The Claytons

Not just for boys

2012-02-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

The croop fell upon our house this past week. It has been one, really long week. Landon woke up Monday morning barking like a dog. We have never experienced the croop before. I had never heard a cough like this so I knew we better go to the doctor.

The doctor confirmed that it was the croop. Landon was put on a steroid. Let me just tell you,

Landon + Steroid = craziness!

I tried everything to make him happy. I found this cardboard and drew roads and houses and trees all over. Nope, he was not impressed. He had no desire to play cars with me.

But, when Savannah got home, she thought this piece of cardboard made into a neighborhood was the coolest thing ever. She spent all afternoon playing cars.

Who knew?!

Sawyer

2012-02-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well, hello!

Guess What? I'm 3 months and a few weeks old!

I know, I know!
Where has the time gone?!

So, let me tell you some things about myself:
At my 3 month check up, which I hated by the way, I weighed 12 pounds 6 ounces. My mommy and daddy call me chubby cheeks and they are always kissing them and chomping on them. Daddy chomped a little loudly one night and I started crying! I thought he was about to eat me up!!

My head is 15 3/4, which they say is in the 50%

My height is 23 1/4 , and that is the 25th percentile

So, there are my stats.
Now,
let me tell you what I can do:
I hear my mommy say all the time, "he is the best baby ever!"
I only cry when I'm sleepy and hungry. My mommy stays on top of that every 3 hour deal with feeding me, so I don't cry very often.
I smile and laugh a lot!
Let me just tell you, there's a lot going on in this house. I have three older children who love me so much. They make me laugh and take good care of me. Mommy can't forget about me because anytime I make a sound, my big brother says, "baby cying!" or "bruter awake, mommy!" He loves to tickle my toes. I think we are going to be best buds!

I always wake up cooing!
I love playing with my hands.
I have started reaching for things.
Now, this one is huge! I SLEEP through the NIGHT!
Sometimes I get confused and think it is morning time and I start cooing at 1 or 2 in the morning. I'm so excited to see my mommy when she appears over me. I start smiling and cooing and kicking my legs, like I'm running in place. She picks me up and takes me to the swing. That's where I sleep the rest of the night. Whoever invented that swing was BRILLIANT!!!

My favorite part of the day, is when it gets dark, and all the "big kids" have gone to bed. The house is quiet and my daddy holds and rocks me. I even watch T.V. with him.
I think they are all in love with me!

Saturday

2012-02-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's a wet, cloudy day but there's a party going on inside!
And everyone is invited. All dolls and stuffed animals are welcomed.

Here we have Sarah, Alive (short for baby alive), and Isabella. Isabella came to our house with the name Robyn, but Laurel thought that sounded like she was "robbing something" so she changed it to Isabella. They have a third cousin named Isabella and they love that name, so we have several dolls named Isabella!

Come enjoy some refreshments! We have plenty!

Here are your hostess, Laurel and Savannah, with Kaitlyn and Ashley Rose!

On Saturdays, I can always find Laurel and Savannah in their room with some sort of setup, such as this one! I love these girls and their imagination!
Today we are having a wedding!

Hobby of Speed

2012-01-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

This is our dad.
He raced a team series in 2011.
He and his team mate, Adrian, came in 1st place.
Sometimes people ask me if I get sick of him riding his dirtbike.
I say, "No!" This is his stress reliever.
He never yells at me.
His mood is always consistent.
I can't help but have this mental image of him riding through the woods really fast, gripping the handle bars and screaming like a maniac! I mean, come on, how can someone have this much patience.
And, I think he looks hot in his dirtbike gear:)
I hope he rides until the end!

Observations

2012-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Some things I have noticed about these four.......

Laurel
She looks like her daddy. Her eyes are his exact shape, only hers are blue and her daddy's are hazel.
Her personality is more like mine. She will say whatever comes to her little mind, which sometimes leads to embarrassment. Speaking of embarrassment, she told me a story recently that I don't want to forget:

I picked her and Savannah up from school. Savannah started telling me about this boy in carpool line who kept saying something to Savannah about her having diarrhea, who knows what all that meant. Anyway, Laurel sees that her little sister is being picked on so she decides to tell this little boy a funny story. She says, "you know when I was in the first grade, I went up to all of my friends and said, "have ya'll read Diarrhea of the Wimpy Kid?" She said they all started laughing and she said, "what? I just said Diarrhea of the Wimpy Kid!" Then they told her it was Diary of the Wimpy Kid.
Oh my goodness, I was laughing so hard because I could see myself doing the same thing at her age.
She is our comic relief around here.

