"I Don't Feel 5-I feel weird"

Last night Will went to bed sooooo excited. He must have left his bed 5 times before finally settling down and going to sleep-very unusual for him-he often asks to go to bed at night! He was as excited as if it were Christmas Eve! When he woke up (very early I might add), he came in our room and said "Am I 5 now? I don't feel 5-I feel weird." Bob checked his muscles and measured him from head to foot and told him he was a little stronger and a little taller so he must be 5. That did it for Will and he said, "well, I guess I am 5 then." And when I took Will to school he told me "I am so 5...I hate the number 4 now."

I spotlighted Will at school and he LOVED that-everything about HIM! His birthday party was right after school at Backyard Adventures (playground equipment inside-thank goodness because it was freezing outside) and he invited his school class and primary class. For William, it was the best day ever. For me, it was chaos-there were twenty 4-5 year olds! I am glad I'm not the type of mom who throws a b-day party every year. This was Will's first b-day party with friends and his next one will be when he's 8-I think I'll let him invite 8 friends! And can I just say how funny these kids were: one little boy thought each child there should open up the present they brought Will (I'm thinking to myself, which one would Will open?, this same little boy INSISTED on having a certain peice of cake and when he didn't get it (because it was in the dead center of this giant cake), you'd have thought the world was at an end. And almost all the children wanted to take the toys out of the package and play with them right there. Oh, and the drama from some of the little girls...reminds me of another little girl I know that lives right here with me! I must say though, Maddie was a huge help with all those children, she organized games and showed them to the bathroom and was basically a little party planner...I've taught her well. :D

The theme for Will's party was BYU Cougars! (of course). I made cute invitations, my friend made an amazing cake and cookies for the treat bags.

yummy sugar cookies!

this cake was amazing!


friends...

I realized at the end of the song I was singing...YIKES! Just ignore that!

It was a memorable day...I'm glad we were able to give Will such a special birthday-one he will always remember. And I'm glad Grandma and Daddy were there to help.

Almost 5!

We celebrated Will's 5th Birthday with the family today after General Conference. He will turn 5 on April 9th. For the past couple of weeks, Will has been waking up in the morning and his first words are "is today my birthday?" Yesterday I told him we would be having his little family birthday party tomorrow and he has been so excited he could hardly wait. And we kept making him wait until after Conference was over. He just couldn't keep his hands off his gifts...

Grandma and Grandpa gave him a Leapster which he loves and we gave him a bike! Larry, DJ, and Shiely were here to celebrate with us too! On Wednesday, Will is having his first birthday party with friends at Backyard Adventures! He can't stop talking about it.

Will with his cake that I made...I'll be buying the next one!

Opening the Leapster from Grandma and Grandpa

He obviously didn't know how to use the brakes (or turn the thing) and shortly after this, he tried to take a sharp turn and had his first fall and said "I hate that bike and I'm never getting on it again!"


His new bike!

Maddie on her scooter! I wish I had one of these!

He did get back on the bike and we couldn't get him off of it...he asked if he could keep riding it even during bedtime! (he figured out the braking!) Bob says we're taking off the training wheels in a few days! YIKES!

Spring Piano Recital

Maddie performed in her Spring Recital last Friday, March 28th at the Tahitian Noni building. She played with a violinist and a celloist. It was so beautiful. Maddie has an amazing talent for the piano. When she first started taking lessons, her teacher told me she must have played the piano in Heaven!

I must admit, practicing at our house can sometimes be a struggle! When she is first learning a song, she "hates" piano and wants to quit. But once she gets into the song, she can play it for hours. And I am so impressed at how quickly she picks up on the songs. Maddie's piano teacher is phenomenal! She has taught Maddie some really good habits that have, I'm sure, helped her progress to where she is now. This recital is our favorite because it is so beautiful to have the string instruments playing along with the piano. And the violinist actually stole the show! He was Awesome! (She has her Monster Concert in May where she is one of five pianists all playing at the same time on five different pianos! It's a fun recital)

Maddie and Deena Winters, her piano teacher

Family Home Evening

We have come to really look forward to Monday nights and Family Home Evening! Maddie and William have their "Family Home Evening" seats (they sit in the same place each week). And they both really enjoy the lesson and activity. For me, the best is when one of the children give the lesson-especially Maddie. She is really good at it!

