{Charles G. Clark}

Today is the one year anniversary of my Uncle Charlie passing away. I just wanted to write a little post so we could all remember the funny little quirks that made him our favorite Uncle Charlie. Just a little background on him for all of you that did not know him, Charlie never had any children. So all of us grand kids became his. He had a special little place for all of us, and we him. He and I were always very close, and I was able to go spend my last semester of high school with him in Boise working in the legislature. It was one of the funnest things I have ever done. So with that here are some of my favorite memories of Charlie.

*Charlie always had lots of puppies. Since he never had children he had dogs. His latest is this little dog rags who went everywhere, and always ate better than we did.

*Charlie loved to eat and was a frequent visitor of the Famous Horse Shoe for a 26 oz steak.

* Charlie was listed among the 50 most influential men in Idaho, but to us was just an old cramuntion ( I have no idea how to spell that, but it is what he always called himself)

* He was the president of the good grade club, and would get super offended if you didn't send him your report card.

* He loved old music, and would blast it as loud as he could.

* He claimed to be the 5Th best fly fisherman in Idaho. He tried to teach us grand kids to fish, but ended that soon because we scarred them all away by being loud. I think Colby and Lisa were the only ones who were allowed to go.

*Whenever asked how he was doing he would say, "For my age, weight, and shape, not bad."

* He rubbed shoulders with all of Idaho, and the nations politicians. It was not an odd event to see the governor up fishing at charlie's little fishing retreat.

* He gave everyone a nickname. Related to him or not. A few examples Nort (me) CarlieArlie (Carlie) the BMOC (Colby) Che'lynny poo (Che'lyn) Da (linda) Nat (natassia) Fanny (Ashlyn) Jimmy (Carter) Roslyn (Ryen) honey bunny (Kathy)

* He was always taking photos.

* He loved his Harley, and referred to it as his Scooter.

* He had an old Lincoln that he loved to take us girls in. It had leather seats and we would slide across the back in our silky panties (we were wearing dresses). Thus it earned its name as the slidey car. When I was a Paige in Boise we would take it for Sunday outings. I never knew where we would end up.

* We all have manners because of him. If we ever rode in a car with him he would put in an etiquette tape. Then he would treat us to a very nice dinner to practice.

* He needed lots of nappies

* He played a great Santa Clause

* When we were little he would always ask us if the golden plates were dishwasher safe (we were always stumped)

*He loved Coffee as black as his mother's heart (which never made sense to me because she is the sweetest lady ever)

* If he really liked you he would refer to you as a Great American. When Nic passed away he wrote me a letter informing me that Nic had been a Great American. It is the highest honor from him.

* He was an influential Republican. I wish I could get his opinions on this race.

* He was always so concerned about us kids. When I was having problems during my pregnancy with Avery he would call weekly for reports. He would always end the conversation with "If those quacks don't know what they are doing remember that I have a minor in biology." As if he could just take care of the situation.

* He was a huge supporter of education, and was so proud when we all graduated. I don't think he missed one high school or college graduation.

* He loved trestle

* He expected thank you cards. Which we were not always so good at getting out.

Charlie was an amazing man, and always had time for us. We all miss and love him very much. So as charlie would say "TA TA FOR NOW."

{Girls Day}

(Candice, Holly, Kate, Jenny, Cindy, Me, Heidi)

Monday I went to lunch with all of my good friends from The Rexburg Vision Center. We usually try to get together once a month, but it is rare that we are all there. This lunch was extra special because Cindy is getting married on Saturday. So we turned it into a little shower with some amazing Lingerie (good job Candice). I love these girls and am so glad that we have all stayed so close. It is kind of funny when Mason was born five of us were pregnant at the same time, and now we are on round two. Five of us are pregnant again! Are due dates are from January to May. It makes for a great lunch when we all bring our kids. There are five of the same age running around! AAAGGGHHH! (Thanks Jenny for the photo)

{Fall Days}

Today has been a blustery cold day. If allowed my kids will watch T.V. all day (they are definitely my children). So instead we came up with a little craft project. Nothing much, I just sent them out to pick up the leaves off the lawn, and then they glued them to paper. They also made paper pumpkins. It was just a little activity but they had fun, and it was cute to watch them running around putting leaves in their sandwich bags. After we hung them up in the window for everyone to see.

