Current Events of the Clark Family

Holiday Greetings

2011-12-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this time of year ...

because it's CHRISTMAS CARD TIME!

I love receiving them. When I pick up the mail each day I have such fun opening all the photos, family updates, reading the corny letters, etc.
I also LOVE making ours! It gives me a good excuse to jump on photoshop - an addictive hobby I rarely indulge in these days but even Randy doesn't mind helping with the kids for the finished product.

This year we went to a beach in Malibu in December - that's right, it was warm enough in DECEMBER to set up our tripod and take this shot.
Calvin was the best participant being that he fell asleep after a few snaps.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THREE is a bit INSANE

2011-12-15T22:11:00.000-08:00

As I'm writing this I have baby Calvin strapped in the Bjorn so he will take a nap and I can get something done... Caroline is placing princess stickers around the house... Cooper is telling me he has superhero clothes and regular human clothes and he can NEVER show me his superhero moves because I'm not a superhero - I beg to differ and normally I would argue with his logic but I will let it go today because I'd rather type in (somewhat) silence!

Things are a bit INSANE around our house at the moment which is why I haven't posted since just after Calvin was born. I'm still trying to get my footing with three - I know it will come. I am so thankful for the moments when I see kindness from Cooper and Caroline and the protectiveness they feel for Calvin already.

Climbing in the crib - they were reprimanded AFTER I took the picture.

And now it is 2 days from when I started this post. I WILL finish!

This is why I LOVE California. We went swimming... outside... the week before Thanksgiving.

Then off to southern Utah for Thanksgiving. So fun since we haven't done that in 5 years. Cliff, Jessi and I took the kids to a movie (3D). I couldn't resist interrupting everyone's viewing to snap a pic since it's the stillest I've seen Cooper since we played the "freeze" game:

Calvin met his cousin Curtis who is 2 days older than him! Jessi was 8 days late with Curtis (moan for her!) and I was 1 day early with Calvin. Can you tell which one is mine???

More family fun with Grandpa Clark's birthday.

And an attack on Uncle Mike

(btw: he is my SINGLE, 30-year-old, returned missionary, total menace to society, great with kids, LOVE him, younger brother - I'm just throwin' that out there).

And I'm posting THIS for all the baby-hungry ladies out there...

SERIOUSLY...

SOOOO SWEET!

Another snap of all 3:

I'll leave with a story of true love. Cooper had a (pre)school production for Christmas.

It was adorable. They sang songs and attempted choreography - bless his teachers! One thing was missing the day before the show... the main MAN. The big CHEESE. The one who delivers PRESENTS.

Do you recognize him?

Let's just say I had to promise a few things I am not at liberty to discuss at the present (get it?) time.

I love you Randy!!

A Baby Story

2011-10-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am so EXCITED that our third baby has arrived... and he's a healthy little boy. We named him Calvin after Randy's grandfather and Ralph after my father. Are you ready for the story?

Ok, we've met some awesome people since moving to southern California this summer. Despite my worries that our kids might accompany us to the hospital when I started labor (until my parents arrived) we had many offers to take our children for us. So late Wednesday night (about 10:30pm) my contractions were starting to get UNCOMFORTABLE. Ladies with babies - you know what I'm talking about. We called for my parents to pack their bags and hop in the car then we called the Jeffords who were amazing to offer to take our children weeks ago when we were very new to the area - and then insisted on us taking them up on their offer.

Off we went to the hospital.

I received my epidural (sweetness) at midnight and then things went astray. Nothing big... I could just FEEL EVERYTHING despite my nurse insisting it would only take 15 more minutes to kick in, another dose of medicine and 15 more minutes. Then insistance to see the anesthesiologist again from Randy, then a DEMAND to see her from me, then ANOTHER dose of medicine and still NOTHING - well, I mean EVERYTHING. I started to FREAK OUT! I had not prepared for a natural birth, I couldn't get my breathing under control, the pain was aweful! I wanted to climb the WALLS but I settled for biting Randy's had instead (not intentionally). It was then we decided I needed ANOTHER epidural - the whole thing over again. It was better than the pain I was feeling. Five hours later with my nurse and Randy HOLDING ME STILL the anesthesiologist gave me another shot in the back and THANKFULLY this time it worked.

Burke O'neal - where were you when I needed you!!!! Washington? Idaho? Just kidding, but kind of not kidding. Randy promises we will know the anesthesiologist next time. Oh, how I missed Iowa in those hours. All the good doctors I knew there!

At 6:33 am on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 CALVIN arrived. I was so happy to see him it made it all worth it.

He weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 19" long.

My protests of sticking to the same letter in the alphabet apparently fell on deaf ears, and I have to admit I have always liked the name Calvin. We now have the following monkeys in our household:
Cooper Ray
Caroline Jane (C.J.)
Calvin Ralph

The kids are LOVING him and learning to be a little softer than normal. Randy and I doubted Calvin's survival odds the first day we brought him home. After a few days they stopped trying to climb in his crib or feed him snacks. They even know to wash hands if either of them want to touch him.

My parents stayed for a week to help me out and my mother-in-law arrived last night to stay this week. I don't know how easy it will be after she leaves and it's just me... so for now I'm taking all the naps I can get and soaking up this little guy while I can get one-on-one time. Any advice from you mothers out there? I'd love to hear it.

Loving my life! Hope you are as well.

Beach Days... and more

2011-10-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

We are loving the weather in southern California... well, as long as we're at the beach with the ocean breeze. Otherwise it's a little too hot for me and my growing belly. Cooper and CJ would play in the sand ALL DAY if we let them. Here is one of the rare occasions that Randy was able to come with us - hooray! I love that Dad can throw the kids in the air and be rough with them.

They LOVE it too.

We have also met a few people who have access to pools...

so that is the next place we've spent our summer days. Here is Caroline with her new buddy Megan.

Cooper played soccer at the Reseda Recreation Center. I volunteered to make the team banner..

and here is my attempt. It's been a while since I've made cheerleading signs :)

Randy and I couldn't believe how good the kids were that Cooper played with. They were more like 8-year-olds that 4 & 5. It made Coop step up his game - always a good thing - and I chilled out a little more than last time he played on a team. In fact, before this league started Cooper made me promise that I wouldn't get mad EVER at any games. I kept my promise. I also didn't get any good pictures that weren't a bit blurred but I guess that's good since he was running so much. Cooper is the fuzz in yellow below.

I just thought this picture was too cute I had to post it. I love that Cooper has freckles on his nose these days. It reminds me of his sweet buddy Hannah Judd, who we are MISSING now that her family is in Nashville.

"Jimmy" the lizard was an adventure one summer night. Coop caught it outside with Randy and kept it in a jar for a day. We took him out to feed him a bug the next night. Randy wasn't home and, in retrospect, I should have known better. I figured it was fine for Coop to handle him since he caught him in the first place. No sooner had I taken this picture than Jimmy bit his finger. Well, he dropped Jimmy, picked him back up and was bit again. This time Cooper started shaking his hand to get him off, the glass jar he was in fell and shattered, and Jimmy's tail came off. Poor Jimmy went soaring and his tail... twitched for AT LEAST 3 minutes. It was enough to make me throw up! I told Cooper that Jimmy needed to find his mommy to make him better so we couldn't catch him again.

Randy covers HS football on Friday nights and College football Saturday nights. We love to watch games and the kids have been troopers sitting in the stands with me. We make a special treat to take with us which usually keeps them excited for at least the first half. Then we find a grassy spot to run on during the second. Here they are at the HS game in Valencia.

One more picture. This one with me and my big belly. I'm up to an additional 55+ lbs. with a few weeks to go. I may hit 60 again - hopefully I can RUN it all off like the last 2 times. This has been by far my nicest pregnancy overall. The bad nausia stopped around 22 weeks or so, much sooner than the others. It has seemed like the longest with all the IVF treatments. We're getting excited and ready!

Love from the Clarks.

HE PASSED!!

2011-09-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

We found out last night that Randy PASSED his Orthopaedic Surgery Board Exam - YEA!!!

I'm so proud of him and all the HARD work he has done to get to this point.

We hope all of our friends taking the test had the same news as we did and can breathe a little easier.

Now we just need to find a good way to celebrate :)

Cross the Plains

2011-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

It was finally time for us the PACK UP and leave Iowa. My mom and Randy's dad came to help us with everything and we are SOOO glad they did! I know everyone says you don't realize how much work moving is until you have to do it - but it is TRUE. I had a good excuse to get out of the heavy lifting, with the pregnant belly and all, but to clean EVERYTHING was such a big deal by itself.

Here are the kids with the last few items right before we left our empty house:

Randy and his Dad drove the biggest Penske truck available with a car in tow. You will have to ask Randy how he almost took out a few parked cars in California. Glad I wasn't them:

The kids, my Mom, and I left the next morning at a LEISURELY pace to travel to southern Utah. Our first stop was the Omaha Zoo.

We drove about 7-8 hours for 3 days, stopping at parks and hotels along the way - for the kids' sanity (and mine). And then a LOT of breaks for stretching. We made it to my parents' house in southern Utah just in time for the 4th of July. We enjoyed an awesome fireworks display off the porch, compliments of my brother Paul and his wife Natalia. Caroline was NOT a fan of the noise, but liked the lights.

Meanwhile, Randy and his Dad drove to California, moved ALL of our furniture in to our house, set EVERYTHING up (even tried to organize the kitchen). Randy studied and took his Board Exam, then they drove to southern Utah to see us. Randy was in need of R&R, so they took off on the motorcycles!

And we hiked Red Cliffs:

Feeling a bit recovered, we joined my family and cousins at the Renaissance Fair. Cooper and Tyler had fun beating each other with foam swords and running around the park with the other cousins.

I think they're talking "strategy" here.

Cindy and I wore dresses compliments of my Mom's amazing sewing ability.

Enough of the fair, time to go fishing at Kids Pond up Cedar Canyon.

Anybody need a worm?

Then to northern Utah to visit more cousins!

