Quads turn the big QUAD!

The Clark Quads turned four on December 21st! I can't believe it has been four years! They had a Ho-down at their new house and Owen and I made the trek over to their party. It was a fun night between the entertaining, the food, the dancing, the pinata, opening presents, etc etc. It was fun...just like birthday party's should be. I know that it's been an eventful four years for them and their parents. I think back to that first day I saw them in the hospital and I know that it is a miracle that they are here. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to help out with them and watch them grow, I have learned so much.

Photos: in hospital and our favorite thing... sitting them in bouncy chairs with baby Einstein. It was the only way we could keep them all happy at the same time.

Merry Christmas to all!

Holy snow storm this week eh?...just wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas. My mom needed a pic of Owen and me so I decided I would post our Christmas picture. Merry Christmas!
We tried to take a picture with the dogs...didn't work out so well. You can see that Kosmo is watching Newman's every move and ready to pounce at any moment, and Newman is trying to run for his life.

Early Christmas Present...

NewmanYes, we decided to get another dog. He is a Beagle and really cute! Some may think we are crazy but whatev. We needed a friend for Kosmo. This way we won't feel bad leaving Kosmo and really it will make our life easier. We decided to name him Newman. If you watch Seinfield you will understand. Kosmo comes from Kramer (its Kramer's first name in the show). And Newman is the fat mailman pal of Kramer's.

Why am I feeling so picked on?

I am driving myself crazy! It really irritates me when I feel like this, but I can't get out of the slump I have been in all week. Because a few things in my life aren't going just as I want them to I am feeling all picked on and that life isn't fair. So what, Right!! I know its life. I don't usually do this because I don't express how I feel too well but I just wanted to write down a few things that I am grateful for and get me thinking of all the reasons why I am not picked on.

• Owen- He really has been working so hard and I am really crazy sometimes and he does do a lot! a) He started the laundry for me (because I was going on a "refuse to do it trip" b) He cleaned up after dinner c) He makes me laugh d) He makes me cry e) He wants me to be a better person f) When I got really mad because he didn't park in the closest parking space to the door to Payless yesterday he had moved to the closest spot by the time I got out of the store. Lots of other things I know but the list could go on and Owen hates when people brag about the husbands, but in defense I am not bragging I am just remembering the things I love about him today.
• My mommy- I am so glad I have her to call at anytime of the day. She is my bestest friend! Poor Owen would never have anything to eat if not for her...since I have to call my mom about every other day asking her how to cook something. She is the best listener. She listens to me have my screaming fits and then she listens to me cry my eyes out. She always has a better attitude then me and is always looking on the brighter side of things. I know there is nothing my mom wouldn't do for me and even though I might act put out, I know there is nothing I wouldn't do for her.
• The fact that we do have "enough" money. When things get tight and the Amex gets high I get super stressed! But somehow we are able to pay everything off and still get the things needed.
• The two missionaries in our families: My brother Jacob and my brother in-law Nick. Jacob is serving in Texas and Nick in Canada. They are a strength to me. I read their emails and their letters and it makes me want to be better and to really strive to center everything I do around the gospel. I see their strength and I am in awe by it. I wish I could be more like them and I strive to have more missionary moments in my life.
• Gas Prices!! Need I say more? We are at $1.47 today at Maverick!
• Christmas! I am so excited for Christmas and the whole spirit of Christmas. I love the Christmas shows the lights, the decor, the nativity scene, the excitement, the snow, the everything!
• The gospel! What a blessing! It really is a comfort. I have a new calling as a Relief Society teacher and I am so grateful to be learning more about the life of Joseph Smith. I am grateful to know that my prayers are heard and that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, for me. For the scriptures, for blessings and for everything else we are given!
• Kosmo: I know he is a dog, I know I know. But it is so much fun when I come home from work and he is going a million miles an hour because he is so excited to see me. To be honest I wish Owen would act half as excited as Kosmo to see me.
• Health: I really am grateful for the good health I have. I work with many children that have severe health problems and it makes me so grateful for mine and my families health.
• Technology etc. Wow, I think of the pioneers and I don't know if I could have done what they did. I do know that the people that would have traveled with me would want to die because they wouldn't want to hear me complain anymore. Owen always tells me that I am never comfortable...too hot, too cold, too stuffed, too hungry...you get the point. But really I am so grateful for cars, refrigerators, vacuums, computers, t.v., phones, all that jazz!
• Families! I have been so blessed with my immediate family as well as all my extended family and then even more blessed with a great in-law family! I couldn't ask for anything better. I cherish each of these relationships, what they have taught and done for me and for being great examples! I can't name everyone but to name a few...

Dad: Always teaching me patience (by testing mine). He has been a great example in my life, he doesn't seem to think so but I love him for who he is, all his faults and all. I have seen my dad hold back tears watching his children succeed, I have seen him feel the spirit and start those deep breaths (controlling his tears). He is like me in a lot of ways and I am proud to be his daughter. Like me, he is hard as rock on the outside but once the shell breaks just a little he's all nice and soft.

