The Races

First, here is a belly shot per requests. It was taken a few weeks ago, but you get the idea. I am ready for this kid to come out.

Last weekend Neil, Chris, and I went with my parents to Mcall to watch Colby race. It was a lot of fun, and it was so nice to get away for a weekend before the baby. Colby did really well and won every race that he entered.

Neil and I wanted a pic together because we don't have very many. But Judd the Dud would not have it he kept sneaking in.

One of Colby's best racing buddies Sam passed away in a car accident a few weeks before. The race was dedicated to him. This is a pic of my mom and all of his friends that came from Moscow in honor of him.

Me and Colb

Neil, Me, and Kordin Miller

Every year around Valentine's Day they do a sweetheart race. Where a girl races with a guy. They do a lap, and then the guy does a lap, then they do a few together. I brought all my gear, and my birth record and begged Colby to let me be his sweetheart. For some odd reason he just wasn't hearing of it. :) He said he wasn't going to deliver Little Bob (his name for the baby) on the track. Hopefully next year he will let me be his sweetheart.

Chris, Neil, Me, Dad

Chris, Neil, Mom, Dad

Thanks for dragging us along Mom and Dad (even if Neil is a little embarrassing to take out in public) and thanks Kim for keeping the kids. I appreciate it a ton.

Sorry about the baby counter

I have not been on my blog for a few days. When I got on today I was a little surprised to find the weekly phrase that was on my baby counter was a little inappropriate. I am sorry if it offended anyone. I had no idea it was even there.

25 favorite things

Today was the anniversary of Nic passing way. So for my own therapeutic reasons, and because they made me smile I jotted down 25 things that reminded me of Nic.

1. How he always had to make a big entrance. You always knew when Nic had walked through the door.
2. How dang competitive he was. Do I need to remind anyone about the game of risk, or the unfortunate game of Scum.

3. How much he loved our kids.I remember when Avery was born he kept saying "I never thought I could feel this way about someone."
4. I never could ride behind him on anything motorized. For example, our honeymoon we were jet skiing through the ocean. He forgot I was on the back, and left me swimming with the scary fish. Also, snowmachining once he forgot I was on the back and hit a jump. Thankfully the other couple was behind us to pick me up. Who knows how long I could have laid in that snowdrift.
5. How he cut his hair in a Mohawk to look like Chuck Ladell (the ufc fighter), but Lindsey and I kept teasing him that it was really to look like Justin Timberlake. He didn't think that was very funny.Or, how he let Che bleach his hair the week before we got married. It looked awesome. NOT!
6. He loved to take the stroker out muddin. How redneck is that.
7. He thought crash derbies was a sport to be taken very seriously, and entered every chance he got.
8. When we played paintball he always went along with my rules. Which were, I could shoot him but he couldn't shoot me. I don't think he had any idea how good my aim was.
9. He was a hard worker, and I loved working in spud harvest with him. We always shared a lot of laughs.
10. He was a really good cook. There are a few of us that would really like his secret marinade recipe. Even I don't know it.
11. He was always helping out the missionaries, and had a strong testimony.
12. Whenever he was talking to someone he didn't know he would start talking different. I was never sure what he was doing. Or if someone had an accent instantly he would have an accent to. I would give him endless grief over this. It always cracked me up.

13. He just talked funny in general (but in a good way). At his funeral the bishop stood up and gave a pretty good impression of this. He would drag out names, and give them a little drawl.
14. He used to ask me to dance during the preview music at movie theatres.
15. On our first date, he didn't walk me to the door. Instead he punched me on the arm and said, "Maybe I'll see you around sometime." Little did he know.
16. He used to bath with our kids every night. He was always looking for new bath toys for him and Mason.

17. He loved his family, and was close to all of his siblings. I think he talked to his little brother Rob on the phone more than anyone.

18. He taught Mason to stand up in his crib, and scream Suey.
19. He was always acting a little like a kid. I was laughing the other night with his best friend, about how they were jumping off of the bridge at our swimming pool (in Tx), and got kicked out. Then later that week we went to a go cart place and the two of them got kicked out for bumping into each other. He was always causing trouble. :)
20. He loved parties, and having people over to our house.

21. He was kind to everyone (when I wasn't always) I don't think there are too many people who can say they had a major fight with Nic.
22. How he was late for almost every family party in the winter. This was usually because he was snowmachining.
23. He loved to watch funny movies with me, and then would randomly quote them. Just because it made me laugh. Our personal favorite was Night at the Roxbury.

24. He loved to shop the ten for ten deals at Albertson's. This was the last thing we did together as a family.

25. He always made me feel special,and would thank me every time I cleaned the house. He also always had time for our kids. We were poor students, but he would always come up with fun things to do with them. My personal favorite was our weekly trip to Petco, just to look at the puppies and goldfish.