Last week, Maddie gave our lesson about Easter and resurrection. She taught the lesson with the plastic eggs each one containing something regarding the crucifixtion and resurrection of Christ-the last egg is empty representing the empty tomb. Each egg also contained a scripture which we all took turns reading, even William. William loved this lesson and it was perfect for him. He was very curious about the death and resurrection of Jesus. And we could feel the spirit so strong...we took the opportunity to bear our testimonies. William bore a sweet and simple testimony of Jesus and our prophet. And Maddie shared her sweet testimony too. Maddie is at the age where she can truly bear her testimony herself and I can feel that she knows what she is saying is real and that she believes. My heart swells as her mother to know that she has a testimony and that she loves Jesus. What more could I desire as a parent?

I normally don't take pictures during FHE, but these were too sweet to pass up!

The object lesson

A Kid Named "Ralph"

So the other day, Will had one of his friends over to play (a new neighbor named David and they have become INSTANT best buds)! These new neighbors have a son Maddie's exact age too which has been so great. The cul-de-sac is buzzing with kids now-I am lovin it!

Anyway, Will and David were upstairs playing in his room on his bed making a tent with his duvet and generally having a wonderful time! They had just gorged themselves on Twizzlers and Reese's PB eggs (the little foil wrapped mini ones) and they were very happy. I was downstairs in the kitchen and all of a sudden, Will comes down to tell me David threw up on his bed and "good-bye, we're going outside to play now"

"What? He threw up. Let me see (yeah right I'm thinking)." As I walk up the stairs, the smell hits me like, you know what they say....a ton of bricks! And I'm starting to think, oh my gosh, he really did throw up! By the time I get to the top of stairs and poke my head in Will's room, I am unable to take it. I look inside, plugging my nose, and sure enough, there on the bed...

THROW UP!

I run downstairs and catch the boys before they leave...they haven't left yet because they're stuffing their faces with more Reese's eggs! I ask...

"What happened?"

(David) "He wiped a booger on my arm and I threw-up"

(Will) "It was an accident. His arm got on the booger from my nose!"

I'm thinking to myself, how am I going to clean this up...I can't!
(Me) "You two run to your house and get your mom to call me--hurry up!"

Pretty soon, David's mom calls and I tell her the situation. I am so embarassed that I am unable to clean this up, but I can barely clean up my own children's vomit! Anyway, she comes over, cleans up the chunks (barfing in my mouth right now), and offers to wash everything. But, I'm not that much of a whimp..."Oh I can wash it myself, I'm sure." So she folds it up so the throw up is on the inside and I take it down to the laundry room. Let me just say, unfolding the quilt, blanket, and sheet (cuz it had soaked through), was very hard for me. I had to tie a blanket around my nose so I couldn't smell it. I guess I am a whimp!

Now, Chelsea (David's mom) and I are friends forever, bonded by puke! (BTW, David had chocolate milk for lunch!) Oh, and his nickname is "Ralph"...really. Apparantly, he does this often :)

Easter!

This Easter came and went so quickly! I can't believe there's a week left of March and Easter is already come and gone!

Did you know that the earliest Easter can ever be is March 22nd! The last time Easter was this early was 1913 and it won't be this early again until around 2116! Just some interesting facts we learned in Sunday School yesterday! And I never knew how the date of Easter is set: Easter is on the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (closest Sunday).