Colette: Always worrying about others and always asking and listening.

Aaron: For always finding a way to make the family laugh.

Jill: Always there to be a friend. I can talk with her about all areas of life.

Tyler: For doing anything I please. He looks for things he can do for me. He always is rubbing my shoulders and texting me just to talk. I am jealous that he is in drama--sure wish I would have done it in High School.

Stephen and Christine: I look at both of them and I really do think they are some of the greatest parents! They are a great example to both Owen and me.

Kinley: Such a sweet spirit. I loved it this weekend at the Turkey Tourney when she ran up to me and gave me hug!

Erica: For always thinking of me and asking me to go on a walk and talk or to come have dinner.

Grandma Rose: Gave me the love of jewelery! She is also one of the most giving people I know and for always supporting and loving my Grandpa 100%.

Grandpa Gary: Having a mind of his own. Not letting anyone budge his views. Always tickling hands and always showing his pompous look. Also him and Grandma always teaching us the importance of family and keeping close to them.

Marvin: For bugging me to death until I break down and have to say I love him and give him a hug even when I don't want to.

Uncle Mark: For teasing me when I was little and helping me get the back bone I have now.

Grandpa Norman: Being the best example of a supporting husband and the most selfless person.

Grandma Leola (Idaho): Teaching me patience and how to deal with her son. Her love for the gospel is amazing and her homemaking skills...sure wish I had more of em'.

Lisa: Teaching me the ways of life. Being blunt, practical, and passionate. Holy cow being super mom...sports, dance, babies, food, Mike, etc.

Jann: Another super mom... Really everything she does, she can deal with these Hoyt boys better than me! Hopefully after 35 years I can be as good as her at this...cooking, cleaning, sewing, dealing, and supporting. I love the way she gets ralled up over sports at Valley high, the way she is supportive but she has her own thoughts too, and she isn't afraid to show those feelings.

Pani: Teaching me how to juggle (not literally). Giving me the opportunity to help with the quads, and always being ready to talk. I remember visiting her in California and watching her kneel in prayer for LONG amounts of time. She was an example to me of how important the gospel is in our lives. Have Faith!!

Kori: Miracles do happen! For thinking of me...you are such a sweetheart! Always being easy to talk to. I remember two conversations I had with Kori when Owen and I were dating that made me feel welcome with the Hoyt's and I always knew I had a friend in her.

Easton: For always calling me aunt April...still weird to me. And for always being animated! Holy cow!

Hilary: For being the sister I never had. For always pushing me to my limits to be better and to always letting us just be us. Laughing so hard we cried.

Jim: Being smart and technical and protective of your garage. Laughing out loud at the Office and making me laugh harder. And mostly for teaching hard work and dedication!

Justin: For literally bugging the hell out of me, but in the end still loving me and trying more to not being the annoying little brother. He thinks he doesn't like Kosmo more than Max but I know the truth. For always asking if I am going to be to his baseball or basketball games and really caring if I go.

Jani: For the walk and the sassy attitude--no body can stop me.

Okay well I know there is so many other people that I love and am so grateful for who I didn't mention here but seriously I could be here for hours...but moral of the story is that I do feel better and really I am not picked on and I know that, I am so blessed! It's just been one of those weeks ya know. Up with you chiny chin chin up! Lookin' on the bright side!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend although on our way home from Salt Lake last night Owen and I both agreed that it had been an EXTREMELY long weekend for us both. Since blogging is now my journal, sorry for the wordiness.

We started our weekend out by going to go see Twilight on Wednesday for the second time. We both liked the movie (okay, really I loved it) the first time but we wanted to see it again without the laughing girls.

Thursday we drove on over to O-town. The mountain was pretty snowy and Owen was stoked to try out the 4-wheel drive in his truck for the first time. He was very proud of his little truck! This year we ate Thanksgiving Dinner up at the Ponderosa. It was a feast indeed! They had big shrimp bowls (not for me of course), prime rib and just everything else. It was good! The two things I missed out on though were the usual jello/pretzel salad our family makes and then having leftover turkey on fresh rolls. I don't think Owen even ate turkey because he was enjoying the prime rib so much.

Owen, Dad, Tyler, and Me preparing for the feast

Justin, Katie, Lauren and Tyler

Carter and Owie

Owen played in the Valley Alumni Turkey Tournie later on Thursday. He was pretty put out though because he hurt his wrist a couple months ago and then again earlier in the week playing basketball. He wanted to play desperately and wasn't going to not give it a try. He played pretty good considering... except for the fact that he bricked all his foul shots. His team ended up losing both games on Thursday and Friday. This is the first time Owen has ever lost a game while playing in the Turkey Tournie and he was pretty upset about that. Better luck next year eh?