As I look back over the past two years, I am so grateful for the blessing that I had to be married to Nic, for the two kids that we have, and for all of the love and fun memories that I have to treasure. I am thankful for the life that I have now. For Neil, and what a great dad and husband he is. Most importantly I am grateful for the gospel, and the knowledge of eternal families. I am grateful that this life is not the end, and someday we will all be reunited, and can be one big happy family.

Che' also put a really cute post about Nic on her blog. You can see it at landonandche.blogspot.com

{Happy Birthday Neil}

Sunday was Neil's 31st Birthday. We were lucky enough to be the speakers in sacrament that day (mean huh who agrees to speak on your birthday) so we had a little party after with the parents and siblings who came to sacrament. We had a fun day, although, I had a little accident. I was pouring the hot water off the potatoes, and didn't realize my belly was sticking over the sink. Oh well. I will have a little war wound to show this kid someday.

I never know what these two are going to put on. Their new thing is to pull all of the bedding off of my bed and go swimming. So if you come to our house be prepared. You never know when there is a shark hiding around the corner.

{clock}

My blue living room. I get serious mixed reactions from this room. Some people love it others hate it. I think its fabulous.

My friend Teresa got this clock for her birthday, but has not been able to see it yet since it is back ordered until the end of February. So here is a picture of mine so she has some sort of idea what she is getting. :) Happy Birthday T. Love You

I thought this picture was funny. We had our friends Bree and James over last week and Big Avery and little Avree found my old clogging costumes. They looked extra beautiful. ( Man, Che and Megan does this make you think Slink or what :)

I have serious issues

I have decided that I either have some serious issues, or I am nesting eight weeks too soon. We have only lived in our house for two months, and already I am itching to repaint and redecorate the rooms. I don't think this is normal, and Neil is dreading coming home, because I am waiting for him with a new can of paint, and fresh brushes. (because of course I wouldn't want to do it at eight months pregnant :) Poor guy.

{Last year in a nutshell}

I saw this on a blog and thought that it would be good to do for journal purposes. Since I can't remember anything from one year to the next.

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Bought a cute little bike, and carted my kids everywhere! Went to a Neil Diamond Concert!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Nope and double Nope. I never make New Year's resolutions. I think they are stupid. I just try to set goals throughout the year. For those that know me well you will know that I am a procrastinator. So I have to set small little goals, and get them done. Then I move onto the next.
What places did you visit?
We took the kids to Disneyland.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Well I don't know things are looking pretty good. We finally got a home. I guess we will have a new little member in our family. So that is a pretty big change for 2009.
What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The first one that comes to mind is February 17th. The one year day of Nic passing away. It was a milestone for me. I had survived a year. Also the day I told Neil I was expecting our first baby together. He was a little shocked (we weren't really expecting it). But he was so excited. He had waited a long time for this little one.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A little sad, but I can't really think of anything. I guess I was pretty good at attending the temple regularly, and I tried really hard to do fun things with my kids everyday last summer.
What was the best thing you bought?
No question A HOUSE! Although we technically didn't close until 2009.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Taking Avery to see the princesses, kicking my mom and dad's rear ends at spades, our Thursday night Office parties with Bree and James, of course NEIL DIAMOND, Having a baby, and moving into our first house. (which is weird since I have lived here most of my life.
What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sweet Caroline and the Mamma Mia soundtrack
Compared to this time last year, you are:
Definitely a lot rounder
What was your favorite TV program?
Oh everything. I am a TV addict. I loved Grey's anatomy, American Idol, the Bachelor, Ugly Betty, The Office and about anything else that was on at the time.
What was the best book you read?
I loved the Twilight Series, and Goose Girl.
What did you want and got?
A house
What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Lunch with my fam, attended Mason's first soccer game, and then went to supper with Neil.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I lived next door to Teresa still, and if we could have gone on our anniversary trip we had planned. We had to cancel it because Neil was right in the middle of a big job.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Pretty casual. I have decided that once you have kids your fashion goes down hill a little. But, I do own a couple pairs of leggins, a few scarves, and a few lingerie looking shirts (which I love, and everyone teases me) But for the most part it is jeans and a cute shirt. No frills anymore.
What kept you sane?
Neil and the Gospel. I still have some pretty sad days, and Neil is so supportive. And I am so glad that I always have the gospel to lean on. Also my sweet sisters, mom, and friends who let me call and complain to them.
Where did you live in 2008?
Our town house in Rexburg, and our New House in St. Anthony.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Definitely the Presidential election
Who did you miss?
Nic. I would give anything some moments just to see his smile, hear his laugh, or get a big Nic hug from him. I especially miss him when our kids do something cute or monumental. I always wish that I could see his reaction to it. I also miss all of my friends that I have left behind with every move. Luckily I have stayed fairly close to all of them. But, I miss being able to see them everyday. It's just not the same when you live in different states.
Who have you met this year?
All of my new friends from the Rexburg 12th and 13th ward. We also met Bree and James. They have been such good friends to us. And, introduced us to our new life love. The Office! I also met Neil's entire Koyle Family. They are huge, loud, and an absolute blast.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Research your mortgage company thoroughly before you use them!

