Here is a quick update on our little guy.
At our last appointment baby was doing great. They can't tell if he is upside down yet. This makes me wonder, how come if we stand on our heads we get dizzy? Does this mean all babies are dizzy in the last days in the cave? I always wonder about that. It is really weird to hear about all the things he is doing, like "breathing" in water... are they fishes too?
Along with feeling Cru kick and move around, we can now watch him move and kick. He has obviously advanced to the next skill level of what Eric says is MMA fighting.
It feels like he is trying to kick his way out!! Those round houses to the stomach will stop me dead sentence!
We are starting to prep our room and somewhat plan out where the crib goes.
As of yet he still doesn't have a middle name. We still have 3 months to go so Im not too worried, but I need a middle name to yell when he starts acting like his daddy! ;)
We are VERY excited to meet him, I can't wait to see whos ears or eyes he gets. I know he will have good hair, because both sides have pretty dang good heads of hair.
There are other pregnant ladies in my world and all but one are having a boy! We could start a hockey team or something!
We now go to the doctor every other week as I am now in my Third and Final trimester! It has gone so quickly.
That's all for now!
Upper cuts and rib jabs from Cru!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
October Recap!
This is late and so was my period as we all know!
October started the busy season. It seems it has been none stop since Octobers Bunco.
So for a quick recap...
This year I got to have 2 Costumes!
One for Bunco and Halloween, and the other for the Zombie Walk.
Since I am pregnant, I figured I should put this belly to great use. What better way than making it into an authentic "beer belly"? I became "Rusty" for the night.
Please note that the bottle I am holding IS ROOT BEER! AND the belly and chest hair is fake too!
My sister Shelly was more than willing to go as my "Wanda" who wore curlers in her hair, had some trashy tattoos, and stuck a fake cigarette in her curler. It was priceless!
Now for the Zombie walk, again I wanted to make use of the belly. You always see people with items like knives or axes hanging from their bodies, so I went a different route.
**********CAUTION*******************
Some people were... and I quote "BEYOND offended" by this.
and know I love babies, and I love my baby, and I am against abortions, and this is not an abortion. It is simply a Zombie baby that wanted to join the party. So if you have an issue with this, keep your remarks, comments and anything else that manages to come to mind to yourself, cause I liked it and I don't care!
Carry on...
I started with an old baby doll from a thrift store. Dont worry I picked the most beat up one. It had no stuffing left anyhow, so no child would miss it. I cut the arms off and had Eric cut the head in half. I then used liquid latex to attach the baby to my baby... :) I then used toilet paper and more latex to make the nasties on the sides and edges, followed by costume make-up and to top it off, fake blood.
I also did Eric's make-up and attached his eye-hole, that turned out pretty cool. We also picked up his sweet outfit from the thrift store including the Mallard tie! He make some really cool bite/cut marks on his hand using the latex and tp.
My niece Crystal joined us and we did her make up in a hurry but it was good! In the parking lot before we journeyed to the event, as Eric was applying more blood he felt the need to high five Crystals face, hence the sweet hand print! Don't worry it wasn't hard, it was more of a shock with the blood. Oh and she had this nasty looking scar on her knee that even crinkled as she walked... BLEH!
We met up with our friends Suzy and Don, and Krystal(their friend) and we started at the Luxor and headed towards Treasure Island, now called T.I.
Of course I can't walk that far without being in a wheelchair! So we made it to City Center, where there was TONS of ANTI ZOMBIE security! They did NOT want us in there at all!
I don't blame them. Because things like this.....
were all over... Blood on bus stops, windows, anything within Zombies reach. No taxi went un-groaned at, Im sure each bus that made a stop had at least one or three zombies hop on.
After we turned back, we weren't done. We headed to Fremont Street for some great fun! But first we ate. Zombies love Gyros and subs! mmmmm
We spent about 3-4 hours on Fremont just messing with people. Just a few among the many crazies!
This is me and baby Zombie on Fremont! wooooo!
I wish we could get EVERYONES pictures from that night, but unfortunately I didn't have my tourist address book out. :(
It was a blast!!!
Halloween night, the tradition of homemade donuts at mom's house has continued. Rusty made a great visit. (Note: latex makes the mustache stick 1000 times better than the crap they give you)
Our friends Ben and Nicole came over to see us/Rusty, they also brought Nicole's cousin Heather too. I didn't get any pics from that night, but perhaps I can ask Nicole for some.
October was amazing, there was tons to do in between everything and Many blocks to be made for November Bunco.
So there you have it! Here is a little treasure from Rusty to you!
October started the busy season. It seems it has been none stop since Octobers Bunco.
So for a quick recap...
This year I got to have 2 Costumes!
One for Bunco and Halloween, and the other for the Zombie Walk.
Since I am pregnant, I figured I should put this belly to great use. What better way than making it into an authentic "beer belly"? I became "Rusty" for the night.
Please note that the bottle I am holding IS ROOT BEER! AND the belly and chest hair is fake too!
My sister Shelly was more than willing to go as my "Wanda" who wore curlers in her hair, had some trashy tattoos, and stuck a fake cigarette in her curler. It was priceless!Now for the Zombie walk, again I wanted to make use of the belly. You always see people with items like knives or axes hanging from their bodies, so I went a different route.
**********CAUTION*******************
Some people were... and I quote "BEYOND offended" by this.
and know I love babies, and I love my baby, and I am against abortions, and this is not an abortion. It is simply a Zombie baby that wanted to join the party. So if you have an issue with this, keep your remarks, comments and anything else that manages to come to mind to yourself, cause I liked it and I don't care!
Carry on...
I started with an old baby doll from a thrift store. Dont worry I picked the most beat up one. It had no stuffing left anyhow, so no child would miss it. I cut the arms off and had Eric cut the head in half. I then used liquid latex to attach the baby to my baby... :) I then used toilet paper and more latex to make the nasties on the sides and edges, followed by costume make-up and to top it off, fake blood.
TA-DA!!!!
I also did Eric's make-up and attached his eye-hole, that turned out pretty cool. We also picked up his sweet outfit from the thrift store including the Mallard tie! He make some really cool bite/cut marks on his hand using the latex and tp.
My niece Crystal joined us and we did her make up in a hurry but it was good! In the parking lot before we journeyed to the event, as Eric was applying more blood he felt the need to high five Crystals face, hence the sweet hand print! Don't worry it wasn't hard, it was more of a shock with the blood. Oh and she had this nasty looking scar on her knee that even crinkled as she walked... BLEH!
We met up with our friends Suzy and Don, and Krystal(their friend) and we started at the Luxor and headed towards Treasure Island, now called T.I.Of course I can't walk that far without being in a wheelchair! So we made it to City Center, where there was TONS of ANTI ZOMBIE security! They did NOT want us in there at all!
I don't blame them. Because things like this.....
were all over... Blood on bus stops, windows, anything within Zombies reach. No taxi went un-groaned at, Im sure each bus that made a stop had at least one or three zombies hop on.After we turned back, we weren't done. We headed to Fremont Street for some great fun! But first we ate. Zombies love Gyros and subs! mmmmm
We spent about 3-4 hours on Fremont just messing with people. Just a few among the many crazies!
This is me and baby Zombie on Fremont! wooooo!
I wish we could get EVERYONES pictures from that night, but unfortunately I didn't have my tourist address book out. :(It was a blast!!!
Halloween night, the tradition of homemade donuts at mom's house has continued. Rusty made a great visit. (Note: latex makes the mustache stick 1000 times better than the crap they give you)
Our friends Ben and Nicole came over to see us/Rusty, they also brought Nicole's cousin Heather too. I didn't get any pics from that night, but perhaps I can ask Nicole for some.
October was amazing, there was tons to do in between everything and Many blocks to be made for November Bunco.
So there you have it! Here is a little treasure from Rusty to you!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Chaos on the homefront!
Well, I know I have only posted one of the 5 recipes. You may be thinking, are they not eating? False. We've had many distractions and occasions to dine out. So back on track!
The second meal I made was Glazed Teryaki Meatballs and noodles.
The first recipe called for me microwaving hamburger.... ehhh I wasnt too thrilled. This recipe also said the same thing. After realizing, you can't really burn hamburger, and there is no grease splatters, and less dishes. Wooo!
Eric and I love Stir fry, that's basically what this was, with noodles(spaghetti), and homemade meat balls that were dang tasty. I suggest a bigger package of stir fry, and I wanted more noodles. For once there was enough meat to go around!
Eric rated this 8.5 out of 10. He said he would never give a dish a 10. Im set to prove him wrong!