And what vacation would be complete without a little mountain biking. Neither Greg nor Randy had been for a while, so when I dropped them off at the top of the canyon I figured I should take a picture in case the police needed a recent photo - just kidding boys (kind of).

And one more picture with the Grey cousins before we head to California!

I found that you can bribe a kid to do anything for an ICEE.

Saying Goodbye to Iowa

2011-08-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

We are settled in to our new home in southern California... but I need to post goodbyes from our home for the last FIVE YEARS in beautiful Iowa.

Goodbye to my AWESOME preschool co-op for the last 2 years. It was fun to watch each of your children learn and grow - and teach Cooper as well. He keeps saying how he wants to do "Mommy's preschool" again.

Such a happy kid:

Goodbye to camping at Sugar Bottom with the BUGS and the HEAT - these boys (Randy & Jon) had to get one last camp in before we left. I came to visit them around 8:30pm and was SWEATING even after the sun went down. I lasted 15 minutes before I said goodbye and went home to shower and sleep like a sane person.

Goodbye to Wisconsin Dells. Four hours away we took one last trip with good friends, the Boyers, this Spring. Despite Randy's look in this picture HE was the one who pushed for this trip and he had FUN.

Goodbye to T-Ball with all of Cooper's buddies. I think Cooper was the BEST outfield dirt-digger in the group. He said he loved it and when I asked him why he told me, "because of the treats!" Kid knows what he likes.

Goodbye to swimming lessons with Becky. Cooper's turned in to quite the swimmer! He doesn't like water slides but will jump in to any pool... no matter how deep. (Don't know if that's a GOOD thing.)

Goodbye to HERKIE - our kids' favorite mascot.

Goodbye to lots of FRIENDS who made Iowa such a great place to live! Here are just a few of my favorite girls I laughed with, cried with, helped me become a better mom with, loved spending time with and if you're NOT pictured here... it's only because I have minimal pictures saved on my computer (since the move) right now.

Goodbye to our sweet neighbor, "Grandpa Frank". Cooper and Caroline keep asking when he is going to come and visit or if we can go to his house. Such a good neighbor - we will miss you.

Lots more goodbyes to a wonderful FIVE years that went by too fast (in retrospect).

Caroline in the GREEN grass I will miss terribly.

Had to add this one just for laughs. Randy teases me that I should shave instead of wax - never going to happen, even if you've convinced CJ it is fun (razor was removed for this activity).

Our LARGE moving truck before it was filled... but that is another post. GOODBYE IOWA!

Springtime Fun!

2011-06-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Cooper started playing t-ball this spring - whew! He's still getting his enthusiasm for running the bases, mostly he just likes to play in the dirt. I LOVE how they work it here. Everyone gets to hit the ball - first by pitching and then on the T. Then everyone gets to run the bases, there are no outs. What a positive way to introduce the sport! In my competitive nature, we bought Cooper a bat, T & balls for his birthday so he could practice. He wasn't thrilled with the present at first, but now loves it and is hitting the pitches.

I had to insert the Dr. yearly check-up photos because I love to robes they give the kids:

And Cooper is writing his name by himself now!!

Randy will complete his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the end of June - WAHOO! We've had many fun dinners with the Department Staff and fellow residents the past few months. Here he is at a dinner with the guys and Dr.s Marsh & Buckwalter after they were given custom Hawkeye scrub caps:

Cooper also played soccer this spring. What a difference a year makes! Last fall he and his buddies would dance and do cartwheels in the field instead of chase the ball. Now he is one of the fastest players on his team - and LOVES to score goals.

He did get a little discouraged when it was hot, or when his Dad told him he couldn't push the girls.

And for Cooper's birthday we went to a WATER PARK (per his insistent request). My good friends Heather, Darci & Jessica braved it with me as we maneuvered 9 kids, 4 toddlers & a baby. Here are a few of Coop's buddies who joined us:

I can't go without posting at least a little pic of Caroline. Here she is with Cooper & Luke, ready for a t-ball game. She had just finished her LAST laser treatment for a while. What a tough princess!

And... I keep forgetting to post this because I NEVER seem to take pictures of myself (especially right now). If you've seen me you already know:

We have BABY #3 on the way! We are ecstatic for our 3rd little miracle. Lots of TLC from U of Iowa Hospital to get our family to where it is now. I feel so blessed! I am due October 21st with a baby BOY. Feeling pretty good but my doctor told me I had to cut the running a week ago - he didn't understand why I couldn't just lay around and get fat like I was suppose to.... um, do you not know me at all!! Besides, I gain about 55-60 lbs. each pregnancy, gaining weight is NEVER an issue.

SALE & the Easter Bunny

2011-05-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Great news - We sold our house the first part of April! I knew it would all work out, even calming my realtor's worries that it may not sell in such a bad market. Who wouldn't want this charming house?! I'm going to miss the neighborhood, walking the pond, raising our children here...

I'll be over it once I don't have to be around for winter - hahahaha.

Here are the kids celebrating:

If you have been to my house you know I like it CLEAN but in honor of our house sale I let Cooper & CJ paint all afternoon and make a BIG mess (washable paints of course). I think I need to let my guard down a little more because Cooper kept saying it was the most fun he'd EVER had!

Sorry I'm such a clean freak little guy - I'll do better!

This is what happens when a 2-year-old is given a pain brush...

and she likes to watch her mommoy put on makeup.

I LOVE that my children will allow me to place bunny ears on their heads

in order to find their Easter baskets! How long will they allow this torture?

Ah, the chase for CANDY - I remember it well.

Found it!

And all hopped up on sugar we are FINALLY ready for church.

Caroline turns 2

2011-04-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

This month has been CRAZY busy. I know, welcome to my life, but it REALLY has (more information on this to come).
Caroline turned 2 on April Fool's Day (no joking) so of course we had a party, GC weekend, between the last session and priesthood session. The kids searched for Easter eggs and we ate too much pizza, salad, cake, you know how it goes. Fun times.... Here are a few pics of what a PERSONALITY this girl is growing into:

This sweetie is ALWAYS up for a picture

and is SUPER curious.

If she wants something, she finds a WAY to get it.

She loves her friends! Yes, she already know who they are.

Whatever Cooper gets to do, she wants to do... better.

I love my sassy little girl. Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Another Jock in the Family...

2011-03-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

I had to post this... I know it's annoying when people go on and ON about their kids but this is MY blog, so I can if I WANT. :)

I wanted to RUN to our Rec Center today where Cooper was having swimming lessons and he INSISTED on running with me. Ok, only 1/2 a mile, if that, no big deal. He ran the whole way and then swam his little heart out. THEN Randy came home and after dinner we decided to stick the kids in the bike trailer and go for a ride. Cooper wasn't having it and ARGUED that he could ride his BIG WHEEL just as fast as we could ride our BIKES. We wanted to ride to the movie store and back - a good 2+ miles - not a big deal for us. We decided to humor him until he got tired and wanted in the trailer (he calls it the BABY trailer). I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I took the rear of our caravan. His little legs just kept pumping and his upper body swayed back and forth when it got steep. Much to our surprise he PEDALED his little heart our, made it there AND BACK and then wanted to ride MORE.

I love my kids!!! Thanks for the entertaining afternoon of exercise Super Cooper!

10 Years Today

2011-03-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

I have to give some LOVE to my #1 honey today - our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY is here! I could not have predicted our life together but I can't imagine anything else. Thank you for loving me and marrying me in the Temple FOREVER, for our 2 AMAZING children who teach me every day (mostly patience), thank you for seeing me when I look my WORST and still thinking I'm beautiful.

I love you Randy!

Since everything is in STORAGE right now, here are just a FEW pics down memory lane:

Christmas Catch-up & January

2011-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

We've been BUSY! I know, that's life, right? But we've REALLY been busy! Our house went up for sale this week (sigh). I'm going to miss our sweet home where we brought 2 babies back from the hospital... so many changes since we bought it 4.5 years ago.

That means we've been CLEANING... carpets, walls, cupboards, ceilings, etc. I wish I had some before and after of my closets - I'm really quite proud of how organized they are now.

But I've skipped over CHRISTMAS... so here are the kiddos Christmas Eve and Day:

We got more snow Christmas Eve (perfect) so you know what that means :)

And running around without a COAT for Cooper - crazy boy. The tempurature was in the teens when he kept running outside - I don't think he feels cold sometimes.

Christmas morning in our humble abode after Santa visited:

I think the biggest hit were the tents for Caroline & Cooper (told you Randy).

Ahh, another succesful holiday. Cooper is already talking about what he wants NEXT Christmas. I'm counting on that he will forget most, if not all, of the items he wants right now.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T05:43:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thankful

2010-12-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my kids who LOVE chocolate AND donuts. This is what happens when you combine the two:

I am thankful for my sweet little boy, who is growing up too fast. When I tell him to slow down he laughs at me and asks if I will cry. I tell him eventually and he laughs some more.
Here he is taking swim lessons at our Rec. Center. He loves the water.

I am thankful for my strong little girl. I knew she was a fighter from the womb but I'm amazed at how tough she is every day. Cooper wrestles with her and she thinks it's the best thing in the world. She's always so tough when she gets her laser treatments done - back to her old self by mid morning.

I am thankful for my husband. He WANTED to take me to the Notre Dame vs. Utah game even when all of his friends where flying SOLO. We had a great time despite a tragic loss - I always have a great time with you, honey!

I am thankful for friends. Here are a few but I have many more who are so supportive and caring. They are my family that I CHOSE and I love you all.

Halloween Fun

2010-11-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

In Iowa there is a place called Bloomsbury Farm. I've heard about it each year but never went. Well, this was our last chance so Randy and I packed up the kids, he was a good sport, and spent the day getting lost in corn mazes, shooting corncob cannons, and playing in corn kernels.

Caroline amazes me at what a good sport she is. Cooper can wrestle her to the ground, jump on her, etc. and she will still laugh and think he's the greatest playmate.