Savannah
She looks like me. She is our only child who has green eyes. I was the only one in my family with green eyes. But her personality is more like Seth's. She has his calm, gentle personality. She will say things like, "well, mom you don't have to yell!" "We are just little children." Statements that stop me in my tracks and make me think that she should probably be the mom and I should be the child. She lets me know when she needs more attention. She will say, "I'm not getting enough love." I think it is so great she can express herself like this.

Landon
He looks like Savannah from the nose up, but as soon as he smiles he is all Seth. He has the same little dimples as his dad. He is full force, wide open all day long! He has no fear. He is such a charmer. He pulls Laurel and Savannah's hair. He hits. He is happiest when he is outside. He loves to explore. He hates taking naps. I hear he acts just like his dad did at this age.

Sawyer

He looks just like Seth to me. His eyes especially. He has the chubbiest cheeks and we can see the same dimple that his daddy his when he smiles. So far he has been the best baby. He looks deep into my eyes, like he's flirting with me or thinking about something really hard. He smiles all the time and just melts my heart.

Miracle

2012-01-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Same Day.

Same Time.

small miracle.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

We shot some fireworks to celebrate the New Year.

They made a very, very shrill noise.

Laurel and Savannah made it to 9:00. I made it to 9:15!

I've gotta tell you, I love a New Year.

I love making New Year's resolutions.

And I have a big, whopping one this year.

I'm going to run in a race. It may only be a 5k, but I'm going to do it. And I'm eventually going to do a half marathon. If Sawyer is anything like Landon, I will need to be able to run really fast to keep up with these two. So there. I wrote it down. That's the first step, right?

Pogo Stick and A New Cousin

2012-01-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

We got to see granny and papa twice over Christmas break. We took the pogo stick that santa brought. Laurel and Savannah had lots of fun in the back yard trying to get more than three jumps in!

And come on, doesn't it just make you want to get on one and hop all over the place!

The girls picked these pretty flowers to take to Aunt Jennifer because she just had a baby boy.

We got to meet Alistair Clayton. He is the fourth Clayton boy that has been born in the last 3 years. And Papa was worried the Clayton name would not be carried on.

Alistair with his dad, Roger.

Sawyer got to meet his great Aunt Inez. This little lady amazes me! She is 80 something and is still so full of life.

Christmas Break

2012-01-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

I was spoiled, spoiled, spoiled over Christmas break! Seth took the whole week off and we loved having our daddy home. We, or I guess I should say, he and the children spent the first part of the week cleaning up from the loggers.

We had our woods thinned and while the loggers were here, Seth got this idea to clear out some of the pines behind our house. Now we can see our driveway from the house. We love it but it left behind one big mess.

He would take Laurel, Savannah, Landon and a cooler full of water and snacks. They would stay for hours picking up sticks and playing in the dirt. He would even take diapers and wipes so he could change Landon! Yep, I'm telling you I was SPOILT! Sawyer and I hung out in the house, um.. sleeping!

So this is how it looks. I know, not too pretty right now. Seth promises that by spring it will be pretty and green. I love how it opened everything up. I don't feel so closed in now. It is so stinkin' cute when they see daddy's headlights driving up the road. I hear squeals of, "daddy's home!"

Christmas Morning~2011

2012-01-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Laurel, Savannah and Landon came running to our room around 6:30a.m. Oh my goodness, they were so excited! "Get Up!" "Can we go see if Santa came?"

When I was growing up, all of us would run into mom and dad's room and say the same things and dad would always say, "let me go see if Santa came." We would all wait in the hallway while he went to "check things out" and then he would tell us when we could come in.
I guess we like putting our children through the same torture, because we do this in our family. Seth always goes into the living room, gets the camcorder ready, turns on Christmas music, and turns on the fire.
Landon just did not get why he was being held captive in the room!

He got over it real quick and started figuring out what all this Santa talk had been about!

He loves Choo-Choo trains!

But I have to tell you, he loves his first dirtbike even more! He rode that dirtbike all over everyone and everything.
Sawyer, just let him.
He is the best little baby.

Savannah and Laurel just kept saying over and over, "this is the best Christmas ever."

I was going to start a tradition this year where I let the kids go to the dollar tree and pick out a gift for the others. But a few weeks before Christmas, Laurel and Savannah started sneaking gift bags and were spending a lot of time behind closed doors making things. They came out with gift bags of presents they had made for everyone on Christmas morning.

Daddy's gift was a sweet card and some chocolate, left over from their parties at school.

They know just what to get daddy.

I also think this was the best Christmas ever. I loved that Christmas fell on a Sunday. It was fun opening gifts but then it was great that we were able to spend part of the day at church learning more about Jesus Christ.