Anyway, I spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday and I am so glad it's over. But to be honest, it wasn't as bad as I was anticipating (and I actually spoke for 14 minutes!-the longest I've ever given a talk for.) I guess I'm maturing! :) Grandma and Grandpa came (because of Easter) and they sat with Maddie and Will. Well, they sat with Maddie anyway...during the Sacrament, Will drank from the water cup and as he was putting it away, he dripped some water from the cup (he hadn't drank every last drop), and it dripped into some other cups. Maddie made a big deal of it and made Will feel bad...he started crying (loud) and Grandma tried to take him out. But he hooked his foot on the pew and was crying out that he didn't want to be taken out. I motioned for him to come and sit with me (I was on the stand just about to give my talk). He came up and sat with me and then went and sat with a friend. All is well that ends well and to repeat...I am so glad it's over!

After church we had an Easter Egg hunt and ate a very yummy dinner of Honey Baked Ham, potato salad, baked beans, green salad, and rolls...followed by

V Chocolate's chocolate dipped strawberries! I am still full!

I love Easter!

Birds and Eggs = SPRINGTIME!

How cute is this. I watched Martha make it on her show today...I'm going to use my cherry tree branches and make this darling arrangment for my coffee table!

Spring cannot get here soon enough for me...the children are outside and I will not let them come in-it's way too nice out there to be spending time indoors!

Go Green!

Not because of global warming, but because it is ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

For St. Patrick's Day we had a green dinner-green clover-shaped pancakes, green buttermilk syrup, green fruit dip (with strawberries :O) and green drink (milk, lemonade, or water-your choice). Maddie and Wills loved this! (especially Will as he thinks there are real leprechauns roaming around that can turn your hair green). No photos of the pancakes because I had turned my camera onto manual focus and forgot...something our teacher warned us about-dangit!

Will was so excited for this holiday...at school they went on a treasure hunt for a pot of gold (rolos) and saw leprechaun footprints-and of course, he wore green! But his teachers told him no pinching at school, you can do that at home-thanks alot (I didn't wear green)!


BUTTERMILK SYRUP RECIPE
1 c butter
1 c sugar
1 c buttermilk (or 1 c milk + 1 T vinegar-let sit for about 5 min...voila...buttermilk)

Bring the first three ingredients to a boil. Remove from heat and add:

1 t vanilla
1/2 t baking soda

Stir to combine and then lick the spoon :O!

If you haven't tried this...you're missing out! It is now the only syrup we will eat.

Kindred Sprits!

I just finished watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea...and a part of me wished I had been a friend of Anne's...I know we would have been kindred spirits! Bob teases me that I dream of being Anne and I transport myself right into the movie-yeah right! :)

A few times a year PBS does those telethons to raise money blah blah blah and I DVR'd Anne and have been watching a little every night for the past few nights...I find myself wishing it would never end. I love the way that movie makes feel...it is so idealistic-I laugh and I cry. The relationship between Anne and Gilbert is so romantic-even though Anne is such a ninny sometimes-it drives me crazy that she can't see her true love right in front of her!

I can't wait for Maddie to love these movies as much as I do...so we can daydream together!

And the soundtrack is one of the best CD's I've ever owned. I can listen to it over and over. It can be ordered online here.

Life at the Cluff House...

B.O.R.I.N.G. Yup...nothing going on here! Seriously, for the past three weeks we've all been sick (all except Maddie-the lucky duck missed all the fun)!

It all started with Bob coming down with Influenza and the stomach flu! Within a few days, I was DOWN for a week! It was absolutely the most miserable I have ever felt-death didn't seem too bad! While I was down my house fell apart...and then Will got sick! Now, both Will and I have the worst colds and I'm trying to get my house back in order. Will keeps doing these big, huge snot snuffers..."I have to get my boogers up" he says. I wish he would just get his boogers OUT! We all seem to be on the upside of this disease...however, I'm still so tired!

My parents went to Idaho this weekend for some dental work from my awesome brother and I sent Maddie who had a tooth that was bothering her...Kevin pulled it! He said she was very brave and did great! (maybe I'll take a photo when she gets home). We're missing her around here-but I must say the lack of sibling fighting has been very nice!

Oh, and I'm taking a photography class from this amazing photographer! Check her out! I am learning lots and I'm also majorly confused! I will post some of my photos when they're worthy!

Last night we took Will to see Horton Hears a Who! He really enjoyed it-we had a fun little weekend for him...he's really missing Maddie-too bad she's not missing him!