Family picture moment:

This is just a random picture of CJ I snapped while the two of us were at the mall together (Cooper was at preschool). We had some time to waste so I let her walk around and just followed. She had so much fun looking in the windows at the displays and I know she felt like a big girl to be out of the stroller.

I planned the Medical Partners Halloween Party this year and it was so much fun!! To plan it and to attend. We frosted sugar cookies, made "ghosts", colored treat bags, put on spooky tatoos and ate pizza. I love this party because it's at the hospital so Randy was able to stop by between surgical cases and snap a picture with us.

We went to several parties but I guess we were having too much fun because the this is the BEST picture I took of my children in their costumes.

I dressed up as Wendy and Randy was a pirate but can you believe I didn't take a single picture with me camera! I will have to get it from a friend who did and post it later. Randy let me put eyeliner on him and everything. I love Halloween.

Support the Utes

2010-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post our Utah vs. Iowa State experience even though UTAH has been grossly disappointing as of late :( I had high hopes for the rivalry game this year, but we will see...

November 27th.

Our good friend and fellow resident of Randy's, Bryan, is an Ames, Iowa native. He scored us some tickets and, in true Iowa style, we tailgated with friends before the game.

I love that Caroline is reaching for the pizza in this picture.

And Cooper tried to reach for something else when I wasn't looking. He'll catch on that moms see everything:

Want to know the best way to keep kids happy at a football game? Get them a bottomless fountain drink:

You would think they had never been exposed to soda! I think this kept them both busy for a good 1/2 hour.

And here I am with my good buddie, Kara, and her sweet baby girl. When we moved to Iowa 4+ years ago neither of us had children. Wow, how life has changed!

One last cute picture of the munchkins - and the final score was Utah-68 Iowa State-27.

October Begins

2010-11-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

In October Cooper played on his FIRST soccer team - all 3 and 4 year-olds. Most of the time Cooper wanted to dance on the field and do cartwheels instead of run after the ball. Randy made it to one of the games, but couldn't understand how I could watch him goof off and dance so much. He told Cooper that the other team were all "bad guys" and he had to NOT let them get the ball in the net. Cooper marched to the goal and stood with his arms out to make sure that didn't happen. But then he wouldn't move. His Coach asked what he was doing and he told him, "I'm not going to let the bad guys win, coach." Way to teach your 3-year-old, right? We decided to CHILL out and just let him play after that. By the last game he was in there kicking the ball - I think next year will be much better - but I did like laughing at his performances.

We visited a few pumpkin patches in October. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the kids:

I can't believe they actually sat still for me on this last one - so cute! I have a hard time capturing these moments because my camera is TOO SLOW :)

Meet me in Saint Louis

2010-11-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

If you've never been to St. Louis you are MISSING OUT! Randy had a conference there in September and the kids & I tagged along for a quick weekend trip with him. I WISH we would have stayed longer because this city has some great FREE things to do for families. But, trying to squeeze it all in... here's what we did:

There is an amazing Children's Museum that puts ours in Iowa to SHAME and since I have a membership we were able to get in FREE. My friend, Shawn, and her children joined us while here husband was at the conference as well. Here's Caroline and Jane playing in the "house".

There was also a GIANT beanstalk that snaked up 3 flights of stairs. Cooper couldn't get enough of it.

There were water rooms, a maze, slides, an outdoor pond and all kinds of things. We only had the morning, ate lunch and then were off to the Zoo, which was also FREE.

Lots of cool animals to see. The day was HOT and STICKY so we all appreciated the drinking fountains.

Already it was time to pick-up our guys then we went downtown and grabbed dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory (not free).

We snapped a picture by the ARCH (arch not shown, too big to fit) and drove home, whew - I'm tired just remembering this!

So if you have a chance to go to this city, take it, you won't regret your choice. Just watch where you park. Despite all of our FREE activities I did get a parking ticket at the Zoo - oops!

Fall Events

2010-11-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

I'm determined that I am NOT going to skip through any photos this year, so I know it is NOVEMBER and it's getting COLD, but I promise that I will get caught up on our adventures this month. Ok, I said it, now I have to DO it.

We had so much fun at Wilson's Apple Orchard this year - I'm going to miss it next fall! THIS pictures is why boys should not be left to their own devises:

Seriously, three doctors, you think they would have thought of a better way.

And who doesn't LOVE room to run and play. Do you remember the last time when you felt this carefree:

I know I should not let Cooper run with a stick, but have you seen how he likes to climb and jump off everything? The stick is the least of my worries with him.

Miss Caroline is her own little person. She LOVES to follow Cooper around, but also doesn't mind sitting by herself - so independent!

Two little munchkins - they're BOTH smiling and looking at the camera - hooray!

We also went to the DENTIST in September - a first fo C.J.

Cooper is a PRO, so I knew he would do great, but Caroline surprised me. She SCREAMS every time Randy or I brush her teeth like it's the first time. You think twice a day and she would get use to it, but she was GREAT at the dentist. Maybe I should have a stranger brush her teeth ALL the time.

One last picture - I'm doing a preschool co-op again with Cooper. This year we have SEVEN 3-year-olds, twice a week and we rotate. My first week was a little crazy because they were all just so excited and needed to learn the RULES. But you have to be PATIENT with kids as cute as these (we made butterfly masks):

Birthday Boy Keepin' It Young

2010-10-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

I neglected to post anything for Randy's birthday -- September 17th!! He is now safely IN his THIRTIES. In August he kept our tradition alive and again participated in the Solon Beef Days BALE TOSS. I get a kick out of how strong he is without exercising, I have to admit I am a little jealous! If you've never picked up a hay bale, they usually weigh around 50 pounds or more. Here was his first throw:

It started to get dark, so this picture is not as good, but check out this one!

He even worked up a little sweat and threw over 11 feet, 6 inches.

Happy late birthday post honey - love you!

A few Utah pictures

2010-08-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I know, it's AUGUST and I STILL have not posted any summer pictures. So, here are a few from our UTAH trip since, let's face it, we have to make our yearly pilgrimage to the promised land where grandparents and babysitters (usually the same) are plenty. It also reminds me how NICE it is to be close to family.

Let's start out with me and my favorite buddy, Cooper. HIS favorite place was... Jumpin' Jacks with more inflatable bouncy houses than you could ever imagine.

We went camping with the McAffee clan, but AFTER C.J. burnt her hands touching the door stop on the front porch - aweful!! We're talking big BLISTERS up her fingers and everything. Randy and I passed her back and forth the whole time we were in the mountains since she STILL didn't want to walk, but cried every time she crawled. Here she is in a happy moment because she found a toy phone in Uncle Cliff and Aunt Jessi's camper.

It's amazing how fast babies can heal. Her bandages were off in 2 weeks.

Cooper had fun catching fish at Kids' Pond.

They both had fun with their cousins

Trevor, Caroline, Megan, Tyler, Cooper

And I had fun with my sister.

I wanted to run at least 1 race while I had so many babysitting options so my brother, Andrew, was a good sport to run with me. I picked him up at 6:30am to drive to Enoch for a 5k and asked how often he ran. He told me never, but thought it would be fun to do something with me. SERIOUSLY, I LOVE this kid. Of course I HAD to run WITH him but after 1.5 miles he told me to PLEASE go on without him and he would meet me at the finish line. It was my best time ever of 26 minutes. He didn't do too badly either, 32 minutes. Thanks for the run, little brother.

After the race we got to be in the parade in Cedar City on the Renaissance Fair Float. My Dad was in-charge so we couldn't say no. My mom makes the most amazing Renaissance costumes. Here is CJ and Cooper int their outfits. They got to ride in a wagon and eat, I mean pass out candy.

I had some GREAT pictures of all of us but my Dad stole them off my camera - I don't think he realized he did it. So no pictures of me in my dress - boo hoo.

Grandma Clark & Caroline

Grandpa Clark and Cooper

I have a funny story involving Randy, Cooper, cousin Sierra, throw-up, and streaking coming soon.
Hope you enjoy these for now and, if you live near family, you had BETTER give them a big HUG and tell them you appreciate them! I wish ours were closer - we love you guys!

June Catch-Up

2010-07-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Lots of family visiting these past few months, you know how it goes... here are a few shots of our JUNE adventures before I start posting our latest TRIP pictures.

[ Close your eyes, imagine all the CUTE pictures of the kids and me in FLORIDA and CHICAGO. Alas, they will never be seen because I LEFT my camera on the PLANE!! And, after daily phone calls to the airline, it is now gone FOREVER. ]
A moment of silence........

Ok, on to better things :)

Cooper finished preschool for the year. I was able to have the last one at my house and we decorated bird houses, then had a party in the backyard. I, and four other moms, participated in a preschool co-op this past year, rotating houses each week. We're doing it again this fall, it was a great success!

Caroline is growing and learning so fast. Especially her fashion sense. She even has a

LITTLE bit of hair now, yea!

C.J. also says "cheese" when she sees me with a camera - I wonder who she gets that from :)

We were driving in the car one day, I looked back and saw this:

Cooper likes to hold her hand and give her kisses, though she's not always so cooperative.

We've been saying good-bye to a few friends this year as their residency experience has ended. Here is Cooper with Riggs and Luke at a farewell bbq for the Gurgell's (off to Stanford). The Iowa gear was not planned, it's just what EVERYONE wears on the weekends - go hawkeyes!

Shortly after this Riggs and his family (McKay's) were off as well to Philly. We're going to miss all our friends who have moved on - good luck to everyone!

Spring is always fun when we get to plant flowers with "Grandpa" Frank. He is our sweet next door neighbor (literally, we share a wall) who is so good to our family and adores Cooper & C.J. Cooper was all smiles when he was able to help plant this year. Shortly after this pictures was taken he sprayed us all with the hose, but it was ok because "it was just an accident, mommy."

Pictures of our summer adventures soon to come!

Super Cooper is now 3

2010-05-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

We may have gone a LITTLE crazy with this birthday, but Randy and I figured that next year we would be getting ready to MOVE so THIS was the year to have a big party for COOPER. Of course, Cooper picked a DINOSAUR bouncy house that we jumped in ALL weekend.