{Happy Birthday Avery and Grandma Kim}

Tuesday was Avery's third birthday. She has a really special birthday because she shares the day with her Grandma Kim. This year she wanted to go bowling. Unfortunately, her birthday falls right in the middle of spud harvest so hardly any of the family can come. So we had a princess party with her grandma's and my little cousin Hailie (and of course Neil and Mason). It was so fun. All of her grandmas were there except for the two that were helping in the harvest. Avery acted like a diva all day. I was so glad when her birthday ended. It got so bad that she told Mason he couldn't get out of the car first because it was her birthday. She made sure she was treated like the queen all day long!


Avery and grandma Kim


Sue Dawg showing off her skills


The two grandma Donna's (Grandma Steinmann and Grandma Daniels)





Hmmmm a power ranger costume and a princess crown?






The whole group of princesses plus the princes





Our princess cake from Broulims. It kind of slid off at the middle. Oh well.


Mason was a little jealous that Avery got a new costume. So he put one on to. Thank goodness he is usually dressed as a superhero, or I might be a little nervous.

{Old house, New house?}

Well after a year of searching for a house we have finally found one. As most of you know our search has been nothing but annoying. Neil and I could not make up our minds. We had a few criteria that had to be met first, we had to have land for our horses, and second, we had to have a shop or enough land to build a shop. (Neil needs one to work in and store all of his machinery in the winter) Anyway, we have searched from Rexburg to Newdale to Ashton ,and all over the Teton valley. We have put offers on two houses, which didn't work out. We had house plans drawn up to build a house (wich I just didn't want to do right now wierd huh) We have fought a lot, and I have shed a lot of tears. But the decision has finally been made! We are buying my parents house! After all of our searching it was the nicest house that met all of our criteria. Also, someone put an offer on it, and when it came down to it I just couldn't stand the thought of HOME being sold. After the shock of moving back home wore off I am really excited. We are going to change a few things to make it our own, and the kids are so excited. Mason has already called Colby's room and Avery wants Aunt Che's. Hopefully the big move will take place after the holidays, and before the baby. First though we have to get all of Sue Dawgs stuff out. It is definitely going to be a chore. Oh, and they are going to finally build their dream house on the farm.

{HAPPY BIRTHDAY}

Today would have been Nic's 28th birthday. I can't believe he would be that old. I used to tease him at 26 that he was on the downhill to thirty:) (not that it really is old.) It was a really nice day. His family came over after church to spend the day with us, and we had his favorite foods for dinner. (homemade chicken noodle soup with mashed potatoes) We then went and walked around the temple. It was so nice. Of course my camera died just as some nice boy was going to take our picture. Oh Well. Mason is so funny he was having the hardest time processing how Heavenly Father has two houses both the temple and the church. I guess we will wait a while to tell him that there are lots of temples and lots of churches not jut 2. That would really set his mind whirling. Anyway, it was a very nice day, and I am so grateful for the Steinmanns. We love them very much.

{Ode to the Caddy}

Me and Brittney Blanchard


Molly Blanchard, Mandi Angell, Brittney Blanchard, and Me


When I was a senior in high school my mom bought "The Caddy". It was a Cadillac Devil that she bought for $700 dollars, and was so proud of. She put De Vil plates on it and we all cruised off to town. It was fabulous. My friends and I loved it. It had a horn like a train, and was big enough inside to fit half the football team. It was our travelin hotel. We would paint it for football games and come cruisin in honking the horn as much as we could. Then when homecoming came most Jr. Miss girls would chose a car of great value you know a corvette a convertible but not us. We painted up the caddy and cruised down main street as proud as could be. One spud harvest we painted red racing stripes down it and drove it everyday to the farm laying on the horn just to let Big Judd know that we had arrived. Nic and I loved to go on dates in it and loved driving it really fast up and down the hills through squirell and drummond it sailed like a yacht. It was a great car.

Then my little sister Che got her licence and the caddy continued. She would baha every where in the caddy. You always knew when Che was coming. It was rear wheel drive so she had to usually park way back away from cars in the winter because the car was so long it would slide for a long time if it hit ice. She ran it into a few things, but it never seemed to hurt it much. We just all loved our caddy. Colby even took it hunting once and threw his dead animal in the trunk. Unfortunately though over the years it has just sat. So Colby found a new use for the Caddy!

Here she is now!