I'll be back!

Book Review

*4 1/2 stars

This book was recommended to me by an employee at Borders. I must admit, the first few pages were a little hard to get into, but then I couldn't put the book down. It's a modern love story mostly about a woman (Cornelia) and a young girl (Claire) with a messed up mom. Cornelia meets Martin in a coffee shop, falls in love with him and ends up having this amazing relationship with his daughter. Cornelia compares herself and her life to either classic movies-think Cary Grant or timeless novels-think Anne of Green Gables.

A tribute to classic film and true romance, this is the story of a 31-year-old cafe manager and an 11-year-old searching for her father, and the unexpected ways in which their lives are forever changed by chance.

Apparantly, this movie has been made into a screenplay and will star Sara Jessica Parker!

**little disclaimer...this is a clean book but does have 5-6 "bad" words.

Challenger Knight

Maddie was made a Knight of Challenger on January 31, 2008. Each month, one child from each class is nominated and presented at the Spirit Assembly. Her teacher, Mrs. Johnson was saying that Maddie exemplifies all the Challenger values and that she is a THINKER. And because she is able to think about things and situations in many different ways, she has an amazing sense of humor---quite a dry wit. (She really is quite funny).

Maddie is such a great student in both her grades and comportment. She is friends with everyone and is well liked by all her classmates. Challenger has been such a wonderful experience for Maddie. She has received an invaluable education that I hope will carry her through all her school years.

In Memory...President Gordon B. Hinckley

June 23, 1910-January 27, 2008

I love to see our prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley! I can't believe how I have grown because of him. He is the most amazing example...Because of him, I study my scriptures and the words of the modern-day prophets and general authorities, wanting to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel. I remember our Book of Mormon challenge a few years ago-I remember how wonderful I felt because I listened to President Hinckley and did as he asked. Whenever I hear him speak, I want to be a better person-he inspires me. Because of him, I want to be kinder and more observant to the needs of those around me, seeing those who are in need of aid. Because of his example of always seeing the good, I too have tried to have more optimism, less fear. Because of the prophet, I have grown closer to Jesus Christ; I know Him better; I have felt His love. Gordon B. Hinckley is a true reflection of our Saviour. I believe he has given me a glimpse of what it would be like if the Saviour were among us today. I will always be grateful for his example.

I wrote these words about a month ago after reading one of President Hinckley's talks. I never posted it, thinking I would finish it later. But now is a perfect time. I can't believe he really has died...I never wanted this day to come, but knew it would-I am sad for me, but so happy for him. What a man of God!

Both Maddie and William could feel the Spirit as we talked about President Hinckley tonight. Especially Maddie...she wrote her feelings here. As a parent, I am grateful my children were able to grow to love President Hinckley and learn from him. I will miss him.

"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." -Gordon B. Hinckley (from the funeral of wife Marjorie)

{sunday reminiscing}

In August 2006, we took a family trip to Southern California for a little Disney and San Diego. It was a wonderful family vacation. I met Bob in Las Vegas with the children and they did not know that after Vegas, we were heading south for some family fun. They just thought the vacation was Las Vegas. They didn't even realize we were headed in the opposite direction of home until we were in Los Angeles and we couldn't keep the surprise any longer! I was dying to tell them we were going to Disneyland! Maddie started crying she was so excited! Honestly, it was the most fun we've had together as a family.

One of the highlights was going to the beach in Coronado. William had never seen the ocean before (that he could remember) and he was so excited! He loved walking along the water with his dad and playing in the sand. We had stopped at a little market on the island and picked up some munchies like cheese and crackers, bread and drinks and little white powdered donuts. :D Maddie of course could live on the water-she is fearless and loved every second of it-I think she would be a surfin' beach girl if she lived on the coast. We stayed for a while and swam, ate dinner, played and relaxed. It was a great day! And we ended it at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner...could it be any better!

(click to enlarge photos)


p.s. I was there...