It was so COLD the day of his party but as you can see by the smile on Cooper's face, he didn't mind a bit.

Next, we had to have a DINOSAUR cake. I worked on this all morning and figured out it was much easier to make spikes out of taffy than rolled fondant.

The party wouldn't be complete without a DINOSAUR pinata. I tried to get Randy to use a stick and hold the pinata outside for the kids but (wisely) he chose to take it to the garage and monitor the activity from a SAFER distance.

We ate DIRT with DINOSAUR eggs. I caught C.J. helping herself to a few of these.

And opened lots of cool presents from FRIENDS.

Cooper even let Caroline play with his new BIG WHEEL. Sweet big brother!

Thanks to everyone who came and played with us, despite the weather.

We had a GREAT time!

Side Note: I left my camera on the AIRPLANE last week (it had a TON of pictures from recent trips/activities). Hopefully I will get it back soon but they said it could take up to 4 weeks to process my claim :( Keep your fingers crossed for me that I will get it back!

Our Newest Nephew

2010-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

A big welcome to Mason who was born last month, March 8th, to Dan and Jane.

He's a cutie!

And we are Moving to...

2010-04-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

SANTA MONICA, CA!!
Randy was accepted to SCOI (Southern CaliforniaOrthopaedic Institute) Fellowship Program in Sports after we finish here in Orthopaedic Surgery (JUNE 2011). It's Randy's first choice so we are SO EXCITED and it's suppose to be an amazing program.
That means 1 more Iowa winter
And all our $$ will go to rent in Santa Monica
And my kids will be able to PLAY at the BEACH
And I don't have to buy winter coats on clearance this year
Oh, so exciting!!!!

Caroline turns 1

2010-04-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 1 last week. I'm so grateful to have her in our family. I remember the night before going to the hospital, putting Cooper to bed, and crying as I stroked his hair thinking, " I can't imagine loving any baby as much as I love him". I bet many mothers have thought that same thing. It's funny how your heart grows and you're able to love even more.

Happy Birthday Caroline!

She wasted no time digging in and threw cake all over the place but who can get mad about it on the birthday? Don't think it's an every day acceptance!

Caroline doesn't mind getting messy. In fact, she was out "helping" Randy and Cooper wash the car on Saturday and I caught her eating bubbles.

This is her favorite thing to do right now, I have to shut the bathroom door or she speed-crawls in to the bathroom:

Don't let the innocent look fool you... she KNOWS she's not suppose to do this!

C.J. also loves her food. Here's what happens when I give her an apple:

She won't eat it if I cut it up nicely for her because she wants to do this:

Love that baby girl of mine.

I wanted to post some video but can't figure out how with the new blogger layout. So enjoy the pictures and I'll see if I can post it later.

Love to all

Nine Years Today!

2010-03-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my SWEET husband. A look back at us through the years...

2002

2004

2006

2009

(we hardly have any pictures of just us now - all kids - funny how things change)

I love you honey!!

February Fun

2010-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun this past month, despite the COLD and SNOW and ICE. We had a great friend visit us from Seattle. None other than Christian!! We were thrilled to have him come and stay for a night and Randy was so glad to have his buddy here, who we credit with pushing him to study in Medical School. His wife is the most crafty person I know. She sent him with scrub caps for Randy and a SWEET blanket/stroller cover for Caroline - adorable - she and 2 friends have a blog : Little Birdie Secrets that I frequent.

Here are a few pics from our Valentine's Day party:

I think we had 15-20 kids (not counting the babies) with Valentine cards for everyone - and cookies & punch. We are going to have to do it again next year - so much fun!

And because Cooper is now Potty - Trained (say it with me all you mommies - YEA!) we went with his buddy, Luke (also potty-trained) to Chuck E Cheese's.

Even Caroline got in on the fun:

Winter isn't complete without a trip to the Gymnest to bounce and play. Coop is MUCH more daring this year than last:

C.J. was happy just to be moving:

Finally, I'll leave with this picture of Randy totally throwing his macho-too-cool attitude out the door - this is how he got exercise this month. Yes, that is a super hero cape he is wearing. Yes, I will be in trouble for posting this pic. The things you do for your kids!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T11:36:00.001-08:00

I love an excuse to make a cute card with photoshop!

Hope your day is filled with love and chocolate!

Brrr

2010-01-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

What to do when it's COLD outside....

Build something constructive - like at Lowe's Saturday mornings. Cooper is thrilled to bang a REAL hammer and nails. Here is his Ginger Bread House.

Or how about eating chocolate while wearing your cowboy hat AND safety goggles that you haven't taken off ALL DAY.
If it's not too cold, you could always sled on the FROZEN pond across the street with Daddy. Wait, who is Daddy? This man looks familiar but it's been a while since he's been around (haha).

Another eating option... ICE CREAM. That's right, consumption of ice cream actually increases in the winter! So it is BEYOND me why the two Dairy Queen's nearby CLOSE their doors for a few months this time of year.

If all else fails you can always just take a minute to RELAX and SMILE.

I hope everyone is staying warm! As for my husband who is livin' in up in so Cal. and running on the beach (he's really interviewing for fellowship positions) - you had better bring me back an AWESOME present.

Calling all Digital Scrappers

2009-12-29T20:13:00.001-08:00

My digital scrapbook gal who posts all these great freebie links on her site has called it QUITS! If you have a good site that you use would you please send it my way, thanks!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Family & Friends,
Randy is now a Senior Resident in Orthopaedic Surgery at U of Iowa – yea! He works hard, loves his job, and is looking into sports fellowships when we finish in 2011.
Cooper is 2 ½ years and such a character. He has pronounced himself “Super Cooper” with superhero powers, begs for us to tell him stories of his adventures every chance he gets, LOVES dinosaurs (especially Rudy from Ice Age), and makes his baby sister laugh by stacking pillows around her (it’s her tent). He’s long since tackled any climbing challenge in the house.
Sweet Caroline is 8 months and started crawling last month. She is a strong little girl and STRONG willed as well, I think it runs in the family.
I’m lucky enough to stay home with our children and teach aerobics a few days a week to keep my sanity. We have new adventures each day. It is amazing to watch them grow.
Our family hopes this finds you happy and healthy.
Love, Randy, Amy, Cooper & Caroline

Football!

2009-12-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

In November we were able to drive just a few hours (ok, 5.5) to see Randy and my college alma mater play FOOTBALL! Southern Utah, let's GO!! (That's the cheerleader coming out of me.) We drove to Vermillion, South Dakota to watch the game, to support our Thunderbirds, and feel a little closer to home. The team played in a Dome so we didn't have to worry about the weather - yea!

Our friend, Zesty, hooked us up with tickets and some good seats. Here are the kids and Randy decked out in SUU gear:

The whole family before the game:

And if you ask Cooper what his favorite part of the trip was... he will tell you the SWIMMING POOL at the hotel and getting ICE with his Daddy. That's right, he's also skipping BAREFOOT down the hotel hallway. It was all I could do to BITE MY LIP but you can't say much when Daddy says it's "ok".

Laugh Attack

2009-11-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm glad Caroline is getting big enough to "play" with Cooper. And by play I mean Cooper does silly things and she laughs. It's hillarious what lengths he will go just to hear her squeals of joy. Not much was needed below, just a little water. I've watched this video SEVERAL times when I need to smile - or just to remember that my kids really ARE sweet. Enjoy! (Warning: baby bums may be shown)

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T12:11:00.000-08:00

I love that Halloween was on a Saturday this year because that meant we didn't have to wait for Randy to get home from work to begin our fun! Here he is with our 2 scary dragons:

Cooper was very proud of the pumpkin he and Daddy carved that day. But once we put it on the porch in the dark it was too scary to hug.

How could you not LOVE your little boy to pieces when he does THIS while trick-or-treating and keep in mind that my 2-year-old LOVES candy and NOT sharing:
He runs to the door and drags mommy with him.
(Neighbor opens the door.)
Cooper: Trick or Treat!
Neighbor: What a cute Dragon! Pick any treat you like.
Cooper: Thank you (picks a treat), now I need one for my mommy.
Neighbor: Oh, ok. (Cooper picks another treat)
Cooper: Here you go, mommy! (Hands mommy the chocolate - he knows me well.)
Seriously? How cute it that! I told him mommy didn't need any more treats but thank you for thinking of me.

October

2009-11-01T11:25:00.001-08:00

My good friend Kara is going to have a BABY! So Darci, Katie, Shawn and I got together and decided to throw a shower for her and invited all the women of the ortho dept. I think we had a pretty good turn-out and eveyone had a nice time. Here we are with Kara holding Kate and Hannah in the middle - we're just getting her primed for what is to come!

I had to include this funny pic of Caroline with my friend MaryEdith's little boy, Pierce. A picture says a thousand words, right? These two were smiling at each other while they scooted around, they're only a week or two apart. We went out to Amana and took some cute pictures before it was TOO cold. This was the ONLY one I took where Cooper was actually looking at the camera. What a turkey!

CJ is sitting up like a big girl in her high chair. I love this portable one that you can just strap on a seat and she can sit at the table with the rest of us.

And here I am with my good friend, Andrea who came out to Iowa. I love her! When I told Randy she was coming to visit he was puzzled why she would want to fly to the midwest on her vacation... to see ME of course! We braved the U of Iowa tailgating with 2 kids just to give her a taste of the crazy football fans we live amongst.

Andrea -THANK YOU for coming to visit me - I had a great time :)

Fall Adventures

2009-10-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

I need to catch up on an important event... Randy turned 32 in September! He's been telling people all year that he was already 32 until I reminded him of his correct age. Woops! Happy LATE, LATE birthday to you, honey. You will always be older than me :)

Before the weather turned cold outside we were able to get a few rides in our bike trailer with BOTH kids. Caroline was big enough to ride in here when we came back from Utah. I can't wait to pull it out in the spring! They were so cute once Cooper stopped poking CJ and they both drifted off to sleep.