Tonight is Pork Fried Rice. I believe it has a longer name.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dinner!!!
So, I've had these rad Recipe cards for quite sometime now and havent touched them. They are from Pampered Chef(of course) and it is a 2 week, weekday meal plan. Each meal is about $2 per serving so you can't beat that.
I have decided this week and next I will be making all of these recipes.
That package comes with 10 recipes, two grocery lists, and a well stocked pantry item list, and some storage tips.
Each of the meals has a shared ingredient with another meal in that same week, so you're not running back to the store for more.
I decided I will blog about this, because the baby is doing nothing but growing.
So on tonight's menu, Cheeseburger Deep-Dish pizza!
Freakin tasty!
I have decided this week and next I will be making all of these recipes.
That package comes with 10 recipes, two grocery lists, and a well stocked pantry item list, and some storage tips.
Each of the meals has a shared ingredient with another meal in that same week, so you're not running back to the store for more.
I decided I will blog about this, because the baby is doing nothing but growing.
So on tonight's menu, Cheeseburger Deep-Dish pizza!
Freakin tasty!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Peek -a- Boo!!
Yesterday was the day we've all been waiting for!! Ok, not all but a lot of people!!
We had our second Ultrasound and found out the sex of our baby!
Although it has not been revealed yet, I will still show some pictures and tell you all about it.
The night before I had trouble sleeping. I was dead tired but too excited to sleep.
I woke up to go potty and I just prayed it would be past 2 by now! It was 4:30.
I laid back down, trying to sleep but I just laid there with tired eyes closed tightly.
My alarm was set for 5:30 to allow time for showering and getting ready without rushing.
At I must have dozed off for a minute or two, because at 5:25 I heard the shower turn on... DANG IT! My brother John who stays here during the week beat me to it. Oh well. I got up and made Eric's lunch and ate breakfast and chugged my 24oz of water by 6am.
I showered and got ready and we were out the door.
Eric took his work van because there was no point in driving all the way home again, and he started work a little earlier too.
We go to the doctors and waited for about 5 minutes, then into the special room we went!
It was so much fun to have Eric there.
The Ultrasound tech is my favorite! She is the sweetest and funniest lady.
The lights go out and the green cold goo goes on my tummy and right away we see a tiny skull! Perfectly faced at the "camera".
It was a shock to see it, but it was fun. We made jokes about it being dressed for halloween, and of course Eric thought it was the coolest!
After all the "boring" measuring of my other parts were done, we moved to view the baby.
It's little arms were up across it's face, then they would move. It's little feet kicked and kicked! We saw the heart and Eric got to hear it for the first time. Eric was full of questions and the sweet lady answered them all.
Then we got to see who our baby is, and wow this baby was not shy!
She told me to hold still so we could see the baby move it's mouth, so I did.... nothing.
Maybe it thought, "Oh Nap time!" Then Eric decided to get me to laugh, ya know "Shake the baby" which he tells me to stop doing all of the time.
Sure enough, that little thing was trying to hang onto something!! We saw the arms go wild, and the mouth move, probably cussing my name.
It was so much fun, I could have stayed there watching all day.
Everything checked out just fine fluids, size of the baby, etc..
The Tech gave us an estimated due date from the size of the kid, which is again Feb. 27th.
The doctors gave me one of March 2nd, so somewhere in between we can expect this sweet little thing to make an appearance.
One thing for sure, this child is NOT camera shy!
We had our second Ultrasound and found out the sex of our baby!
Although it has not been revealed yet, I will still show some pictures and tell you all about it.
The night before I had trouble sleeping. I was dead tired but too excited to sleep.
I woke up to go potty and I just prayed it would be past 2 by now! It was 4:30.
I laid back down, trying to sleep but I just laid there with tired eyes closed tightly.
My alarm was set for 5:30 to allow time for showering and getting ready without rushing.
At I must have dozed off for a minute or two, because at 5:25 I heard the shower turn on... DANG IT! My brother John who stays here during the week beat me to it. Oh well. I got up and made Eric's lunch and ate breakfast and chugged my 24oz of water by 6am.
I showered and got ready and we were out the door.
Eric took his work van because there was no point in driving all the way home again, and he started work a little earlier too.
We go to the doctors and waited for about 5 minutes, then into the special room we went!
It was so much fun to have Eric there.
The Ultrasound tech is my favorite! She is the sweetest and funniest lady.
The lights go out and the green cold goo goes on my tummy and right away we see a tiny skull! Perfectly faced at the "camera".
It was a shock to see it, but it was fun. We made jokes about it being dressed for halloween, and of course Eric thought it was the coolest!
After all the "boring" measuring of my other parts were done, we moved to view the baby.
It's little arms were up across it's face, then they would move. It's little feet kicked and kicked! We saw the heart and Eric got to hear it for the first time. Eric was full of questions and the sweet lady answered them all.
Then we got to see who our baby is, and wow this baby was not shy!
She told me to hold still so we could see the baby move it's mouth, so I did.... nothing.
Maybe it thought, "Oh Nap time!" Then Eric decided to get me to laugh, ya know "Shake the baby" which he tells me to stop doing all of the time.
Sure enough, that little thing was trying to hang onto something!! We saw the arms go wild, and the mouth move, probably cussing my name.
It was so much fun, I could have stayed there watching all day.
Everything checked out just fine fluids, size of the baby, etc..
The Tech gave us an estimated due date from the size of the kid, which is again Feb. 27th.
The doctors gave me one of March 2nd, so somewhere in between we can expect this sweet little thing to make an appearance.
One thing for sure, this child is NOT camera shy!
I am not sure why my camera turned these red...
This one the baby looks like an alien for sure!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Boys and their toys
Back in 2007, Eric and I purchased a 1964 Cadillac Sedan DeVille.
It is the car we drove off in on our wedding night, I took it out for dinner with the ladies, and we've gone on a few rides here and there.
Well for the past few months the poor thing just didnt get attention.
After much debate and going back and forth we are selling it. It's bittersweet, we love it, but Eric doesnt have the drive for it as much, and with Baby Clarke making it's way into our lives, who knows what will happen.
There has been talk about a motorcycle for quite some time. "One day" has been repeated over and over. Well ladies and Gents... That "One Day" was Friday the 24th of September. The day where a soon to be father became an extremely giddy little boy.
Eric found a sweet deal on Craigslist a few weeks back, I believe the price was about $3000.00 and there was an issue with title.
Thursday, he spotted the same bike, title issue resolved, and $2000 less!
Money was shuffled and Eric got his bike!
He worked on it, Saturday, putting parts back on(it came with all the old parts and some new in a box) wiring it and getting it ready. There is still a bit to do and perfect it, and we need to get that Cadi out before its ready.
Today he is out working on it again. It's his new addiction and all he can talk about is what he wants to put on it, or how to fix it. I'm glad to see him enjoying something again.
Although last night at dinner he started to look up handle grips and I had to ask him to give me the attention for just that night. After all it was for our Anniversary!
I can't wait to see it complete and YES I am terrified to have him out on the streets with the moron drivers of Las Vegas. People just don't look out for motorcycles! So PAY ATTENTION!
It is the car we drove off in on our wedding night, I took it out for dinner with the ladies, and we've gone on a few rides here and there.
Well for the past few months the poor thing just didnt get attention.
After much debate and going back and forth we are selling it. It's bittersweet, we love it, but Eric doesnt have the drive for it as much, and with Baby Clarke making it's way into our lives, who knows what will happen.
There has been talk about a motorcycle for quite some time. "One day" has been repeated over and over. Well ladies and Gents... That "One Day" was Friday the 24th of September. The day where a soon to be father became an extremely giddy little boy.
Eric found a sweet deal on Craigslist a few weeks back, I believe the price was about $3000.00 and there was an issue with title.
Thursday, he spotted the same bike, title issue resolved, and $2000 less!
Money was shuffled and Eric got his bike!
He worked on it, Saturday, putting parts back on(it came with all the old parts and some new in a box) wiring it and getting it ready. There is still a bit to do and perfect it, and we need to get that Cadi out before its ready.
Today he is out working on it again. It's his new addiction and all he can talk about is what he wants to put on it, or how to fix it. I'm glad to see him enjoying something again.
Although last night at dinner he started to look up handle grips and I had to ask him to give me the attention for just that night. After all it was for our Anniversary!
I can't wait to see it complete and YES I am terrified to have him out on the streets with the moron drivers of Las Vegas. People just don't look out for motorcycles! So PAY ATTENTION!
Baby stuff!