Book Reviews

Wish You Well by David Baldacci
*5 stars (out of 5)

After suffering through a car crash and losing their father, Lou (11) and Oz (7) are forced to move to the Virgina mountains to live with their Great-Grandmother and invalid mother. The year is 1940 and times on the mountain and in the small mining communities are struggling. Lou and Oz are struggling to find where they fit in as well. This book is about finding ones self and discovering the things in life that really matter.

I actually cried in this book-books often make me sad, but rarely do I cry.

We live in a world where everyone is keeping up with the Jones' and trying so hard to be the the biggest and the best. Aren't we forgetting what is really important? Our families. Hard work. Honest living. I loved this book and I hope to re-read it often. It is a very good reminder of what is important in life.

The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel

*4 stars

One of my friends loaned this book to me. Livvy, the main character in this novel becomes pregnant by a WWII officer and is forced into a marriage to Ray Singleton, a remote farmer in Colorado. Not only is the story a love story but it tells about Livvy's struggles with leaving her old life behind that had promise and education. Livvy dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. She becomes friends with two girls in a Japanese internment camp. The friendship leads Livvy into interesting paths and some dangerous situations. Hallmark came out with a movie of this book, which I vaguely remember watching. The movie left a lot of the book out, but was good too.

{sunday reminiscings}

William's Adoption

William was born April 9, 2003 in Provo, Utah. He came to our home on April 11, 2003. Maddie was nearly 5 years old and we were more than ready for another child. William was a little miracle in that we found out about him in February and less than two months later, he was in our home! We never met his birth parents and know very little about them-only that they made a difficult decision in choosing to give Will a better life than they could. Our social worker called us as soon as Will was born, but we weren't allowed to see him in the hospital so that the birth parents wouldn't see us. But...we just happened to be at the hospital and thought we'd take a look in the nursery...there he was...our little boy! We pretended to be looking at all the babies so that it wouldn't be obvious incase someone was there looking at Will too. I was so happy, but so sad because I wanted to hold him so badly! He was crying and there was no one comforting him. Leaving that nursery was one of the most difficult things to do. Needless to say, I didn't sleep the next two nights, wondering and thinking about him. Two days later, our doorbell rang before we were to go pick him up at the hospital, and there was our bishop, with Will! It was so exciting-special delivery! For the rest of the day, we just sat around holding him while friends and neighbors came over to meet him. It was a wonderful day!

I can't believe how Heavenly Father has blessed our lives. We have two amazing children-they are perfect for our family and to think that they would not be our children if I'd been able to biologically have children-the thought is unbearable. Not only to think they wouldn't be ours, but to think of where they would be instead is also unbearable. They have so many people who love them, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, church leaders and neighbors...Before Maddie and Will were born, I was so frustrated at not being able to get pregnant and have children...why couldn't I? It was a righteous desire...a good thing; yet, it would not happen. But I know now...our children came to us in a different way...they were always meant to be ours and they needed to be able to come to a family where they could be part of an eternal family. So many children are born without that blessing. I am so grateful for my eternal family.

William's Finalization, Sealing and Blessing

On October 22nd, William's adoption was finalized in Provo with Judge Lynn Davis. He was so great-very pro adoption. It was truly an amazing experience and I'm so happy my family and siblings were there. We went out to breakfast afterwards and were looking forward to the next day at the Temple.

On October 23rd, William was sealed to us in the Mt Timponogas Temple. Nearly all of our family was there. It was a wonderful sight in the Temple to be surrounded by family and true friends. William was blessed by Bob in our home later on that day.

The weekend was a very special one -it will never be forgotten.

Favorite Christmas Gifts...