Marv, Aaron and Owie

Jeff and my uncle Stephen

I went up to SLC with my mom on Friday morning and we had a fun filled day of shopping with my aunt Lisa. I got all my Christmas shopping pretty much done and I am stoked about that. Owie came up Saturday with my daddy-o and we had a Brazilian Churrascaria (Feast/Party) at my Grandparents house with all the Neeleman bunch. We had all Brazilian food- my favorite being the Pao de Queijo's (Cheese Bread) so good!! Grandma Rose and serving at her Brazilian Feast

Mom and I enjoying the party

On Sunday my newest cousin Sophia Rose was blessed. And we had yet another delicious meal at Mike and Lisa's. We also made it up to visit Kori, Carson and little bubby Cayson. He is so cute and getting so big!

Grandpa Gary and Mom

Wilson Family

Holy cow! Long weekend! Way too much food! But fun times and good memories. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I have so much to be thankful for right now in my life --too much to list but especially my hubby and families that put up with my psychoness. Love you all!

Family Time

Owen and I have had a good couple of weekends. Last weekend we went over to Orderville on Saturday to go to Tyler's High School play, Suessical the Musical. It was a good play and brought back so many memories of reading the Dr. Suess books as a kid. One of my favorite memories is of my Grandpa Gary reading us "Horton Hatches the Egg" and How the Grinch Stole Christmas" every year on Christmas Eve.

Tyler was Horton the elephant and then the people in yellow are all the Who's in Whoville.

Court and I supporting our bro's at the play and Grams and Gramps Idaho

We then had my family over for Sunday dinner and we were privileged to also have my Grandma and Grandpa Idaho (my dad's mom and step dad) spend the night with us. Ever since I was little we have always called my Grandma "Grandma Idaho" because that is where she lived. I guess it was easier for us to determine which Grandma was which??? I always tell my parents that when I have kids she and my dad will be known as Grandma and Grandpa Zion. We had a great dinner and afterwards played board games and had a Dance Dance Revolution competition --which between Tyler, Owen and I can get pretty intense. It was a fun night!

The weekend before we also had an eventful Sunday afternoon. We decided to have all of the Hoyt family over for dinner. I was nervous about cooking dinner for that many people but we had a great time! I cooked Cafe Rio food and it was just delicious. The whole family was at our house minus Nick and Gerry it was fun to have everyone here! We also ended this night with the competition of Dance Dance Revolution. Thank you to both our families to coming to our little house, we love spending time with you all!

Arrrrgh!

We indeed had a Happy Halloween. We decided to go to Orderville after Owen got off work on Friday. We dressed up in our pirate attire and had a lot of fun going trick-or-treating with the Hoyt family. The pirate family...we lost Kosmo's hat which I am so mad about!

Up at Grandma and Grandpa Greats

Kinley, Jill, and Cayson

Trying to be serious...or just weird I guess

Marvin and Owen decided to get in gorilla suits and go up to the high school dance. We had a pretty good laugh at them, and they had a fun time going to people's houses and trying to scare them. I don't know if these boys will ever grow up!

Carving Pumpkins

I went to the pumpkin patch this year with the preschool and I picked some pumpkins for Owen and me. They were only $1.00 so I thought they were a steal of a deal. I decided the only way I was going to get Owen to actually carve pumpkins with me was to: A)Make it sound really really fun B)Make it a competition C)Be really nice and cook him dinner before hand and if all else fails...D)Just throw a fit--cuz it usually works.

So I eventually got my way and we had a fun night cooking dinner, watching Monday night football, carving pumpkins, and eating a pumpkin roll desert. I will post a few pictures of our carved pumpkins. I always thought Owen had more patience than me but after this event I realize that I win with this type of patience. I think my pumpkin definitely wins the competition but Owen of course would never man up to that idea.

Hilly's visit

My cousin Hilary who recently got home from her mission came down this last weekend for a visit. Something I really needed! I had so much fun having girl time with her. We went to Walmart to get something so simple I don't even remember what it was and we ended up in the Halloween area. We started brainstorming on what we could be for Halloween. Long story short we ended up at the DI trying on our costume ideas 2 hours later! I wish I had a copy of all the other fun pictures we took but this will do for now. (We decided on Pirates if you can't tell)

Happy almost Halloween

Well Halloween is almost my favorite holiday! (Christmas probably wins)

What I love about Halloween...

The decor

Picking and Carving Pumpkins

Pumpkin Seeds

The streets full of leaves in Cedar City

Costumes!!!

Trick or Treating (sucks being too old to go!)

Scary movies-I really don't like them its just kind of like an alcoholic and they really don't want to drink but they just have to. Make Sense?

Haunted houses

All the pumpkin treats (pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bread and cookies) MMM!

So many things I love about Halloween! Owen has to work Halloween night which really stinks because talk about boring for me on my almost favorite holiday. I might be driving over to Orderville to at least be with some nieces and nephews. I bought these masks for both mine and Owen's brothers that are both serving missions. I wanted them to have a little Halloween fun and Owen and I were testing them out and scareing our dog. I got a pirate costume for him. I know I am a freak but again...we don't have kids yet.