September has been a busy month... not just for me, but for hospitals! So far I know of 5 babies that were born in September. Its very exciting!
As for the Clarke baby, we've got time!
The morning sickness is gone. There are still some smells, such as other anal gasses...., and other things that can trigger my gagging. I recently got over a cold, I didnt think it was that bad, but once Eric got it, hahah yes he got a sickness from me for once, he was just yucky.
I guess it goes to show that taking vitamins really does help.
Now this gets gross, and Im sorry but mucus is one of those things to trigger vomit monsters.
I have never had the ability to suck my snot back... bleh and spit it out..... (deep breath) and now being sensitive to this stuff, its worse.
Glad it is over with!
We go in Tuesday to find out if we will have a Cru or a Molly! I am very excited, I've been counting down the days since my last appt. We scheduled the appt early so Eric won't have to miss work.
Oh and a side note, No one... I repeat, NO ONE will be finding out the sex until Grandma Clarke gets her package from us. I have prepared a little announcement for her and the other grandmas and I won't be wasting a cute present. Our baby will be the first grand child for her and I feel she has a right to know first. So just be patient with us.
I still havent felt any kicks, I thought I did last sunday. It was something I have never felt, but who knows. Until I feel it again I won't know. I've heard between 16-20 weeks is when you should begin feeling the baby. That will be a neat experience for sure.
For now that is all. Baby is safe, Mom is doing great, and dad.... well he's goofy and that's fine because we love him that way. :)
We received our first baby gift. A Sailor Jerry diaper bag!
Thank you Ben and Nicole!
Baby loves oreos!
As for the Clarke baby, we've got time!
The morning sickness is gone. There are still some smells, such as other anal gasses...., and other things that can trigger my gagging. I recently got over a cold, I didnt think it was that bad, but once Eric got it, hahah yes he got a sickness from me for once, he was just yucky.
I guess it goes to show that taking vitamins really does help.
Now this gets gross, and Im sorry but mucus is one of those things to trigger vomit monsters.
I have never had the ability to suck my snot back... bleh and spit it out..... (deep breath) and now being sensitive to this stuff, its worse.
Glad it is over with!
We go in Tuesday to find out if we will have a Cru or a Molly! I am very excited, I've been counting down the days since my last appt. We scheduled the appt early so Eric won't have to miss work.
Oh and a side note, No one... I repeat, NO ONE will be finding out the sex until Grandma Clarke gets her package from us. I have prepared a little announcement for her and the other grandmas and I won't be wasting a cute present. Our baby will be the first grand child for her and I feel she has a right to know first. So just be patient with us.
I still havent felt any kicks, I thought I did last sunday. It was something I have never felt, but who knows. Until I feel it again I won't know. I've heard between 16-20 weeks is when you should begin feeling the baby. That will be a neat experience for sure.
For now that is all. Baby is safe, Mom is doing great, and dad.... well he's goofy and that's fine because we love him that way. :)
We received our first baby gift. A Sailor Jerry diaper bag!Thank you Ben and Nicole!
Baby loves oreos!3 years ago.... last Wednesday
I became the newest Mrs. Clarke!
It seems much longer, but then it doesn't. Either way I still enjoy being Mrs. Clarke.
Recently Eric started school again, and dang am I proud that he finally made that choice. Sitting on a big GI Bill (Military school fund for FREE) and doing nothing with it made me sad.
Well thank you to Mr. Bush, before he left he did a once over on this bill and made it so if Eric was to re-enlist I could use that money. Well that didnt happen, but Bush also made it so that while attending school, Veterans, receive housing allowance. WOOO!!!
So Eric goes to school Monday Thursday and Friday after work for about 4 hours. He has classes he likes and loathes. Don't we all?
So with Wednesday being our "big day" and with him working and schooling, I didnt want to be out late and have to rush. So we went to Taco Bell.
TACO BELL?!? hee hee. Let me "esplain"
Our wedding was a blast! There were loads of people there and I wouldnt change that ever! I never made it off the dance floor from our "not supposed to happen receiving line"
Therfore I didnt make it to the food. But some of the food made it to me, thank you Shelly.
I had a mini hamburger, some fries and a drink. But that didn't fill the stomach of a bride.
After Eric and I took off, we made a circle around las vegas to ride the strip. It was fun and of course people would shout at us. FYI Cadillacs arent made for traffic, so before the car overheated, we turned off and figured that was good enough. Besides we had more important things to attend to... :) like finding food. We passed a few places and spotted a Taco Bell, so in our wedding get ups and "sh"fancy car, we did a drive-thru. Took it back to our hotel and while we ate one handed, we used our other hands to fish millions of bobby pins out of my hair. That is all you need to know.
My dinner, the #4
Eric's dinner... the giant box of food.
Taco Bell on Sept 22nd holds a special place in our heart!
We went out to dinner on Saturday night and with much debate we chose Cheesecake Factory.
I am glad we did! I had the Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella pizza, and Eric had the black pepper shrimp something or other. It had plantains beans rice and shrimp. Both meals were very good. I made sure to leave room for some cheesecake and grabbed a slice of the Turtle Cheesecake. MMMMM
Afterwords we met up with my brother, Kevin, and our good friend Ryan down at the Car show in Henderson. After walking about a mile we found them and hung out for about 2 hours. At about 10:30 the cops drove by and said "go home" literally. So we hiked another mile to the car and went home we did. I was dang tired.
I am so grateful for Eric and I really enjoy our time together. He does a lot for me and this little one growing in me. I still love him as much as I did that special night 3 years ago, but more.
Doesn't that just look good? Baby wants cake!
It seems much longer, but then it doesn't. Either way I still enjoy being Mrs. Clarke.Recently Eric started school again, and dang am I proud that he finally made that choice. Sitting on a big GI Bill (Military school fund for FREE) and doing nothing with it made me sad.
Well thank you to Mr. Bush, before he left he did a once over on this bill and made it so if Eric was to re-enlist I could use that money. Well that didnt happen, but Bush also made it so that while attending school, Veterans, receive housing allowance. WOOO!!!
So Eric goes to school Monday Thursday and Friday after work for about 4 hours. He has classes he likes and loathes. Don't we all?
So with Wednesday being our "big day" and with him working and schooling, I didnt want to be out late and have to rush. So we went to Taco Bell.
TACO BELL?!? hee hee. Let me "esplain"
Our wedding was a blast! There were loads of people there and I wouldnt change that ever! I never made it off the dance floor from our "not supposed to happen receiving line"
Therfore I didnt make it to the food. But some of the food made it to me, thank you Shelly.
I had a mini hamburger, some fries and a drink. But that didn't fill the stomach of a bride.
After Eric and I took off, we made a circle around las vegas to ride the strip. It was fun and of course people would shout at us. FYI Cadillacs arent made for traffic, so before the car overheated, we turned off and figured that was good enough. Besides we had more important things to attend to... :) like finding food. We passed a few places and spotted a Taco Bell, so in our wedding get ups and "sh"fancy car, we did a drive-thru. Took it back to our hotel and while we ate one handed, we used our other hands to fish millions of bobby pins out of my hair. That is all you need to know.
My dinner, the #4
Eric's dinner... the giant box of food.We went out to dinner on Saturday night and with much debate we chose Cheesecake Factory.
I am glad we did! I had the Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella pizza, and Eric had the black pepper shrimp something or other. It had plantains beans rice and shrimp. Both meals were very good. I made sure to leave room for some cheesecake and grabbed a slice of the Turtle Cheesecake. MMMMM
Afterwords we met up with my brother, Kevin, and our good friend Ryan down at the Car show in Henderson. After walking about a mile we found them and hung out for about 2 hours. At about 10:30 the cops drove by and said "go home" literally. So we hiked another mile to the car and went home we did. I was dang tired.
I am so grateful for Eric and I really enjoy our time together. He does a lot for me and this little one growing in me. I still love him as much as I did that special night 3 years ago, but more.
Doesn't that just look good? Baby wants cake!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Shelstones!
Meet the Shelstones! What the heck I know....
As you know each year on Labor Day weekend we have our fabulous Gifford Reunion!
This years theme, Cartoon Characters. Our family decided we would be the Flinstones, but since our Grandfathers name is Sheldon, we made it the Shelstones. Growing up he had a nickname of Shed so we werent from Bedrock, we were from Shedrock! Clever!
This year we planned ahead! It was so nice to have our own huge tent! A few months back we recieved a Costco catalog in the mail with a sweet deal on a Coleman tent. Of course we jumped on it and scored it for about $60 less than its selling for.