Cooper is a great climber these days... I wonder where he gets it from?? I know, you think it would be Randy but he's actually afraid of heights! This is the highest I've seen Randy climb since I tricked him into riding the Free Fall at Knott's Berry Farm (another story).

And with the help of our esteemed "Grandpa" Frank next door, I was able to take the kids on the Hawkeye Express Train to the stadium. It was CRAZY getting to the stadium but then we rode back before the game started and had the train all to ourselves.

Cooper was THRILLED to ride in a REAL train.

We hope you are all enjoying the fall weather wherever you live.

September Vacation

2009-09-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Our vacation to visit family was a success! Cooper, CJ and I came home a little tired and ready to sleep in our own beds. Here's the perfect clip to explain how hard we played, enjoy:

Time to Relax

2009-08-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who gave me props for my race! I'm hoping to run another when I get back from vacation... speaking of vacation, this post will be short because we are leaving

TONIGHT!!

And Randy gets to come with us (for a little while)!

I'm hoping to get a little bit of this while we visit family in southern Utah:

And maybe a little WATER time as well.

I hope to minimize the crying time...

And enjoy our TOGETHER time:

When we get back I will post some FUN summer pictures and get CAUGHT UP with what we did these past few months.

Proof of my 8k

2009-08-10T15:17:00.001-07:00

I HAD to post this to remember for the future that it is possible to run an 8k... in the rain.... with 2 kids in tow.... after staying up until after midnight.... and wakeboarding all afternoon.... 2 months after having a baby....

I know for some of you this would be a piece of CAKE but I only finished because RANDY kept PUSHING me (literally) and telling me to HAVE A LITTLE PRIDE. Thanks honey, I WILL sprint past you next year so I don't have to listen to it AGAIN.

Click on this link to see the pain on my face - enjoy!
brightroom event photography

Shared via AddThis

Randomness

2009-07-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Let me start by giving a shout out to my sweet husband of 8 years (yes honey, it HAS been 8 years of marriage already). The wind had blown our BBQ over numerous times so for Father's Day we got our chief grill master.... ta da - a new grill! Love to you and all you do!

We are taking advantage of playing outside while the weather is nice here. So much so that Cooper will fall asleep quickly in unusual places.

I'm learning that the reason 2 kids are difficult is because when one is asleep...

the other one is wide awake.

But how could you mind with a sweet face like that!

I've been feeling so great lately that I actually mowed the lawn! It's AWESOME to get out and work - I'm feeling the baby fat FINALLY begin to melt away. While I mowed the lawn Cooper enjoyed an ice pop (ok, 4 ice pops, but it was the only way I could keep him from wanting to HELP me mow).

Cooper is all about doing things "by meself, mommy" so this is the face he gave me when I tried to help him with his bike.

Love to all!

Dog Days

2009-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

What do you get when a little boy who loves dogs has some great neighbors WITH dogs? The BEST of both worlds! He can play with a dog and YOU don't have to clean up after it. We are lucky to have such a situation... thanks to our neighbors Pat & Molly and their sweet lab, Darby.

C.J. is getting bigger! She has discovered her hands and will suck her thumb if I don't have a pacifier handy for her. Already she just goes with the flow.

We had a cook-out with a few friends before the days got too humid and sticky. Cooper couldn't get enough of the fire pit. By the time we left for home he was COVERED in a mess of chocolate, watermelon, marshmallow and ash. Below is a picture of the kids with Kyle telling Cooper to BACK AWAY (we all told him multiple times, he likes to test his limit aka: our limits).

And me with the girls left to right:

Erica, Darci, Rivka, Amy (still losing the baby weight)

And Randy convinced me it would be MUCH easier to buzz Coop for the summer. He and I were both against it at first, but the thought of not having to comb his hair or cut it ever two weeks won me over. Cooper was not so convinced.

When he realized he and Daddy were now twins, it made everything ok.

Not bad, not bad at all.
We hope you're enjoying your summer as much as we are. Love to all of you.

Catching Up

2009-06-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know where anyone finds time to blog (or sleep) with a new baby and a toddler. I have so much to catch up with, but it's been LONG ENOUGH since my last post. CJ is already 9 weeks old and smiling. We had a few visitors in April-May because if you have a baby... they will come. (a little Iowa humor). First my mom came and graciously stayed for 2 weeks to help me - I needed more help with Cooper than anything. She was AWESOME to take him out and about which is no small task if you've seen his running skills.

Grandma McAffee & Caroline:

Then Randy's mom & dad came a few weeks later. Seriously, is this not the cutest picture?(below)

Grandpa Clark & Caroline:
We blessed CJ at church while they were here. She's in the dress my mom made for the occasion below.
Grandma Clark & Caroline:

Our expanding family:It's always so sad when family leaves. Thanks for coming to see us!

Now on to Cooper, he learned to usethe sprayer on the hose while Grandpa Clark was here. It was funny at the time but now you can't go outside without him trying to spray you down. And even if he doesn't get YOU, he soaks himself which means you get wet taking care of HIM anyways. But it's still pretty cute.
We were able to take a tour of the helicopter at the hospital last week. Cooper thought it was the coolest thing. I was able to get him to do anything I wanted for a few days prior by reminding him of how we were going to see the helicopter. When our big moment finally arrivedhe was so excited to sit inside, but then refused to get out until I went inside after him.

We're still talking about the "helicopter take off, mommy".
We had one more big thing last month - Cooper turned 2!!
My friend, Heather, gave me this idea for his cake and let me borrow her son's dump truck. It's a dirt cake with brownies, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, crushed oreos and worms all mixed together. Be sure to line the dump truck with plastic wrap if you try this. All the kids LOVED it and I loved the chocolate!
There are more pictures and stories to share of our adventures the past weeks, but both kids are asleep right now, so I'm going to RELAX with a good book.

I can't resist, one more picture: CJ in her bath tub.Love to all - can't wait to catch up on reading everyone's blogs!

Bring on the Bows

2009-04-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby girl is finally here!!! I can't TELL you how nice it is NOT to be pregnant any more. Can I just say that I am a fan of being induced - it went so well. We went to the hospital around 5:30 am and had her just before 2 pm, much faster than with Cooper. Plus I didn't feel like I had been hit by a truck when I came home from the hospital. My doctor says it's because my body knew what to do since it was my 2nd pregnancy.

Here's our first picture together after they took me to my room

Randy got some snuggle time in with her as well...

Cooper didn't want much to do with her in the hospital, but when we came home he decided he liked her after all and was probably a little too affectionate at first. He's been a wonderful big brother - minus the extra tantrums he's displayed which I think are attributed to not being the only focus in the home.

Here's a little clip of Cooper saying, " hi baby CJ". I'll post more when I'm not so TIRED.

Sweet Flooring and Diggers

2009-03-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Thought I would just post some pics of activities we've done this last month.

Randy took a few days and ripped up the carpet in our dining room, then layed wood laminante flooring through the kitchen, hallways and dining room. It turned out SO WELL! I'm always impressed by his mad skills.

He even did it with Cooper's "help".

Getting close to the finish:

All done with the furniture back! I love my hard-working boys.

Later that same week we took Coop to the John Deer Pavilion in Moline, IL. Nothing is cooler for him right now than "diggers and dump dumps" which means he was in HEAVEN when we saw some life-size equipment AND got to climb inside of it. If you live in the area and haven't taken your kids to this place, YOU NEED to do it. They let you climb around in all kinds of farm equipment and it's FREE.

Cooper cried when we finally left, but we did buy him a new "digger" which made things a little better.

And just a baby update: my doctor decided I've suffered ENOUGH and he's going to induce labor this Wednesday. That's right, April 1st, an April Fool's baby - I'm excited and nervous. I'm a little sad that it won't just be me and my sidekick anymore, but I am TOTALLY ready to not be PREGNANT any longer. My feet are swollen enough that I ALMOST wore flip-flops to church yesterday. The only thing that stopped me was the snow on the ground.

Wish me luck!

It's Just a #... Right?

2009-03-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hooray for me - I turned 30 on Monday. I feel like I should have some earth-shattering words of wisdom to share! At least that's what I thought about people this age when I was a kid, or a teenager, or even in my early 20s, that they had it all together and knew everything (and were SOOO old). Now I know the truth, that even at 30 you are still just doing your best, learning something new each day, and not feeling like your age reflects who you are.

I DON'T FEEL OLD.

I do feel like I have more confidence than I did in my 20s, I'm not self-conscious about my looks or what others think about me... which is why I told Randy we had to find a karaoke bar so I could sing my heart out to celebrate. And, being the good sport that he is, that's just what we did. Here is Regan, Heather D., Heather C., me, Katie & Jen at the karaoke bar:

I think the best part of the night was when Randy and Jon sang "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Or maybe when some random guy hopped on stage to help (unsolicited) Randy sing "Low Places". So for all of you who missed it, we'll have to go again as soon as I feel up to getting out after the baby arrives.

I figured out how to do video on my new camera - Randy taught Cooper how to say "happy birthday, mommy".

Making the Cut

2009-03-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

I finally DID IT!

When my sweet mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer last year I, like I'm sure everyone else in the family, felt helpless as to what I could do for her. When she underwent chemo and lost her hair she bought the COOLEST wig to wear. Through the whole orderal she has been the positive one and has had the best attitude, teaching us all how to cope with hardship. I'm happy to say she is doing well and just the other day was able to ditch the wig. I've been growing my hair to donate it in her honor and FINALLY made the cut this week. I ended up donating a little over 10 inches.

Here are a few pics to enjoy and Bonnie - this cut is for you:

My new do (and 35 week pregnant belly):

If you're thinking of cutting your hair, it only takes 8 inches to make a donation through Pantene Beautiful Lengths (click on link to find out more) and could mean SO MUCH to someone in need of a wig.

LOVE YOU, BONNIE! I couldn't have asked for a better 2nd mom.