{HOLIDAY RECAP 2008}

We had a fun holiday season this year. Of course when you add together three sets of parents it equals lots of running. We were trading off between the three families for a week strait, and loved it. It left us with lots of pictures and fun memories. I just realized these pictures are chronologically backwards. OH Well!

We went sledding with the Parkinsons on New Years Day. Neil's brother Scott was here from Colorado, and the kids had a ton of fun playing with all of their new cousins. It was really cold, and windy, so I thought my kids wouldn't last very long. I was wrong! They sledded for most of the day, and were mad when we told them it was time to leave.

Breanna, Whitney, Jessica, and Mason

We had a New Year's Eve party at our house with the Parkinsons.

Brooke. She had found our trunk of endless costumes

Kristy, Gladys, and Lori

Curtis, Neil, and Lindsey in the back

Braide, Taylor, Scott, and Amy

Mike turned 51 this year so we had a grand old time celebrating at Green Canyon followed by a little pizza.

Parkinson Christmas Party

All the grand kids

We went to a few Christmas parties this year where people had made slippers out of maxi pads for gag gifts. Neil decided to take this to the next level. Who wouldn't want a bomber hat made out of feminine hygiene products. I am sure Polaris would be really proud. (No one would even wear it but Neil)

Sledding at our house

Ryen, Mason, and Avery being pulled behind the snow machine

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Daniels'

Avery and Ryen showing off their hula costumes

Chris opening up his sweater we got him

Baby hallie opening her gift

Christmas Morning

Shocker! Mason asked for more costumes for Christmas

Christmas Eve

We had a really fun Christmas Eve this year. Nic's Grandma Donna had a party and invited my parents, Neil's parents, Nic's parents, and his grandparents. It was so nice. We were able to spend it with everyone, and not feel like we had to run. I am so grateful that all three families get along so well, and for the effort that they have all made to make us one family. After the party we went and delivered gifts to our secret families, followed by jammies at Suey's.

The new jammies

Crapo Christmas Party where a very special visitor showed up.

We hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and happy New Year. I am so grateful for all of the blessings that we have been blessed with this last year. I am especially grateful for the Parkinson, Steinmanns, and my own family. We love you very much and had a blast with you over the holidays.

BABY TONIGHT

Two weeks ago I attended the NEIL DIAMOND CONCERT! Can I hear a So good, So good, So good, (you have to attend a concert to know that he adds that to one of his songs!) Anyway, the Neil Diamond fetish started years ago when our moms use to rock out to Neil Baby. We used to all pretend that we hated him, and tease that he was so old he was dying of cancer. Really though we were becoming huge Neil fans ourselves. About three years ago (when I was living in SLC) I saw a Neil commercial come on for his concert. So the clark granddaughters bought my mom and her sisters tickets. They had a ball and even made it on the news.


(Sorry Linda I couldn't resist putting this on)

Now three years later Neil baby returned to Zion, and we were all able to attend.It was fabulous. Che' made us t shirts with nicknames on the back, and we marched in there as Neil's number one fan-ily.





The shirt! Half way into the concert Che' got all upset because she wished she would have put an arrow on mine that said "This is Neil's baby" the extra funny part is that it is Neil's baby.


The whole fam after the concert. We definitly look like we had been dancing and singing up a storm for two hours.



The concert was so fun. Who knew that old Neil baby could still move those hips like a twenty year old. He even took his jacket off and slung it across the stage at one point. It was so much fun and I can't wait to go again. Because "Neil's got the way to move me Sherry."

What's Cookin

I have had nothing to post about FOREVER so I thought I would put this cute Pic up. Nicole Nelson took it for me. She needed models for her photography class, and I was thrilled when she asked my kids. I absolutely loved the finished result.
Other than that nothing much has been going on here. We are finally in the house, but I am having a seriously hard time decorating. My mom and I have a lot of the same tastes, so I feel like everything I do looks just like she had it. I think it is time for new decorations. Expecially since a lot of mine are hand me downs from her, and are finding themselves back in thier original place which is just WIERD. Both of the kids have the croupe so it looks like we are going to be staying home for a few days. Anyway, sorry for the boring post. Hopefully soon I will be able to put pics up of the house.

Happy Rockidays

Send your own ElfYourself eCards