We also made sure that Eric put in for that Friday off. Every year we work the Friday and get on the road late at night.
So this time we drove up Thursday early evening, made it there by 10 with an hour stop in the St George Walmart. ... special special people....
We were only the second people up there so we scouted out a sweet spot!
Oh and dont get too excited because even though, "full battery" and "camera" were on my list and crossed off, I didnt take a single picture. Whoops.
Thursday afternoon, I packed everything but Erics clothes. I had the car just about loaded and ready to go. Eric got off a little early and we were on the I-15 by 5:00pm without traffic!
Friday morning Eric woke up early, perhaps about 6am. and set up my sisters tent she had sent with us. They got in Way late Friday night.... wait I should say way early Saturday morning and Im sure they enjoyed not having to set up a tent in the dark.
So Eric set it up by himself, while I was passed out in the tent.
Once I was up I busted out the muffins and we had breakfast.
No one was up there still so I read my book all day and Eric Cleaned both of our guns and cleared out bushes that grew in the middle of camp.
It was a nice lazy day.
We were a bit bored and needed ice so we drove down the mountain for a good hour to kill time and hope that when we returned someone would be there. Of course not!! We sat alone for another hour or two.
I never knew how jumpin the party was Friday evening cause we were always so late, but it was fun to be there when others arrived.
Saturday Morning we ate breakfast and of course... headed for the skeetshoot.
Now keep in mind I have strayed away from soda and I push my self to drink lots and lots of water. So with that said.
We go down to the shooting area and set up our chairs and sign up for the shoot.
This is my favorite thing about the reunion. I've been shooting since I was 14 so this is 11 years now. Crazy, who give a 14 year old a gun? My dad!
I prepared myself before I went down by grabbing more waters, fruit leathers, and a muffin incase I got hungry. Before the shoot I thought the women would be up soon so I stood waiting for our turn.
There were about 2 rotations before I got to shoot but once it was my turn I was ready... sort of. I downed a good portion of my water and got on the line.
It was hot and I was wearing a fabulous Shelstone Orange Tshirt like the rest of my family. The way the rotation went this year is, 5 shooters, 5 stations, 2 shots at each. Easy enough but it seemed so long. I remember getting to the 3rd station and then I wasnt feeling so hot. I shrugged it off and kept going... Then I woke up in a trailer with almost my whole family around me.
Here's what happened, so I am told.
I got to my 2nd to last post and I guess handed my gun to Eric and dove for the bushes. Emptied my inners and started to walk up to camp. Eric said at that time he grabbed our chairs and guns and would follow up. My brother in law Chris walked with me a little ways up the road when I was throwing up again... or something. My sister in law Annette drove by on a Quad and they put me on the back and thats where I just went limp according to reporters.
Once up to camp a group of guys were rallied to help get me in a trailer. Once in there I received a neck cooler, a blessing, a nasty Capri sun (that I remember), water and an IV. After the blessing is when I came to but I still dont remember much about it. I know my brother in law Chris was in my face when I woke up and soon I had my dad, Eric and my brother Kevin. Oh and another guy but I have forgotten his name. I guy this other guy used to be an EMT for so long and is now the Captain of a Las Vegas fire station. Lucky me he was there. Also My brother Kevin has had training in things like this. He is the one with the medic kit with the IV.
After a lot of fussing, water,a small fan, and the AC in the trailer, I was doing better, still just bleh though.
I wasnt dehydrated, but they were putting it together that being pregnant, at a high elevation, lack of iron, the sun and a fabulous orange shirt it was heat exhaustion. Woo!
Needless to say I wasnt doing much the rest of the day or the next. In fact I slept through most of them.
After that was all said and done, I didnt place in the skeet shoot, I didnt even finish my turn, I missed the auction, and I couldnt make it through the skits.
That made it sort of sucky but relaxing was nice.
This year we stayed to Monday, when usually we head home Sunday afternoon. It was fun to get up and take down camp at a slow pace.
All in all it was a good trip, minus the excitement.
But I am doing better now and I have a sweet looking bruise from the IV!
This was a picture from on the way home through Zion National Park. They are redoing the roads and have these stop signs through out the park. It took a good 5-10 minutes to get through each. I just found it odd to see a stop light in the park. Oh and don't mind Yoga lady doing her yoga. she got out of the car at each light.
As you know each year on Labor Day weekend we have our fabulous Gifford Reunion!
This years theme, Cartoon Characters. Our family decided we would be the Flinstones, but since our Grandfathers name is Sheldon, we made it the Shelstones. Growing up he had a nickname of Shed so we werent from Bedrock, we were from Shedrock! Clever!
This year we planned ahead! It was so nice to have our own huge tent! A few months back we recieved a Costco catalog in the mail with a sweet deal on a Coleman tent. Of course we jumped on it and scored it for about $60 less than its selling for.
We also made sure that Eric put in for that Friday off. Every year we work the Friday and get on the road late at night.
So this time we drove up Thursday early evening, made it there by 10 with an hour stop in the St George Walmart. ... special special people....
We were only the second people up there so we scouted out a sweet spot!
Oh and dont get too excited because even though, "full battery" and "camera" were on my list and crossed off, I didnt take a single picture. Whoops.
Thursday afternoon, I packed everything but Erics clothes. I had the car just about loaded and ready to go. Eric got off a little early and we were on the I-15 by 5:00pm without traffic!
Friday morning Eric woke up early, perhaps about 6am. and set up my sisters tent she had sent with us. They got in Way late Friday night.... wait I should say way early Saturday morning and Im sure they enjoyed not having to set up a tent in the dark.
So Eric set it up by himself, while I was passed out in the tent.
Once I was up I busted out the muffins and we had breakfast.
No one was up there still so I read my book all day and Eric Cleaned both of our guns and cleared out bushes that grew in the middle of camp.
It was a nice lazy day.
We were a bit bored and needed ice so we drove down the mountain for a good hour to kill time and hope that when we returned someone would be there. Of course not!! We sat alone for another hour or two.
I never knew how jumpin the party was Friday evening cause we were always so late, but it was fun to be there when others arrived.
Saturday Morning we ate breakfast and of course... headed for the skeetshoot.
Now keep in mind I have strayed away from soda and I push my self to drink lots and lots of water. So with that said.
We go down to the shooting area and set up our chairs and sign up for the shoot.
This is my favorite thing about the reunion. I've been shooting since I was 14 so this is 11 years now. Crazy, who give a 14 year old a gun? My dad!
I prepared myself before I went down by grabbing more waters, fruit leathers, and a muffin incase I got hungry. Before the shoot I thought the women would be up soon so I stood waiting for our turn.
There were about 2 rotations before I got to shoot but once it was my turn I was ready... sort of. I downed a good portion of my water and got on the line.
It was hot and I was wearing a fabulous Shelstone Orange Tshirt like the rest of my family. The way the rotation went this year is, 5 shooters, 5 stations, 2 shots at each. Easy enough but it seemed so long. I remember getting to the 3rd station and then I wasnt feeling so hot. I shrugged it off and kept going... Then I woke up in a trailer with almost my whole family around me.
Here's what happened, so I am told.
I got to my 2nd to last post and I guess handed my gun to Eric and dove for the bushes. Emptied my inners and started to walk up to camp. Eric said at that time he grabbed our chairs and guns and would follow up. My brother in law Chris walked with me a little ways up the road when I was throwing up again... or something. My sister in law Annette drove by on a Quad and they put me on the back and thats where I just went limp according to reporters.
Once up to camp a group of guys were rallied to help get me in a trailer. Once in there I received a neck cooler, a blessing, a nasty Capri sun (that I remember), water and an IV. After the blessing is when I came to but I still dont remember much about it. I know my brother in law Chris was in my face when I woke up and soon I had my dad, Eric and my brother Kevin. Oh and another guy but I have forgotten his name. I guy this other guy used to be an EMT for so long and is now the Captain of a Las Vegas fire station. Lucky me he was there. Also My brother Kevin has had training in things like this. He is the one with the medic kit with the IV.
After a lot of fussing, water,a small fan, and the AC in the trailer, I was doing better, still just bleh though.
I wasnt dehydrated, but they were putting it together that being pregnant, at a high elevation, lack of iron, the sun and a fabulous orange shirt it was heat exhaustion. Woo!
Needless to say I wasnt doing much the rest of the day or the next. In fact I slept through most of them.
After that was all said and done, I didnt place in the skeet shoot, I didnt even finish my turn, I missed the auction, and I couldnt make it through the skits.