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 years TODAY - I can't believe it either, honey! Through our bachelors degrees, your medical school, one move across the state, one move across the country, 1/2 a residency program, the birth of our sweet little boy, the impending arrival of our baby girl, LOTS of fights and LOTS of kisses, I love you more today than ever, even more than the first time I spotted you in your football pants.

Trauma is Over

2009-03-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Randy is DONE with his 2 months of trauma rotation. Cooper and I are jumping for JOY!

Actually, it was MUCH better than I thought it was going to be. He LOVED having Jaren Riley as his senior and said it made all the difference. So even when he worked late, he came home in a good mood. Jessi, I hope you survived too!

Randy is planning on taking full advantage of his research rotation by spending a little more time relaxing.

It's so nice to have him around by the late afternoon. He installed a new kitchen faucet for me yesterday but of COURSE Cooper had to help (see below) and we're putting hardwood flooring in the kitchen/dining room at the end of this week.

Is this what it will be like when he's done with residency and has "normal" hours!?! I could get use to it.

On another note, Cooper started climbing out of his crib last week... great. So now I leave the side down because I'm afraid he'll hurt himself JUMPING out at night. I'm not ready for him to be in a BIG BOY bed yet, especially since we already have an extra crib when the baby comes.

And speaking of baby... I'm 34 weeks along tomorrow - YEA! Moving right along. My NST this week showed that I'm already having contracting (I though she just kept pushing down HARD) which doesn't surprise my doc but I'm hoping it does NOT last 6 more weeks. I'll remember to snap a pic of my belly in the next day or two, it's spectacularly huge. Any stories on how long until you had a baby after starting contractions? I want to hear it, with Cooper I didn't have ANY until 2 days before delivery and they were pretty intense. These are kind of wimpy.

Here's a cute pic of Coop loving his lemon (that's right, I said lemon). Love to all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

A big kiss and hug from us to YOU!

xoxoxoxo

Equal Treatment

2009-02-11T12:26:00.001-08:00

I had another appt. with my wonderful doc this week - they're all running together these days. More tests but all is looking good. After he examined me and measured my belly, listened to the heartbeat, etc. he left the room to go and order some labs. Randy and I didn't notice for a minute but Cooper climbed up on the table, layed back, and pulled his shirt up. He just looked at us until we realized what he was doing. Randy said, "do you want me to check your baby now?" and he said "yes". So, laying VERY still - which is NOT like him at all - he patiently waited for Randy to measure HIS baby and listen to the heartbeat. We were both laughing SO HARD that when the nurse came in she didn't quite know what to think - I LOVE my little boy!

And I KNOW you've all been feeling SORRY for those of us in Iowa because of how COLD it has been, but this past weekend it got up into the 40s!! Instead of -40. The snow which had not melted since December began to disappear - of course there were a ton of WET opportunities and we let Cooper take full advantage of them. This pic is in our backyard and by the time we brought Coop in the house he was DRENCHED from splashing and wading through water.

Randy even pulled out his little car and pushed him around.

I know to some of you this doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you've been stuck in your house or running from the car into the store for months because it's soooo cold the moisture in your nose freezes - you will understand that this was a HEAVENLY day.

I think getting back on a swing was the best part of all :)

random January

2009-01-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all - I have an update that our BABY GIRL is doing GREAT! She's 3 lbs. today with all fingers, toes, working organs, etc. I couldn't be happier. I'm measuring big but after another ultrasound the cause is isolated to the 2nd baby and not additional complications.
Despite my intense desire to work off the pounds I am packing, I am vigilantly WALKING on the treadmill and taking it easy. Thanks to EVERYONE for your words of encouragement and comfort. I can't tell you how great of an asset all my friends and family have been. Here's a little belly progress...

And on to some random shots of January...

Cooper started "music time with Nancy" which I thought he would LOVE because he can't get enough music/singing/dancing. Turns out he is as shy as his Dad when it comes to "performing" in front of large crowds. Only when offered instruments or streamers did he leave the comfort of Mommy's lap.

And, yes, it is COLD in Iowa. But that doesn't mean we can't BUNDLE up and sled outside for 5-10 minutes at a time. Seriously, that's long enough because Coop can't handle more than that outside. We bought a little sled for him and decided to SHOW him how it worked.

We sled down a TINY hill in front of our house and into the pond. Randy decided to push Cooper and I down but when we reached the bottom the snow was SO deep that we had to lay there until Randy came and carried us BOTH back up.

Here's another random shot of my big helper in the kitchen. It makes me think of the pictures where you circle all the items that don't belong:

And finally... we went to a U of Iowa Gymnastics Meet last weekend. Cooper chased the mascot around - thinking he was sooo cool - and watched all the routines until he couldn't handle any more excitement and passed out.

Hope you're all doing well and staying WARM.

Visitors... and Trauma

2009-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

We were IN LUCK to have my Mom and Dad come out to visit us for a long weekend this month! We kept telling them how cold it was and of course, in true Iowa fashion, it was actually in the 30s during their stay. (Now it has plummeted to -40, a record low this week.) I think we need them back to warm our place up a bit!

Cooper is a TRUE grandpa's boy. The morning after my parents left he kept asking for him and I'd say that grandpa had to go back to Utah, so now he says, "Grandpa... Utah". Yes sweetie, many good things are in Utah.

I just LOVE this picture of Cooper and my mom at Texas Roadhouse (yum) while we wait for our food:

Thanks to Mom and Dad for braving the elements to come and visit. We can't wait for you to come again once I DELIVER! (almost 28 weeks along - hooray).

And I have to give a SHOUT OUT to my long lost husband who started his TRAUMA (drama) rotation which will last through February (arg). This is a common scene at our house after he rolls in late and needs to prep for the next day of surgery. I can't complain because at least he comes home in a good mood from cutting people open all day, even if we DO only manage a few sentences between us before he has passed out on the couch - but I'm still NOT COMPLAINING :)

Christmas and a Cow

2009-01-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking, what does a COW have to do with Christmas! Well this year we were invited to spend Christmas Eve with the Mckay Family and, as tradition in their home, all the kids dress up and "act out" the Nativity. I totally spaced my assignment and didn't bring a shepherd costume for Cooper, but my friend Holly had a cow suit that he was more than happy to try out - I'm SURE they had cows somewhere around the manger.

It was a crammed house as we all ate, laughed, and remembered the Savior this time of year. I took an aerial view of the scene, but this picture doesn't do it justice as to how many people attended:
A quick pic of all the ladies in the house:

And we're off to CHRISTMAS MORNING!! It was heavenly to wake up in our own bed and not have to worry about traveling in the weather, but of course FAMILY - we missed you.

Cooper was looking out the window for Santa:

Then we moved on to the real fun - the PRESENTS! I love that opening his stocking alone entertained him for a good 1/2 hour.

Cooper had to READ every book that was openend before we could move on:

And then we made Randy pose in his SWEET apron his sister, Jane made him, it says "what's up doc" all over with a picture of Bugs Bunny. He'll sport this at our BBQs this summer:

And then the climax, a TRAIN SET for the boys. It's REALLY just for Cooper but I think Randy has more fun with it than he does.

Randy even made me take a picture of the train table perfectly assembled before Cooper had time to destroy it:

But the BEST part for me came later in the day when Randy asked me to take Cooper off his hands because he kept pulling apart the train tracks when he was trying to assemble something cool (let's keep it mind WHO is under the age of 2, sometime I wonder).

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

This is a little late but we hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. This was the first year Randy and I have spent away from our families and just stayed in Iowa. It was different but Cooper made it so much fun! I'll post some pictures soon.

Sad News

2008-12-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

As some of you already know, we found out that we lost one of the twins about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I've been a little sad so I didn't want to blog about it until I felt better. The doctor doesn't know what happened because both girls looked perfect on the ultrasound 2 weeks prior. I want to say how thankful I am for a kind, compassionate doctor who let me cry on his shoulder until Randy arrived; for a caring husband who dropped everything to be with me; and for wonderful friends and family who went out of their way to make certain I would be ok. It's hard to be sad when you feel the love of those around you and your Heavenly Father's protection.
We still have a healthy baby girl on the way who I am anxious to meet and so overjoyed to still be blessed with carrying.

Lots of love to everyone!

Growing up... and Out

2008-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

I am doing a little victory dance in my head (and my kitchen when it's just me and Cooper) because Coop is FINALLY in Nursery!! No more roaming the halls and chasing him around for 2 WHOLE HOURS of blissful church attendance. I can even bring my scriptures again since I don't have to pack entertainment for an entire 3 hours.

And the other day I couldn't hear Coop banging around for a minute and got worried... this is what he was doing:

I thought, "I must be doing something right!" The belly watch is in full swing. I'm starting to feel the girls kick and push all over. It was exciting to finally feel them, though in the middle of the night I would be happy to have some sedentary time!

Cooper has found use out of his Mommy's belly:

Sad News - my Doctor put the hault on my ZUMBA classes (here's a youtube example if you don't know what Zumba is)! It's my favorite aerobics class to teach but a little too much shakin' for me to handle these days. I'm still teaching spin a few times a week (for now) so Zumba will have to wait until the spring :(

Giving Thanks

2008-12-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. When you have an excuse to make treats, eat too much, and sit down with friends to share a meal. We had a FUN group at our house this year to celebrate Thanksgiving. I absolutely hated having to sit at the "kid table" when we went to my grandparent's house growing up, but here I am segregating the young and old.

(Adult Table - or is it?)
(Kid Table)

(Babies in-between)

I hope everyone else had as good a time as I did. My pregnant belly felt like it had STRETCHED 2 inches by the end of the night. I kept trying to find a comfortable position on the couch while Cooper had the best idea and just stripped down to his diaper.

Thanks to the Judd, Erekson, Maline & Henderson Families for joining us this year!