He entered her into the big Fremont county derby and it was hilarious. His car by far had the best paint job, and he played the redneck part extremely well. (no surprise there:) We were all loving it. He did really well in the first round making it into the finals, and then got stuck in between two dead cars in the final, and couldn't move around them. It was a little disappointing we just knew he was going to win. It was so fun though. I am a huge derby fan. I was yelling as loud as I could. Nic used to enter them all of the time, and I count having my name plastered on the side of a car with spray paint one of my life accomplishments. :) I was a little disappointed because I have always wanted to be in one. Colby offered me the position of co pilot, but I couldn't this year because of the baby. Hopefully next year the position will still be open.


It wouldn't be appropriate if it didn't say Sue Dawg on the back.I had to laugh at her and dad, we of course were surrounded by a lot of just plain old rednecks and she kept looking over at my dad saying, "Do you feel like a fish out of water." They were cracking me up.

He got stuck on a log right here, but he got off and won this round.

{Our big events}

We had three big events last week. First, my Aunt Lisa got MARRIED!!! She got married on Sept 5th in the Salt Lake Temple. My mom and I went down for a quick trip the night before, stayed with Che and then got up early for the wedding. It was so nice, and fun to hang out with my most fav family members. Also, after the wedding we had an awesome dinner at the Lion House. Then, we headed home. It was a quick little trip, but I was so glad to be there for Lisa. I just love her, and I hope that her and Dave are very happy. I'm sure they will be he is quite the stud.


My mom and her sisters Linda and Mari Anne waiting for the happy couple to emerge.


Che, Jen, and me we all dressed the same (very unplanned) it was pretty funny.


The happy couple Dave and Lisa


Jen, Chris, and Me at dinner

The next day was Neil and I's first ANNIVERSARY! He took the kids to my mom and whisked me away to I.F. for a massage and a day of fun. We ate tons of food, went to the new Batman, and relaxed in the hotel. It was a lot of fun, and much needed alone time. Your first year is not quite the same with two little monkey's running around all the time. (but we love it) I am so grateful for Neil. This has been an interesting first year, but he has been so patient with the kids and I.

Last but not least Mason started his first day of Preschool. He was so excited to get his backpack on again and head out. I got to drive the first day of Preschool, and he acted as if he was 12 instead of 4. He kept introducing me to them, and telling them Avy was his little sister. It was cracking me up. He loved his teacher, and Avery and I loved the two hours of our alone time. It is a little sad though when your baby starts growing up.


Mason and Avery before we left for school.

{domestic diva}

The kids and I are in Island Park for the week dog sitting for our friends. Well, yesterday I picked tons of beans that needed canning. My mom and I usually can together because she is always afraid that I will blow myself up with the pressure cooker. (I was the daughter that lit cotton balls on fire in my room so she always worries what I might do) Anyway, she had to go out of town this week so she left it up to me. I am proud to announce that I am a canning fool. I now have 72 pints of beans sitting down on the counter. I am pretty excited about it, and can't wait until Sue dawg gets home from Sun Valley so I can show her our bountiful harvest for winter. But if I have to snap another bean I think I will throw up!

{Bag Tagged}

I was bagged tagged by Che, and I was a little shocked at the contents in my purse (although no vest :). I swear it isn't usually this bad, but I went to summer fest tonight and picked up a few random items. Anyway, here we go. I have:

1. two checkbooks

2. a dried up tube of mascara

3. bottle of Tylenol

4. Mason's hospital bracelet from the dog bite

5. two old receipts

6. a hair bow for Avy and a hair clip for me

5. two old sucker sticks

6. an opened envelope

7. a tampon that my kids opened and dissected (bring back memories che, jen, and kim :)

8. a CD that I burned in high school and have no idea what is on it

9. car keys

10. a vote for Humprhies for sheriff car sticker

11. picture of little girl praying (my good friend gave it to me because the little girl looks just like Avy)

12. a scentsy book

13. earrings

14. wallet

15. appointment card for next baby visit

16. Mason's swim goggles

17. a wad of wrappers

18. extra links to my watch

19. a pen

Whoa that was a lot of stuff and my purse isn't even that big. After doing this I have realized that my purse has become my garbage can. Like Kim I guess I will clean it out now.

Now for other news. We had our first appt yesterday for the baby. The official due date is march 27. Neil was so excited when he saw the ultrasound. All he said at first is "Whoa, I just saw it move." All I said back was "Ya they do that" he was also excited to see its heart beat. It was fun to watch him. There is just nothing like the first baby. They are all special, but your first is so new and exciting. It will be fun to experience that with him. I have been feeling good a little tired, and a lot emotional but good. Neil is such a dork, he asked me why I am already acting funny because I wasn't even showing. I guess in his eyes you don't start feeling pregnant until you look pregnant. :) I had to explain to him that the first three months are some of the hardest. It doesn't matter that you aren't showing yet. I have to remember that I am on my third round, and he hasn't ever played this ball game before. Basically though, all is well, and we are excited for this new little baby to come. Neil has waited a long time for it.