That made it sort of sucky but relaxing was nice.
This year we stayed to Monday, when usually we head home Sunday afternoon. It was fun to get up and take down camp at a slow pace.
All in all it was a good trip, minus the excitement.
But I am doing better now and I have a sweet looking bruise from the IV!
This was a picture from on the way home through Zion National Park. They are redoing the roads and have these stop signs through out the park. It took a good 5-10 minutes to get through each. I just found it odd to see a stop light in the park. Oh and don't mind Yoga lady doing her yoga. she got out of the car at each light.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Hey BABY!!!
I'm now 11 weeks and my baby is the size of a fig! Its not a cookie its a Fig Newton! haha That is what popped into my mind when I first read that. So baby update... the kid is still small. I get a lot of people asking me "how's the baby?" Nice of them to ask, but I really don't know. So if you'd like to know go to babycenter.com and enter Feb 27th 2011 for the due date. That is what I have been going off of. Now that I think of it,maybe Im only 10 weeks. They moved my due date back to March 3rd... uggg Who knows.. Im 10-11 weeks.
I was put on a progesterone supplement a few weeks back and WEW! Those are a trip! At first I was taking them twice a day but I would have to plan my day around them because I would become "Drunk". Luckily the doctor said I could take them both at the same time at night. Well these pills make for some great "High on Acid" like dreams. I've had some crazy ones.
My hormone levels have gone up to where the doctors feel better, and the baby's heart beat is Strong. They were very shocked how fast they could find the heart beat. I have a very cooperative baby. Let's pray this trait is a life long one.
I bought my first set of Maternity clothes. 3 Shirts and a good pair of pants. Oh how I love these pants. I was told they will stretch with me through-out the pregnancy. I would even recommend these pants to the non pregnants for buffets... or holidays. No need to undo any buttons, just let your gut go!!
I've become great friends with restrooms mostly to potty, thankfully the "talking to the dragons", or "Calling Ralph on the big white phone" has just about stopped. I've have fewer and fewer visits for vomiting. I think everywhere I go I have to quickly search out for the potty. haha soon Ill know where every potty is in any store.
Eric cracks me up with this baby gig. He is a HUGE support and is kind enough to have "sympathy" cravings. haha he has been kind enough to take me out for a hunt for soft pretzels. He is always checking on me and any chance to sit he makes me sit!
He will often converse with the fetus and most of these conversations, I am not to be part of. Usually they are about me. It just makes me laugh and of course then my belly starts laughing. He will look at me like I am interrupting something important or he'll say "Baby says 'Knock it off!'"
Im so glad he is having fun with this and I can't wait for him to feel the baby move. Oh and I am excited for that too! ;)
I was put on a progesterone supplement a few weeks back and WEW! Those are a trip! At first I was taking them twice a day but I would have to plan my day around them because I would become "Drunk". Luckily the doctor said I could take them both at the same time at night. Well these pills make for some great "High on Acid" like dreams. I've had some crazy ones.
My hormone levels have gone up to where the doctors feel better, and the baby's heart beat is Strong. They were very shocked how fast they could find the heart beat. I have a very cooperative baby. Let's pray this trait is a life long one.
I bought my first set of Maternity clothes. 3 Shirts and a good pair of pants. Oh how I love these pants. I was told they will stretch with me through-out the pregnancy. I would even recommend these pants to the non pregnants for buffets... or holidays. No need to undo any buttons, just let your gut go!!
I've become great friends with restrooms mostly to potty, thankfully the "talking to the dragons", or "Calling Ralph on the big white phone" has just about stopped. I've have fewer and fewer visits for vomiting. I think everywhere I go I have to quickly search out for the potty. haha soon Ill know where every potty is in any store.
Eric cracks me up with this baby gig. He is a HUGE support and is kind enough to have "sympathy" cravings. haha he has been kind enough to take me out for a hunt for soft pretzels. He is always checking on me and any chance to sit he makes me sit!
He will often converse with the fetus and most of these conversations, I am not to be part of. Usually they are about me. It just makes me laugh and of course then my belly starts laughing. He will look at me like I am interrupting something important or he'll say "Baby says 'Knock it off!'"
Im so glad he is having fun with this and I can't wait for him to feel the baby move. Oh and I am excited for that too! ;)
I'm Sorry, so sorry....
So I've promised pictures time and time again. However, I need to just load up my flashdrive, and go "borrow" someone elses internet for a few hours and post some stinkin pictures!! Everytime I try to upload a picture or even a video, our internet craps out. Fabulous right? uggg I can't wait to get into a house with OUR internet system. I've never had this problem before. Sigh Oh well. Perhaps this week I will carry my laptop somewhere and load pictures to cover for the past 20 posts AND update my Photography blog.
So hang in there, I will be posting our past few weeks in a few!
So hang in there, I will be posting our past few weeks in a few!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Finally!!!
I can post about our CURRENT lives!!! We/I am Pregnant!! Wooo!!!
This all started Beginning of June. There was a conversation about being mentally ready and financially. You'll never be financially ready unless you have 20 million bucks i guess. So as we joked about it we looked up to see what it would be... I know those calendars are fake but its fun.
Eric and I kept it hush for a few weeks, we told a few close friends that swore not to spoil our surprise. The Egbert family received the news on Father's Day with a card signed "Eric, Diana & ?"
Keeping it from everyone and keeping it off facebook was hard!
This last weekend we made the trip down to Phoenix. It was our scheduled month to be there so it wasn't too odd. Once we got there we searched for a hamburger bun and with no luck we dined out to Sonic.
Once we were back, bun in hand Eric slipped away and wrote "Property of Eric and Diana" on it then stuffed it in the oven.
His mom walked in the kitchen a few times then we turned the oven light on so maybe she would notice. Eric eventually had to ask her what was in there... hahaha It took some thinking but she finally understood the message!
This will be the 1st grandchild for his family and it will be #44 for my family... BIG difference, but just as much love!
The week after we conceived, and yes it was like a one shot one kill type of thing, I could feel it. It was like mutant sperm!! It wasn't until the 3rd week that I felt sick and even lost a few meals.
Last week I had some light spotting and it got a little worse, I made an appointment before our PHX trip and was told that it could be from heavy lifting or other "activities" but the baby is fine! I had blood drawn twice and had to go it for an ultrasound today!
Everything is where it should be and is fine. I even got to hear the heart beat!! Oh man if that wont bring tears to your eyes, something is wrong with you. Hearing that and seeing this tiny peanut shaped fuzz make small movements just makes this pregnancy so real. Here is one of Babies first picture!!
This all started Beginning of June. There was a conversation about being mentally ready and financially. You'll never be financially ready unless you have 20 million bucks i guess. So as we joked about it we looked up to see what it would be... I know those calendars are fake but its fun.
Eric and I kept it hush for a few weeks, we told a few close friends that swore not to spoil our surprise. The Egbert family received the news on Father's Day with a card signed "Eric, Diana & ?"
Keeping it from everyone and keeping it off facebook was hard!
This last weekend we made the trip down to Phoenix. It was our scheduled month to be there so it wasn't too odd. Once we got there we searched for a hamburger bun and with no luck we dined out to Sonic.
Once we were back, bun in hand Eric slipped away and wrote "Property of Eric and Diana" on it then stuffed it in the oven.
His mom walked in the kitchen a few times then we turned the oven light on so maybe she would notice. Eric eventually had to ask her what was in there... hahaha It took some thinking but she finally understood the message!
This will be the 1st grandchild for his family and it will be #44 for my family... BIG difference, but just as much love!
The week after we conceived, and yes it was like a one shot one kill type of thing, I could feel it. It was like mutant sperm!! It wasn't until the 3rd week that I felt sick and even lost a few meals.
Last week I had some light spotting and it got a little worse, I made an appointment before our PHX trip and was told that it could be from heavy lifting or other "activities" but the baby is fine! I had blood drawn twice and had to go it for an ultrasound today!
Everything is where it should be and is fine. I even got to hear the heart beat!! Oh man if that wont bring tears to your eyes, something is wrong with you. Hearing that and seeing this tiny peanut shaped fuzz make small movements just makes this pregnancy so real. Here is one of Babies first picture!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Fall is in the air....
Every year around summer time I start my annoying habit of telling Eric, "Fall is coming" Its something in the air and I just can't wait for this "summer" to be over. If there was a town called Fallville, and it was fall all year, I would live there.
But there's not so I live in Vegas, for now.
We havent been MIA, but we have been busy/lazy.
There have been a ton of things happening so here is a quick run down.