I have to end with my thankful list in no particular order:

1. For my family, including the 2 on the way

2. For good health

3. For the gospel of Jesus Christ

4. That my husband has a stable career and I'm able to stay at home with my sweet boy

5. For my friends that keep me smiling :)

A Family Affair

2008-11-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

Cooper and I flew to Utah the first part of the month for 2 reasons: 1) I'm afraid my doctor will tell me I can't travel soon and I don't know when I'd get out again; and 2) my BABY brother was getting MARRIED!! That's right, Paul-E-Wog took the plunge before the other 3 boys.

And here's the HAPPY couple with my nephew, Trevor, as the ring bearer. He kept telling his mom he wanted to be the one to throw the flowers but he settled for the rings in the end.

Paul and Kelsie drove to Las Vegas after their big day for the honeymoon. My sister and I did the decorating for the luncheon so I had to put a pic in with how it turned out. Not bad for 2 girls with 4 kids between them (5, 3, 1 & 3 months) and NO husbands around to help! Poor Dad was our errand boy with half his finger (severed it the week before in a not-to-be mentioned wood splitting accident) - love you Dad!

But BEFORE the wedding... we had a little fun at the Hogle Zoo with the Clark Family. Here's Cooper with Aunt Jane:

And me with Sierra, Cooper with Grandma.

Of course after the Zoo it's good to wash the wonderful smells off. So Cooper had to jump in the tub with his cousin:

Then we were off to spend time with the Gray's - OF course I MADE them take me to Leatherby's, though the ice cream didn't taste the same with my temporary discerning palette (I can't wait until I LIKE chocolate and sweets again). Here's Cooper with cousin Tyler:

And Cindy with her littlest one, Megan:

At the end of our trip we headed back to SUNNY, BEAUTIFUL, wish I lived there RIGHT NOW Saint George. Cooper wouldn't leave Grandpa alone. He even "helped" him in his office.
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful time. We had too many adventures to blog about. I did drop in on my friends at Nu Skin, ahhh... back in the working days when I straightened my hair and put make-up on EVERY day. Thanks to Shan, Candice, Brian, Matt and everyone else who made time to chat with me for a while.

This scoop is for you!

Announcing...

2008-11-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY went in for an ultrasound on Wednesday and we are SO HAPPY to let everyone know that both twins look GREAT and we are expecting...

Randy said, "There goes my football team!" (I don't know how many babies he thinks I'm going to have but I don't see THAT many in our future.) Soon the girls will outnumber the boys in our house - how weird!

Let's bring on the PINK!

Spooky Lion

2008-11-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

I know it's sooo late, but couldn't NOT post a pic of Coop in his Halloween costume. My friend, Anna, saved me some $$ this year when she let me borrow this adorable LION costume that Cooper ADORED. In fact, I put it on him a few weeks before to make certain it fit and he did NOT want to take it off. I see superhero costumes in our future for sure. This is a pic of Randy, me and Coop at the Annual Medical Partners' Halloween Kids' Party.

We went trick-or-treating later that night and I think Randy had just as much fun as Cooper! It didn't take Coop long to figure out the routine, but if any of the houses had a dog inside he would run in (before I could stop him) so he could pet it - NO fear, I swear. Needless to say we saw many houses in our neighborhood, inside and out.

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween as well!

Be Back Soon

2008-11-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Cooper and I are off on adventures in Utah - visiting family and attending my BABY brother's wedding!! (I can't even believe it.) So I'll have some fun pics and tales to tell when we get back next week.

Love to all!

Da Bears

2008-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

We had an exciting weekend in CHICAGO - finally time to go to DA BEARS game!! Instead of staying downtown this year, we stopped in Naperville for the night (such a cute little town) and went to their Children's Museum. They have all kinds of cool exhibits, the one below is where Cooper had the most fun - in the water - followed closely by the bubble-making room. I think Randy had just as much fun as Cooper playing with all the toys.

The town has a cool riverwalk that we strolled in the evening. I took a TON of pictures of Cooper but he's in the stage where he has NO TIME to look at me and smile for the camera, so this was the best one...

And the next day we MADE IT to the game. AMAZINGLY Cooper lasted the ENTIRE time. He and I had a snack break during the 2nd quarter, but besides that he just chilled with us in our seats while we fed him every treat imaginable. Ironically, the next day was his first dentist appointment.

Couldn't have asked for better weather at 65 degrees and sunny, plus it was an EXCITING game against the Vikings. Next year I'm afraid Randy will have to find a buddy to take with him, so.... let me know if you're interested!!

Check out the HILARIOUS video fro SNL on DA BEARS and DA BULLS - makes me laugh EVERY TIME.

PS. Here's the Belly progress from last week...

Fall Brings in the NEW

2008-10-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

We went a little crazy, with 3 kids soon in our future, and bought a new Honda Odyssey! Randy is laughing at me because I won't drive it (or insure it, why waste the $$) until we sell his car and are back down to 2 vehicles. It's a GREAT van, many of our friends have the same, but I NEVER thought my FIRST NEW vehicle would be a MINIVAN! Ahhh, to embrace motherhood and all its perks! Here are Cooper and I with our salesman, Patrick:

We REALLY lucked out because Aunt Beth and Aunt Ruth drove all the way from Utah to our neck of the woods on a little sightseeing adventure. They spent 2 days spoiling us with playmates for Cooper, goodies at the Kalona bakery, and more from Amana Colonies. We were all sad to see them leave. Thanks for the fun time!

We wrapped up the weekend with a day-trip to Dubuque - beautiful drive this time of year with the leaves changing. Our neighbor told us of the steepest railway west of the Mississippi, so I had to check it out. As luck would have it, the town was also hosting their annual Chili Cook-Off, not so good for my super-sensitive sniffer, but it came with games for the kids. Cooper LOVED the bouncy house. He threw a MAJOR fit when we had to DETACH him from the fun.

I HAD to take a pic of this chili booth for all you Chuck Norris fans, not sure how true their claim is, I'd bet my money on Chuck anyday:

And finally we made it to the railway. It was a little shorter than I thought - ok, a lot. So good thing for the chili or Randy would have been SOOO disappointed.

Sweet September

2008-09-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

I've been lazy (and a little sick) so I've slacked on the highlights of our September. Here are a few things we did...

We started eating out A LOT because I can't get over the smells in the kitchen these days. Randy's been so good about this and Cooper's become a pro at coloring. THANKS BOYS!

I ran a 10k with a few friends. L to R : Jen, Heather, Katie, Amy. The race was fun, Katie whipped us all by a few minutes. I ran with Heather and Jen the whole race and then sprinted the last few blocks because I saw my boys cheering for me on the side and just couldn't help myself :) I can't wait for next year!

Not to be outdone by me... Randy participated in a sprint TRIATHALON. What a show-off! A big group of ortho residents/attendings participated. Let's just say there was plenty of trash-talking before the event. Here he is before the swim.

And now the bike...

and the BIG FINISH!

Great job RANDY!

Randy, Todd and Will all ran the ENTIRE triathalon.

We were lucky enough to get away for a weekend to travel to Dearborne, Michigan and attend the wedding of a good friend, Ryan Atkin. Of course we had to stop along the way so Cooper could play.

We spent time with a few southern Utah friends. Here is Randy with Tyler and Ben:

And me with Cicely and Heidi:

Thanks to the Goodman's and Truman's for such a fun time! I think Cooper's favorite part of the weekend was when we let him roam in his diaper after the reception - can you say Risky Business?

Coming Soon...

2008-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

We can't believe it either, but that's right - we're getting TWO for one!! Randy and I are still trying to wrap our heads around this, but it's official. The babies should arrive SPRING 2009. Officially they're due April 11th (my little bro, Mike's, birthday) so if we last until mid to late MARCH we will be excited. What a great 30th birthday present that would be for me (March 23rd)! Any advice you have on multiples?? I'll take it all. And yes, they make great TRIPLE jogging strollers. Love to all!

Danes' Family Farm

2008-08-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the ORTHO playgroup this month and got a little messy... ok, a LOT messy! Wet, freshly mowed grass does not work with little kids. But the humiliation was soon forgotten.And it was on to see the animals. Here is Hannah, Cooper and Katelyn waiting for us to get in.

Then Porter and Aspen showed up... and they got a little more restless. Coop didn't want to be left out so he tried to climb as well.

This lamb below had a little house it was hiding in and Cooper kept trying to go in and get it. No FEAR I tell you! I think he was prepped from our visit to the fair.

All animal poop and sprained ankles aside, a BIG thank you to Darci for planning such a fun outing! All you moms: If you haven't done this yet it is such fun with the kids and they give you FREE ice cream after the petting zoo at their dairy - yummy.

FAIR PLAY

2008-08-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

We made it to the Iowa State Fair this year, it's suppose to be the best in the nations so, of course, we HAD to check it out. First thing was first: Randy had heard about the food so the boys went in search of the "good stuff".

And I think they found something...

A plethora of goodies were consumed this day - let's just say that Randy would gladly pay $10/each next year just for the chance to eat.

Then on to the animals where we saw the biggest SWINE and BULL of the fair:

Both were well over 2,000 pounds - now THAT is some SERIOUS Iowa dieting.

This little calf was adorable with Cooper. He started licking him all over his face and hands which honestly grossed me out, but what do you expect at the fair... can I say SHOWER TIME!

Yes, the fair was a big HIT. So to all of you who STILL have not come to visit us, yet another exciting attraction IOWA has to offer that will leave you saying, "Let's make Iowa our vacation destination EVERY year!"

Sweet baby girl

2008-07-31T05:45:00.000-07:00

She's ADORABLE, as you can see. I'm not biased or anything- he he. My sister, Cindy, gave birth to her on HER birthday, July 22nd. You ROCK sister of mine! Happy (late) birthday, I love you soo much!

What to do in IOWA for fun...

2008-07-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

WELOME to the SOLON BEEF DAYS. Of course, we HAD to attend the festivities. Anything with BEEF in the title sounds like fun, right?? Randy entered the Haybale throwing contest for a whopping 5 buckaroos. I bragged that I would enter for the WOMEN but glad I didn't once I saw the guns on those girls. I would have been HUMILIATED. They started the men out at 7' and increased in increments of 6". I must say, Randy still has some STRENGTH from his football days! He threw clear up to 10'6"!! I didn't realize I had my camera on me until his last throw:

The winner threw an astounding 12'6", a new record. If you know Randy's competitive nature, don't be surprised if you see us practicing in the backyard for next year. Jon and Theo were great to console him after his loss.