Oh and I bag tag Teresa (I wanna see what's in that purse of yours), Becca, Megan Summers, Mandi, Melanie Reynolds, Sabra, and Daniele

{Avery}

I have taken lots of funny little pics of Avery lately, and have been horrible at posting them. So here they all are at once. Today I took her to the zoo with Neil's family. Mason didn't want to go. He just wanted to go to Suey's and ride his bike, so it was just me and her. She was like a completely different person without him. She was timid and hung onto my leg. That is so not like her, it was like she didn't quite know who she was without her little partner in crime. I have to admit it was quite nice. She is growing up so fast, and is such a fun little girl.


Cooper and Avery


Audrey, Avery, and Marley


She loved to brush the goats


Avery and Cooper


The other day I was cleaning the bathroom, and could hear Avery talking to someone. I peeked in her room, and this is what I found. Her reading a story to her baby. It was so cute. It makes me a little less nervous about the new baby. I think I will have great help. She will be a good big sister. It will be nice to have almost a four year gap instead of an eighteen month one this time.




Last week we had my cousins Mikeal and Jenna come for dinner. They had their kids and my Uncle Cade's kids. They all had so much fun. At one time they were all dressed as spider man, and Mason decided to hang on our hand rail and it came crashing down. I guess it is a good thing we rent. ( I hope the Jaegers don't see this. I promise it will be fixed good as new :)


My favorite picture. A couple of weeks ago we went to the BYU-I alumni night at a Chucker's Baseball game. We went with our good friends Bree and James. Both of the dad's had the girls on their backs. Avery just had no idea her whole backside was hanging out. It was so funny. (thanks Bree for the great photo)

{The Flowbee}

Years ago, my dad was watching t.v. (probably in the same bathrobe he is wearing in the pics) and came across an amazing Made for Television product the Flowbee. It is a haircutting device that you plug into your vacuum and it sucks your hair up and cuts it. I know you are thinking I am kidding, but I can't even make this up. He has not had his hair cut by a professional for 22 years and has been through 3 flowbees. He is so proud of his flowbee, and in his best redneck voice will tell you that he has only had to spend ten dollars a year, and that ain't bad! Anyway, Mason needed a hair cut the other night, and before I knew it Grandpa had him under the flowbee. Thankfully it turned out looking pretty good, and dad was pretty proud of himself. Thanks dad! Now thanks to you I will have to spend $0 on Mason's haircuts a year, sure kids may make fun of his haircuts, but that is a price I am willing to pay. :)


The flowbee


The amazing haircut


Two handsome haircuts. Mason and his barbar grandpa.

{Spiderman reveals his surprise}

{Girls Camp}

I went to girls camp for my home stake last night and it was so fun. I just wanted to write a little about it. It was Bishop's night so my mom and Melanie (the stake leaders) put together an amazing program. They acted as if the camp was the temple, and each girl had a name. The girls didn't know it but there was some of us there that were representing spirits that had already passed on, and we were waiting for our work to be done. We all told our stories. Some of the girls had our names, and some of the spirits names hadn't come up yet. There was one little family that one of the children's names had been lost, and all of the family's work was done except the child's. It was so touching the whole audience was in tears. It is so amazing to think about all of these families that are waiting to be together, and can't until we do the work. It is a huge responsibility. I felt the spirit so strong while we were performing. I especially got choked up during my part, because the lady I was representing had never heard of the gospel on the earth, and later when her family joined the LDS church she wanted to know what it was about and sought out the missionaries in the spirit world. It really touched my heart because my sweet Nic is one of those missionaries. I pray that he is successful in teaching those that have gone on so they can enjoy the blessing we have. I am sure he has already converted hundreds in this year and a half (or whatever their time is) because of his amazing personality. It was such a neat experience and I am so grateful I was able to be a part of it.

We then went to testimony meeting with my home ward. It was so fun to hear the youth's testimonies. They are all so strong. Then of course we followed up with a little karaoke. Mom was the lead singer and Melanie, Blythe, Me, and Mandi were the back up. We sang grease lightning and Melanie kept getting mad at us because we weren't doing the movements right. It was a fun night, and I am so glad I always get suckered into helping because it is so rewarding in the end.