emily and Chris for helping us set this blog up! Hope I dont get too addicted.. Maybe this will be a good way to chronicle our lives.. and be able to look back at what silly or fun things we've done.

2007-05-29T23:07:00.001-07:00

I decided that it'd be cool to have our own blog so that family and friends can check and see what we're up to these days! Seems like life has been a whirlwind.. so wanted to keep connected with our loved ones. Emily and Chris, (Andrew's sister and hubby) were here for a long weekend vacation..We had lots of fun with them. They have a blog, so they helped us get started with this one... Happy reading!!

2007-05-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Here we are shivering on the pier in Newport Beach....