- In April, the Egbert kids got together to throw my parents a 40th anniversary party. Mom had been planning this party over a year ago. Due to their huge hearts and helping others, they put their party aside.
Being awesome kids, we threw this party together in a matter of a month or two.
Colors-Red Gold Black and of hint of purple (of course)
A Splash of oriental (Mom has always loved oriental things)
Food-Amazing! We were smart and didnt want to spend the party in the kitchen so we got a caterer. We had sushi rolls, chow mein, lettuce wraps, fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries and a few other items.
We pulled together photos for a slide show, guest book, and family book.
For a whole week I went around town and did most of my siblings family portraits.
it sure was good for the experience.
My sister Patti was VERY patient with us and was amazing to help us make 8x8 canvas prints of all the family pictures.
13 in all. The saying "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all" applies. We may not be able to get together for a family portrait, but we can sure get individual portraits and hang them together!
Mom and Dad were both very happy about those!
May was filled with Finals for me and more work for Eric.
Eric's company does Audits every 6 months. The Pahrump center has never passed. The first time Eric missed it by 3-4 points, which were out of his control AND he was 3 months into the job I believe. That was all by himself! This time, he CLEARED the audit single handed! The other two centers in Vegas have more than one person running them and they didnt pass. Just goes to show what a work horse my husband is.
Towards the end of May I was offered a Nanny job that had $$$ written all over it. I accepted and the next day was offered a "Photography" job. and I use the " " marks for a reason. I figured since I was paying money to learn photography and thats what I ultimately wanted to do, it would be best for me to take that job instead. so I turned down the fast road to being debt free.
I started training on May 31st, and anyone that knows me knows Im not a sales person and I wont sell you something that just isnt great, or of good value.
Welcome to Picture Me Studios. BARF! I was hired by Kiddie Kandids and since they are now owned by the same company as walmart picture me, we trained for a week and a half at a walmart. I don't know where to start and I am trying to not make this a "Bash" session, but really... $300 for crap pictures? People... you can find a great photographer for about $100 an hour that will give you 30x the amount of pictures and better variety!! Needless to say after being told that my cropping wasnt good (you can always zoom in, but you cant always zoom out once the picture is taken, im just saying) and that I wasnt LOUD enough, oh and after my 3rd set of trainers, I quit. I wasnt going to have some walmart trained lady tell me I wasnt good at photography! Maybe Ive got a big head, but I KNOW I can shoot circles around them when it comes to pictures.
the first week of June was FILLED with Graduations!
Congrats to Crystal Miller, Evan Egbert, Taylor Butta, Jared Gifford, and my mom for graduating.
Taylor, Jared and I mom all graduated from Las Vegas highschool. although my mom was 50 years ago, they walked with the graduates. It was neat to cheer for my two cousins and mom. How awesome for her to share that day with two of her nephews?
The next two weeks have been a blur, a blur of camping.
I was recently called as Assistant Camp Director in my ward.
Each year our church has a Girls Camp that is a week long, and the girls certify in different areas of survival. They also get to rappel, ride on a zip-line, canoe, and do the flying squirrel. After the tiring week, I came home for a day and a half then turned around and went to another Girls Camp with my sister as a cook. We were cooking for about 300 girls each day. Man am I tired! Im a bit tapped out on Camping for now. July will be the next trip, but it will be relaxing.
Eric had his 25th birthday and I came home late late that night. He did get a day off, and he bought a Zune. Apple Ipods can eat it! Our good friends Ben, Nicole, Kellee, and Nicole2 took great care of him, feeding him and taking him swimming.
On a side note, I came home to sad news, those 4 friends got a hair up their butt to move to PA. Im happy for them but I wont let them know. They arent allowed to leave us!!! Im surely not moving to the East coast either. We will miss them for sure.
Well, there you go! I will post pictures tomorrow from all of these events.
Just remember, Fall is in the air!
HA!
But there's not so I live in Vegas, for now.
We havent been MIA, but we have been busy/lazy.
There have been a ton of things happening so here is a quick run down.
- In April, the Egbert kids got together to throw my parents a 40th anniversary party. Mom had been planning this party over a year ago. Due to their huge hearts and helping others, they put their party aside.
Being awesome kids, we threw this party together in a matter of a month or two.
Colors-Red Gold Black and of hint of purple (of course)
A Splash of oriental (Mom has always loved oriental things)
Food-Amazing! We were smart and didnt want to spend the party in the kitchen so we got a caterer. We had sushi rolls, chow mein, lettuce wraps, fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries and a few other items.
We pulled together photos for a slide show, guest book, and family book.
For a whole week I went around town and did most of my siblings family portraits.
it sure was good for the experience.
My sister Patti was VERY patient with us and was amazing to help us make 8x8 canvas prints of all the family pictures.
13 in all. The saying "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all" applies. We may not be able to get together for a family portrait, but we can sure get individual portraits and hang them together!
Mom and Dad were both very happy about those!
May was filled with Finals for me and more work for Eric.
Eric's company does Audits every 6 months. The Pahrump center has never passed. The first time Eric missed it by 3-4 points, which were out of his control AND he was 3 months into the job I believe. That was all by himself! This time, he CLEARED the audit single handed! The other two centers in Vegas have more than one person running them and they didnt pass. Just goes to show what a work horse my husband is.
Towards the end of May I was offered a Nanny job that had $$$ written all over it. I accepted and the next day was offered a "Photography" job. and I use the " " marks for a reason. I figured since I was paying money to learn photography and thats what I ultimately wanted to do, it would be best for me to take that job instead. so I turned down the fast road to being debt free.
I started training on May 31st, and anyone that knows me knows Im not a sales person and I wont sell you something that just isnt great, or of good value.
Welcome to Picture Me Studios. BARF! I was hired by Kiddie Kandids and since they are now owned by the same company as walmart picture me, we trained for a week and a half at a walmart. I don't know where to start and I am trying to not make this a "Bash" session, but really... $300 for crap pictures? People... you can find a great photographer for about $100 an hour that will give you 30x the amount of pictures and better variety!! Needless to say after being told that my cropping wasnt good (you can always zoom in, but you cant always zoom out once the picture is taken, im just saying) and that I wasnt LOUD enough, oh and after my 3rd set of trainers, I quit. I wasnt going to have some walmart trained lady tell me I wasnt good at photography! Maybe Ive got a big head, but I KNOW I can shoot circles around them when it comes to pictures.
the first week of June was FILLED with Graduations!
Congrats to Crystal Miller, Evan Egbert, Taylor Butta, Jared Gifford, and my mom for graduating.
Taylor, Jared and I mom all graduated from Las Vegas highschool. although my mom was 50 years ago, they walked with the graduates. It was neat to cheer for my two cousins and mom. How awesome for her to share that day with two of her nephews?
The next two weeks have been a blur, a blur of camping.
I was recently called as Assistant Camp Director in my ward.
Each year our church has a Girls Camp that is a week long, and the girls certify in different areas of survival. They also get to rappel, ride on a zip-line, canoe, and do the flying squirrel. After the tiring week, I came home for a day and a half then turned around and went to another Girls Camp with my sister as a cook. We were cooking for about 300 girls each day. Man am I tired! Im a bit tapped out on Camping for now. July will be the next trip, but it will be relaxing.
Eric had his 25th birthday and I came home late late that night. He did get a day off, and he bought a Zune. Apple Ipods can eat it! Our good friends Ben, Nicole, Kellee, and Nicole2 took great care of him, feeding him and taking him swimming.
On a side note, I came home to sad news, those 4 friends got a hair up their butt to move to PA. Im happy for them but I wont let them know. They arent allowed to leave us!!! Im surely not moving to the East coast either. We will miss them for sure.
Well, there you go! I will post pictures tomorrow from all of these events.
Just remember, Fall is in the air!
HA!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Myrle Photography
As most of you know I love Photography! I often get asked if I have a photography blog, or some online portfolio. So after much thinking and searching, because DMC photography/studios/photos by/everything was taken along with Diana everything and Clarke everything... I TRIED everything. The one thing about my name that is not common, my middle name Myrle. So i search Myrle everything... and nothing was taken!! Thank you Grandma!!!
Yesterday I spent ALL day designing and coming up with a watermark and figuring out how to make this stupid button to the right!! So please sport on on your page cause I worked my butt off for it!! :)
I am so excited to have something of my own like this. to be able to go out and shoot family portraits, weddings, cars and everything else! This is one life journey I have been waiting for, for a long long time.
So Please stop by my Photography blog and leave some love!