Bob and I exchanged iPods for Christmas...he got black, I got green! At first, I thought what am I going to do with an iPod? Would I really use it? When would I get a chance to listen to music without the ability to hear children talking to me and asking me questions all day long? Oh, how wrong I was! First of all...the fun Bob and I had choosing songs to purchase on iTunes! (We each had a $25.00 itunes gift card and we spent every last dollar and then some.) We spent a couple of hours reminiscing the past...middle school, high school, early days of BYU,old girlfriends, old boyfriends-think...Asia, Toto, Chicago, Journey, Foreigner, Donna Summer, INXS, Depeche Mode, Eagles, Michael Jackson, Howard Jones, OMD, Styx, Rick Springfield, Tears for Fears, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Whan!, etc.-you know you love it! Nobody really makes music like they used to. Great Fun! Second, it's a great way to tune out the kids when you need a break from the talking/questions. And, believe it or not, that music right in your ears actually makes you want to exercise-resolve of 2008 :D! And last night, I fell asleep listening to 80's soft rock. I slept like a baby (one that sleeps through the night without making any noises to wake up its parents).

My other favorite gift is my Breville Ikon Panini Press! Can I just say it makes the yummiest sandwiches ever! Clean-up is a breeze-just wipe it down with hot soapy water and you're done. We've had mozzerella, tomato and basil; turkey, swiss and bacon; regular grilled cheese-a favorite after-school snack for Maddie (and she makes it herself). And my favorite is turkey with pepperjack cheese-I add thin sliced tomatoes and romaine after I grill it-YUMM-O! And you don't have to have hard, crusty bread-regular sandwich bread works too. Everyone should own one of these-it's not one of those weird appliances that you think you'll use and never do. I'm having a love affair with my panini grill!

Bob told me last night "you're into things with the letter 'p'...paninis, iPods, Project Runway, pepper jack." (hehe) Silly man.

2008

I've really been thinking about this new year and what it will bring. It seems like I've always set new goals for a new year but in actuality, I just think about setting them. This year is going to be different. Many years ago, I had a bishop who taught that we should call them resolves...it seems to have more of a meaning that we have really made up our minds to do these things. So in 2008, I resolve to be a better me and have balance in my life.

*more scripture reading/studying*
*more praying*
*be more observant to others needs*
*be more patient*
*watch less t.v.*
*exercise*
*have more fun with my children*
*have more fun with my husband*
*more outings with girlfriends*
*spend less money*

This year in Sunday School and Relief Society we are studying the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. I am going to take the opportunity to study the lesson each week and be prepared for Sunday. I can only imagine the better me I'll be this time next year. I am so looking forward to 2008!

Tom Dickson

Tom Dickson is in our ward...he is hilarious. He invented the Blend-Tec Blender, among other things. I took our Cub Scout Den on a field trip there and he gave us all the Will It Blend DVD...the destruction of Guitar Hero is not on there. William thought he was being very naughty (I hope he doesn't want to try this at home) and Maddie just wants Guitar Hero and could not believe he would destroy it! :D

Remember This...

GOOD TIMES!

New Mexico

We left for New Mexico on the 26th at 8:00 pm, hoping to miss the huge snow storm! The kids were really excited to leave and wanted to drive in the dark. We didn't miss the storm! We got to Kirtland at 4:00 am! Our normal 6 hour drive took 8 hours...U.G.L.Y! The roads were a mess the entire way, slushy, wet, snow-packed-we had it all! I've never been so happy to get to Kirtland!

Once we arrived safe and sound, we had a relaxing, enjoyable time with family. Maddie and Will loved being around their cousins. They took their Wii and had lots of fun playing it with everyone. Tennis is a favorite game...I even like it. We saw movies (The Water Horse and National Treasure), played Spoons and Wii (a remote flew from a hand and and broke Yancey's t.v.) at Uncle Yancey's and Aunt Natalie's and listened to Bob and Maddie jam on the piano, ate at Fuddruckers and Costa Vida (new to Farmington), and hung out relaxing! Just what we all needed.

Maddie and Dad jamming on the piano!

Sleepover with the cousins...All the cousins with Uncle Ben

McKenna Cluff...Will and Uncle Ben

We went to church Sunday morning-the 30th, came back and said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle George and took off on our ride home...drove to see Shiprock (Maddie noticed it from a distance and wondered what it was)...hoping for clear roads...no such luck. The roads from Price on were worse than on the way to New Mexico....good times!

goodbye...Shiprock from a distance