The deck is DONE

2008-07-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

After a few weekends of digging in the MUD, a little work here and there (ok, a LOT), I present our FINISHED deck project for the summer.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I think it turned out pretty nice, and now we have extra storage for all the yard stuff. Randy says I'm not allowed any more projects for THIS summer.

Sweet 4th Fun

2008-07-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

This year's 4th of July was one of the most fun in a long time! It started with Cooper and I running in the Dylan Campbell Benefit 5k - he was a trooper and we finished in about 29 minutes (under 30 sounds good to me) I realized that since I've been running alone I don't haven anyone to get me motivated to pick up my pace - which means I was sucking wind trying not to let the old man behind me pull ahead at the end - if anyone ever wants to RUN... call ME.

Here we are L to R: Kristie, Melissa, Heather, me and Rivka - thanks for the fun time, ladies!

Then it was off to the Coralville parade to bask in the sun. Donigan's mom had popcorn so Cooper wouldn't leave her alone once he figured that out, she was a good sport about sharing. That town knows how to throw a parade! Yes, there was plenty of salt water taffy, but we also scored cloth grocery bags, sparklers, free movie passes, discount massages, a t-shirt, beach balls, and ice pops. By the end of the parade Rivka and I were as bad as the kids next to us, pleading for someone to throw us goodies.

The Boyer's were nice enough to invite us over for a BBQ that afternoon, so after a quick nap we picked up Randy and headed out. Coop had to share when Kate decided his food looked better than hers. Luckily there was plenty to go around.

After my reluctancy to give in to the popsicle with a nice white polo shirt, Jessica reminded me that they're easy to bleach and - after all - it was the 4th. I also believe he would have heisted Megan or Claire's if he didn't have his own.

We went downtown to watch some fireworks but tired boys and loud noises don't mix, so we lit some sparklers and headed home - hope you all had a wonderful 4th, too!

Utah Fun

2008-06-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Cooper is smiling in his car seat... he didn't realize how long he would have to stay in it!

24 hours of driving to get to SLC, but it was worth it! Randy and Cooper amused themselves by coloring when we stopped to eat.

And, of course, you have to make LOTS of STOPS to let everyone run around for a few minutes (and rest their backs because if you have to listen to SOMEONE say their back hurts one more time you might lose it). This is our stop in Nebraska at the Pony Express where the boys rested and I picked up some AWESOME mosquito bites - ouch.

We called the parents and told them we could drive no further than the SL valley, so Sunday night my parents hopped in the car and surprised us at Cindy's house - yea! Too bad they didn't tell anyone they were coming because by the time they arrived we were all asleep and no one heard their cries in the driveway (where they spent the night). Don't feel too bad, the mafia ride has plenty of room (how many bodies in the trunk??). Cindy is due next month - doesn't she look great!!

Off to Gateway for a little fun in the fountains... but wait - is this an Iowa reunion? Here comes Jessie, Kasey and Amy who just happen to be doing the same thing :) How serendipitous

That night we enjoyed a great BBQ @ the Thompson's and caught up with Kristie and Julie with their cute families. Unfortunately I left the camera case there... so no pictures of our fun time at the Hogle Zoo, Greg's superb dutch-oven dessert, the drive-in movie at Redwood, or the day at the swimming pool. Let's just say that much fun should never be crammed into 2 days. Thanks to Cindy, Greg, Trevor and Tyler for a great time!

Next it was off to Layton to visit Jane and Dan. I totally stunk at badminton, but beat Randy so that's all I cared about. The Richards are fierce competitors, they make it look easy. Next day was a mtn. bike ride up the Temple Quarry trail at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. It's a constant climb that follows the river... so beautiful! I highly recommend this trail, you can hike as well as bike if you're a little intimidated. Here we are at the top.

And our SWEET babysitter at the bottom with Cooper - no bike trailers welcome on the terrain.

Thanks to Dan we dined on his homemade LASAGNA... mmm, good and watched RAMBO that night. But Jane and I snuck away to enjoy a little Alfred Hitchcock, the boys didn't even miss us. Then it was Friday - bbo hoo - thanks to Aunt Ruth for breakfast, and Grandparents Clark for lunch, and finally good ol' Denny's in Salina where we met up with Harold, Bonnie, Jess and Sierra who drove from Saint George to meet us.

Thanks to the family for our impromptu trip and how much fun we had! It makes me wonder if we could endure the ride next year... I think I need a little time to forget about sleeping in the car before I commit. Love to all!

Fleeing the Floods

2008-06-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Randy came home from the hospital on Friday and said, "Let's get out of here and drive to Utah." I thought he was a crazy man but with all the flooding, his week of vacation, and with our previous plans foiled, I caved and we left @ midnight. Twenty-four hours in the car with a baby is a small price to pay for the fun we've had this week. Too bad I left my camera at the Thompson's so half of the fun is not documented :( I'll post pics and tell of our adventure when we come home.
For all of you in Iowa, stay dry and we'll see you soon!

Is This Done Yet??

2008-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

We started with a great idea (my idea since we moved in 2 years ago, but didn't want to push until I got my deck stairs) to put a patio below our deck so we would have more room outside to entertain, play with Cooper, etc. I thought it would be simple to dig out the grass and lay flagstones. Was I WRONG! Randy decided that since we're doing the patio we should dig underneath the deck, lay gravel, and enclose for extra storage - another great idea! But after a day my hands hurt from digging out all the CLAY that plagues North Liberty's soil. Nothing like throwing your dirt into the back of a truck, only to have it STICK to your shovel because it's not just dirt - what fun :) Our last 3 Saturdays have been devoted to our project and I'm happy to say we have made progress. The dirt is gone, replaced with gravel under the deck, the grass has been removed and the patio is (almost) done. Stones are now set but there are a few joint issues to deal with. Here are some pics of our adventures in the backyard courtesy of our fab neighbor, Molly. (Who was also nice enough to bring us out SODA and CAKE in the middle of a hot, humid day.) I'll post a final picture when it all looks beautiful and I'm hoping that will be soon :)

Poor Cooper was a pretty good sport through all of this. We let him crawl around in the mud/sand until he couldn't take it any more and was ready for a nap (halleluja).

One Year Pictures

2008-05-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's a must to document your baby's first year... so here is Cooper's "official" 1-year old picture. It's amazing to me that it's already been a whole year! I remember how excited/nervous I was when the time approached to finally meet our little boy and now I can't imagine our life without him. Randy and I both agree that we had no idea we were missing out on one of the most wonderful and fulfilling roles you can ever try and fill: being a parent.

Look who is 1!!

2008-05-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday to Cooper! It was last Tuesday (13th of May) but even though we were having a party for him (ok, when your kid is only 1 it's really a party for you) on Saturday we couldn't let the day go by without some cake in his face. Randy was so proud because he picked up that chocolate-frosted cupcake and proudly smashed it all into his mouth. Not pointing any fingers but he didn't learn to eat by watching me - haha. Coop's been able to stand up by himself and will move with furniture for some time now, but last week he really started taking steps by himself. I'm already dreading the day when he grows up and moves out :( I guess we moms must enjoy them while we have them. Though my mom thinks I might change my tune once Cooper learns to back-talk. Never, I say.

Oh what fun... in Utah

2008-05-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. We've been home over a week and still no new postings. So here are a few pictures and tales of adventure from our trip to visit the family in so. Utah. First is a picture of Grandma Clark with Cooper in the backyard. We spent so much time outside! It was WONDERFUL!

Then came our adventures in the pool (video in previous post) and this is by far the cutest picture of Cooper with the mo-hawk. Then his Uncle Andy tried to give the first guitar lesson.

That's Grandpa McAffee.. still waiting for his dentist (who obviously never works) to fit him with his new tooth. I still say you might at well leave it until after Halloween at this rate, Dad. Next is Cooper with his cousins, Tyler-2.5 and Trevor-5, scrunched in the back seat for a trip to the Children's Museum. And there I am with my two good friend, Sarah and Heidi - love you girls!!

Of course, the reason we made the trip in the first place - that's right - all for you Mike!! Congrats to the new SUU Graduate!!

I'll post a few more pics in the near future: thanks to all who made our trip wonderful, we already miss everyone :)

Swim Time

2008-04-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

A little indoor pool time with cousin Sierra and her mommy, Jess. The two kiddos had a blast with Randy throwing them in the air and blowing bubbles underwater. Coop decided it was time to end the fiasco when his lips turned blue.

Favorite Food?

2008-04-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

I think I found a way to make this little boy smile when he's in the worst of moods. All it takes is a few fluffity, puffity marshmallows - they're the best.(homestarrunner if you didn't get it) Enjoy the show :)

Cooper's First Swing

2008-04-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

This winter has been too long!! Here's a clip of Cooper's first visit to the park this year...

The New Toy!

2008-04-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

We had an adventure last weekend. Randy insisted it was time for a cool bicycle trailer. You know me, after months of research and hesitation, "No, let's just look at it one more time before we purchase," I finally consented and christened Cooper's (our) new toy. It's a Trek, of course!

Our first big ride was from Solon to Suttliff with our neighbor, Pat, where I was told would be a family friendly restaurant with delicious burgers and dogs. The food was definitely good (just enough grease makes anything taste delicious) but the bikes at this place were a little more pricey than ours. We all felt a little out of place without our Harley Davidson jackets.

Twenty miles round-trip, not bad for the first outdoor ride of the season. Now I just need to get some new wheels for me!

Finally... I'm blogging

2008-04-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

I know I have resisted, stating, "I have no time for ONE MORE THING!" Well, my resolve has crumbled and I now join the rest of the blogging world. I hope you enjoy my future posts and the tales of Cooper I soon will share...