Myrle Photography
Yesterday I spent ALL day designing and coming up with a watermark and figuring out how to make this stupid button to the right!! So please sport on on your page cause I worked my butt off for it!! :)
I am so excited to have something of my own like this. to be able to go out and shoot family portraits, weddings, cars and everything else! This is one life journey I have been waiting for, for a long long time.
So Please stop by my Photography blog and leave some love!
Myrle Photography
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hayyy it Was my Birfday!!!
Big 25 people!!! What was I looking forward to this birthday? Was it the chance I may get grey hair now? Nope Ive had those babies since high school. Was it the possibility for more responsibility? Rhymes... haha but nope. It was... I can rent a car without a fee!!! Wooo! Ive always disliked that the 25 and under pay fees. I dont know why I enjoy this part... its not like Id rent a car that gets crappier gas mileage than my car. Plus traveling in your own car is comfy. Dont have to worry about who was in there before you, doing what... bleh.
So! This birthday was a huge party almost. Well it seemed this way. This year it landed on a Thursday so no playing until Friday or Saturday. I did get an early gift from the husband. A while back my ipod thing for my car broke. which means no music or one cd at a time... and huge cd cases in the car. BUT! Husband was smart and replaced it!! I have missed my ipod so much!
I woke up to my parents serenading me. Mom had a lamp shade on her head. It was a sweet customizable lam shade. Add your own photos, and waa-la! Lamp!
Later I got to invite one friend out to lunch with me and my mom. so I chose my nephew Sheldon, and since he is 2 had to bring his mommy ;). He grubbed at the Olive Garden and I had the amazing Black tie Mousse cheesecake stuff. Dang good.
Later we ventured to Dillards and I got some sweet bracelets that make noise.
I received a call from my brother who lives in St. George, asking me to meet the SG shuttle at the airport and pick up a package. When I got there, they didnt ID me but the driver knew it was my B-day. haha a little weird. I got a sweet gift from my bro, and dropped off a part to a guy he works with. LOL didnt bother me.
Afterwards I met my mom and dad back at the mall and ate at Chevys. SLOOOOOOOwest service ever and not the best, but oh well.
Friday was the day!! I had planned for me, Eric, my niece Crystal(same bday as me), and other friends to go cosmic skating! Well... who freakin knew skating was still a big this for kids!!! That place wwas PACKED!!! They ran out of skates and we almost left until we found out a couple of my friends made it in there. We ALL ventured in but only 5 of us got to skate. After a while we decided to go get some dinner and hang out. Not all made it to the dinner, and Im sorry they missed out.
It was filled with jokes, a cool waiter, laughter, and a giant frozen cake. (Thank you Pablo)
It was such a fun birthday. I think I just might have one again next year!
So! This birthday was a huge party almost. Well it seemed this way. This year it landed on a Thursday so no playing until Friday or Saturday. I did get an early gift from the husband. A while back my ipod thing for my car broke. which means no music or one cd at a time... and huge cd cases in the car. BUT! Husband was smart and replaced it!! I have missed my ipod so much!
I woke up to my parents serenading me. Mom had a lamp shade on her head. It was a sweet customizable lam shade. Add your own photos, and waa-la! Lamp!
Later I got to invite one friend out to lunch with me and my mom. so I chose my nephew Sheldon, and since he is 2 had to bring his mommy ;). He grubbed at the Olive Garden and I had the amazing Black tie Mousse cheesecake stuff. Dang good.
Later we ventured to Dillards and I got some sweet bracelets that make noise.
I received a call from my brother who lives in St. George, asking me to meet the SG shuttle at the airport and pick up a package. When I got there, they didnt ID me but the driver knew it was my B-day. haha a little weird. I got a sweet gift from my bro, and dropped off a part to a guy he works with. LOL didnt bother me.
Afterwards I met my mom and dad back at the mall and ate at Chevys. SLOOOOOOOwest service ever and not the best, but oh well.
Friday was the day!! I had planned for me, Eric, my niece Crystal(same bday as me), and other friends to go cosmic skating! Well... who freakin knew skating was still a big this for kids!!! That place wwas PACKED!!! They ran out of skates and we almost left until we found out a couple of my friends made it in there. We ALL ventured in but only 5 of us got to skate. After a while we decided to go get some dinner and hang out. Not all made it to the dinner, and Im sorry they missed out.
It was filled with jokes, a cool waiter, laughter, and a giant frozen cake. (Thank you Pablo)
It was such a fun birthday. I think I just might have one again next year!
Tiki!
This is a little update for those interested in the world of the Mr. Clarke. Since I've known him, he has always loved having a project or something on the side to entertain himself. After going to San Diego and purchasing a tiki on our honeymoon, and several other trips, and conversing with our good friend he has taken the task of carving them himself. 
So I purchased a small inexpensive kit for him, just something to start and see how it goes. Well first mistake, small pieces of wood are too ...well.. small to carve and too hard to learn what tool does what. Second we learned that some woods are not woodlike at all. 
They are more like brown textured metal. Good luck carving that! So after research, experimentation, and pure luck, Eric came across this fine piece of wood that carves like... frozen butter. Not impossible but requires effort, but not a whole lot. The design is coming out really nicely. I am excited to see how it turns out in the end. but for now here is the start of it. He has progressed since I took these so those photos will be added later. 
So I purchased a small inexpensive kit for him, just something to start and see how it goes. Well first mistake, small pieces of wood are too ...well.. small to carve and too hard to learn what tool does what. Second we learned that some woods are not woodlike at all. 
They are more like brown textured metal. Good luck carving that! So after research, experimentation, and pure luck, Eric came across this fine piece of wood that carves like... frozen butter. Not impossible but requires effort, but not a whole lot. The design is coming out really nicely. I am excited to see how it turns out in the end. but for now here is the start of it. He has progressed since I took these so those photos will be added later. 
Monday, January 25, 2010
This Christmas we had the pleasure of spending/waking up at my parents. Since we live here thats how it goes. Growing up we would wake up and have to wait at the top of the stairs for Dad to get home from the firestation, or for grandma and grandpa to get there, and for all the siblings to get up! The brothers minus Kevin were hard to roll out of bed. It was a fun tradition growing. Especially since our stairs dont face the living room! We would be so excited to see where our "spot" was or what big thing was sitting out cause it couldnt be wrapped. I love that memory.
This year we got to jet downstairs! Then we were asked to go back to the top of the stairs for a picture. lol We opened gifts with mom and dad each taking a turn making the gifts last. Eric got a home Depot gift card from me, a really cool custom tool box, Edward Scissor hands... for me really... candy, Cheeze it chap stick... which smells... uggg dont ever put it on your lips... bleh!! It was funny cause one thing he REALLY wanted was a headset for the XBOX 360 a few days before Christmas I reassured him I didnt buy it.. Really I didnt. He was bummed "Out of all the things Ive hinted at... blah blah blah waa cry!!!" But really even though I didnt buy it, my mom and dad had for him. He we very surprised and happy. I got MAC gift card... for those of you who are worried about my bday coming up... MAC is awesome make up.. :D I got a glow sight for my shotgun, a pouch to hold shotgun shells in instead of carrying a box or stuffing pockets, a babylock sewing machine (because the one I was"borrowing" from my mom that was so old died), a sweet leopard blanket, and the bedspread Ive been eyeing from target! My brother John and his family had us this year and they gave us a Tom Tom GPS which is used everyday by Eric and when we go on trips, Rockband drum silencers, and a stand for the guitars.
After the gifts Eric and I carried on our little Clarke family tradition of going to Ihop. mmm pancakes.... We went the past two years and decided it will be our tradition. After a heavy dose of Eggnog pancakes, Eggs, bacon, sausage, Steak and eggs, OJ and hashbrowns we headed back home.
All the kids gather at mom and dads after their present time or seeing the other families, we hang out, pick at turkey, stuffing, salsa cheesy stuff, and cookies. Other gifts are exchanged and it is fun to see what everyone comes up with.
My brother Cory and his family had Kevin, Tiffany and Maeve. I guess there is a book that you can record your voice into and the child can read along with it. That was the plan but due to malfunctions with the book, Cory being the smart electronics man he is, made a video with the audio clip instead. I believe it has a bigger inpact hearing my brothers voice on surround sound reading "Twas the night before Christmas" 'to his daughter'. At first it was just music and then once I heard his voice I broke down... IT sucks not having Kevin home, especially for the holidays. We did get to talk to him that night, he called and we passed the phone around each taking a quick turn. His year is almost up only a few more months.
I really enjoyed Christmas this year and honestly Im looking forward/Im scared of next year. It will be my first Christmas away from family. But ITs the In-laws turn so its only fair! Christmas 2010 is in Phoenix!
Enjoy ALL the pictures I took! Thanks again Liz for showing me the collages! That program is amazing!!
Each year we rotate names... It would be like drawing names from a hat, of all the siblings and who ever you have, you buy for that family. This year we had my brother Denny's family. each kid got their own goody bag with Bakugan??? things candy and random items which they loved. But what Im most proud of was what I made for their home. I had asked her what colors go in her home since it is always changing, she said earth tones and browns. So thanks to my friend Danielle for this addictive/tedious/fun/relaxing craft that I now call a hobby!
This year we got to jet downstairs! Then we were asked to go back to the top of the stairs for a picture. lol We opened gifts with mom and dad each taking a turn making the gifts last. Eric got a home Depot gift card from me, a really cool custom tool box, Edward Scissor hands... for me really... candy, Cheeze it chap stick... which smells... uggg dont ever put it on your lips... bleh!! It was funny cause one thing he REALLY wanted was a headset for the XBOX 360 a few days before Christmas I reassured him I didnt buy it.. Really I didnt. He was bummed "Out of all the things Ive hinted at... blah blah blah waa cry!!!" But really even though I didnt buy it, my mom and dad had for him. He we very surprised and happy. I got MAC gift card... for those of you who are worried about my bday coming up... MAC is awesome make up.. :D I got a glow sight for my shotgun, a pouch to hold shotgun shells in instead of carrying a box or stuffing pockets, a babylock sewing machine (because the one I was"borrowing" from my mom that was so old died), a sweet leopard blanket, and the bedspread Ive been eyeing from target! My brother John and his family had us this year and they gave us a Tom Tom GPS which is used everyday by Eric and when we go on trips, Rockband drum silencers, and a stand for the guitars.
After the gifts Eric and I carried on our little Clarke family tradition of going to Ihop. mmm pancakes.... We went the past two years and decided it will be our tradition. After a heavy dose of Eggnog pancakes, Eggs, bacon, sausage, Steak and eggs, OJ and hashbrowns we headed back home.
All the kids gather at mom and dads after their present time or seeing the other families, we hang out, pick at turkey, stuffing, salsa cheesy stuff, and cookies. Other gifts are exchanged and it is fun to see what everyone comes up with.
My brother Cory and his family had Kevin, Tiffany and Maeve. I guess there is a book that you can record your voice into and the child can read along with it. That was the plan but due to malfunctions with the book, Cory being the smart electronics man he is, made a video with the audio clip instead. I believe it has a bigger inpact hearing my brothers voice on surround sound reading "Twas the night before Christmas" 'to his daughter'. At first it was just music and then once I heard his voice I broke down... IT sucks not having Kevin home, especially for the holidays. We did get to talk to him that night, he called and we passed the phone around each taking a quick turn. His year is almost up only a few more months.
I really enjoyed Christmas this year and honestly Im looking forward/Im scared of next year. It will be my first Christmas away from family. But ITs the In-laws turn so its only fair! Christmas 2010 is in Phoenix!
Enjoy ALL the pictures I took! Thanks again Liz for showing me the collages! That program is amazing!!
Each year we rotate names... It would be like drawing names from a hat, of all the siblings and who ever you have, you buy for that family. This year we had my brother Denny's family. each kid got their own goody bag with Bakugan??? things candy and random items which they loved. But what Im most proud of was what I made for their home. I had asked her what colors go in her home since it is always changing, she said earth tones and browns. So thanks to my friend Danielle for this addictive/tedious/fun/relaxing craft that I now call a hobby!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Quickie!
So this is a short quick one.
A while back when I was in Arizona for Thanksgiving I had the chance to meet up with my Da-Nell!!(Danielle) She is a childhood friend I grew up with. From Tap dance to middle school, Girls camp, High school, early morning seminary, School dances... more like Sadies, and Working together at LASER FORCE!!! Don't just play the game, BE the game! Many other things as well. Needless to say she was a part of me that eloped and moved to AZ. Poop on her for that. But it makes seeing her that much better too. So we got together and went through the Mesa Temple together which was amazing and then had lunch. that girl and I could talk for hours. I love that fact that after time apart its like we have been by each others side.
I got a call from her later that month I believe and she asked if I could pick her from the Airport for her familys Christmas party. Pshh well yeah! The night before she came in, I attended my nephews "Arrow of light" for scouts and saw Juju(Julie) there. Julie is also a good friend and the 3 of us worked together at LASER FORCE.. you know the motto... So I told Juju what was up and told her to meet us for lunch.
So I pick Da-Nell up and to kill time before "Lunch" brought her to see my moms new kitchen and such. After visiting for about 15 min we headed to Macayos for VIRGIN strawberry Daiquiris and lunch! Only none of us ordered the drinks. haha As we walked in there was JUJU!! Totally shocked Danielle but it was such a blast having the 3 of us, ahem.. 4 of us, we also had a fine gentlemen joining us. He goes by the name Ezra and is about maybe 2 months old.
I just had to post this and just say Im grateful for friendships that have seen it all and the are stronger than glue but dont need constant care.
Love yous guys!!!
A while back when I was in Arizona for Thanksgiving I had the chance to meet up with my Da-Nell!!(Danielle) She is a childhood friend I grew up with. From Tap dance to middle school, Girls camp, High school, early morning seminary, School dances... more like Sadies, and Working together at LASER FORCE!!! Don't just play the game, BE the game! Many other things as well. Needless to say she was a part of me that eloped and moved to AZ. Poop on her for that. But it makes seeing her that much better too. So we got together and went through the Mesa Temple together which was amazing and then had lunch. that girl and I could talk for hours. I love that fact that after time apart its like we have been by each others side.
I got a call from her later that month I believe and she asked if I could pick her from the Airport for her familys Christmas party. Pshh well yeah! The night before she came in, I attended my nephews "Arrow of light" for scouts and saw Juju(Julie) there. Julie is also a good friend and the 3 of us worked together at LASER FORCE.. you know the motto... So I told Juju what was up and told her to meet us for lunch.
So I pick Da-Nell up and to kill time before "Lunch" brought her to see my moms new kitchen and such. After visiting for about 15 min we headed to Macayos for VIRGIN strawberry Daiquiris and lunch! Only none of us ordered the drinks. haha As we walked in there was JUJU!! Totally shocked Danielle but it was such a blast having the 3 of us, ahem.. 4 of us, we also had a fine gentlemen joining us. He goes by the name Ezra and is about maybe 2 months old.
I just had to post this and just say Im grateful for friendships that have seen it all and the are stronger than glue but dont need constant care.
Love yous guys!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Daniel Patrick Clarke
So on December 3rd, I was driving to a friends house to do some crafting. I got a call from my husband saying his father had passed away. When things like that happen, the feeling is unexplainable. You hurt, you hurt for others, worry kicks in, your mind goes into "helping" overdrive. you just want to help anyone and everyone affected.
My father in law was not in good health and I know he was in pain a majority, if not all of the time. Although Im never happy to see anyone go, but Im glad he doesnt have to suffer anymore.
He passed away in Norwalk, California right out of LA. We drove to LA for the burial service and then to Phoenix for a memorial service (1000.3 miles total), both were very nice.
My parents made the trip to LA in support of Eric's family too.
At each of the services Marty and Alice (Eric's younger siblings) both read a poem.
I have taken verses from the poem and used them in the video, but I have listed the full version below.
If Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Author believed to be
David Romano
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had
If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
My father in law was not in good health and I know he was in pain a majority, if not all of the time. Although Im never happy to see anyone go, but Im glad he doesnt have to suffer anymore.
He passed away in Norwalk, California right out of LA. We drove to LA for the burial service and then to Phoenix for a memorial service (1000.3 miles total), both were very nice.
My parents made the trip to LA in support of Eric's family too.
At each of the services Marty and Alice (Eric's younger siblings) both read a poem.
I have taken verses from the poem and used them in the video, but I have listed the full version below.
If Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Author believed to be
David Romano
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had
If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
Welcome to the New Year
Well, I was doing good with our blog, then December happened. It was insane! How we survived Ill never know. Well I think part of my reason for not blogging is that I take too many pictures, I dont feel like posting them all, but then I dont want to leave any out at the same time. Well, I found a solution, I asked a friend of mine how she makes her collages... cause stupid me was taking my time to measure each sheet out in photoshop. Lucky for you all, youll see more pictures from me!
So enjoy!
So enjoy!
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