Christmas festivities

2012-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

It's a tradition to go to granny and papa's house on Christmas Eve. We eat chicken gumbo and lots of appetizers, play dirty santa, and see family we haven't seen all year! It's lots and lots of fun!

The train was a hit with the boys, Landon and Luke! Landon loves a train.

Sweet picture of Savannah and Luke

Luke will be able to defend himself next Christmas! Watch out, Landon!

sun visors from Mexico! How cool are they? Granny and papa brought these back from one of their cruises.

Aww.... fun times! I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of children.

Tea For Savannah

2011-12-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

Savannah is six!
Some words to describe Savannah: Sweet, quiet, prissy. She has a natural fashion sense. The girl can put together an outfit! She is a pleaser and a little mommy. She has a really big heart and tender feelings.

Savannah's birthday was November 17th. We had a little family party but she really wanted to invite some friends over for a birthday party. So, this past Friday we had a few of her friends over for tea.

Savannah loves her babies and loves having tea parties with them and, Tea For Ruby is her favorite book. So it was just fitting to have a Tea Party for her.

Now, here is a little secret...I went to a friend's wedding reception not long ago, and I have been waiting for the opportunity to duplicate the fabulous tea cup centerpieces that were on each table. A very talented friend, Charity, decorated for this reception and it was the most beautiful reception I think I have ever seen. So, now that, that confession is out, here is a close up of my version!

I went to a thrift store and could not believe, that right there in the middle of a table were three brass candle sticks. Just waiting for me to hot glue a saucer and tea cup to it!

A smaller table was set up for the girl's dolls to have a tea party.

The best part of the party was when our special guest, "Miss Periwinkle," arrived. She came to teach the girls proper etiquette. She spoke with an English accent and was quite entertaining. Miss Periwinkle, also known as Sariah, is a good friend of mine. She just so happens to have a degree in theater! Aren't I so blessed to have such talented friends!

She taught them how to walk properly in heels.

They balanced books on their heads! Our friend Ava had amazing balance!

They had a relay race to see who could set a proper place setting. Say that with an english accent. Her accent was quite infectious. I found myself talking with one.

The girls then sat down to have tea and refreshments. They were served by "Miss Periwinkle." It was so cute listening to them use their manners. This was such a fun birthday party. I loved being able to use my real china, that just sits in the cabinet and rarely gets used. The girls loved drinking from real china cups.
Without "Miss Periwinkle," it just would not have been the same. I am truly amazed at how she kept the english accent up for two hours, without missing a beat. True Talent!

Happy Birthday, Savannah!

Chores

2011-12-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

I'll clean the tub, mom!

Excited.....

2011-12-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

to decorate for Christmas!

Dear santa,
Laurel would like a red and purple bike and Savannah would like some walkie talkies

They have been really good.

I gave all tree decorating control to Laurel and Savannah this year. They had so much fun.

Landon saw the stockings and put them on and said,

"boots, mommy, boots!"

I love this time of year!

All Smiles

2011-12-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

I wonder

what his

personality

will be?

Handprint

2011-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
And always leave my fingerprints
on furniture and walls

But everyday I'm growing
I'll be grown someday.
And all those tiny handprints
Will surely fade away.

So here's a little handprint
Just so you can recall
Exactly how my fingers looked
When I was very small.

It was a Sunday morning. I was trying to get all the children dressed for church. And, oh yeah, me too. Mama can't go in her pajamas!

Seth has responsibilites on Sunday that takes him away early.
So that just leaves me to get us all to church.
I thought things were going pretty smoothly, it being my first time to get my new family of 4 ready and presentable for church.
That was until I found Landon with a bowl of oatmeal all over him and the table.
Big, big mess.
We had to walk out the door right then if we wanted to be on time.
I hurried and cleaned him up. But left the mess in the kitchen.
We made it.
Church was great.
Very peaceful.
On the way home, I remembered the mess.
I started to wipe the table and then I saw this perfectly formed oatmeal handprint.
Tears came to my eyes.
These little hands make messes like I have never seen before.
I find myself saying, "he is a mess!" "I don't know how to handle boys!" "Boys are so different!"
And, they are.
But on this day, this little handprint melted my heart.
And on this day I decided to enjoy the ride, and the messes, with these boys.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

If I could have a wish, it would be that both sides of mine and seth's family could spend every holiday together. I loved having mom and dad here for Thanksgiving. I have not had one of mom's Thanksgiving meals in years! My siblings have not been without mom, EVER! I just couldn't help but giggle everytime the phone rang on Thanksgiving morning. Every sibling called mom asking her a cooking question. I would answer the phone with a hee, hee, hee, instead of "hello." They were all in Utah trying to make mom's Thanksgiving recipes. We usually go to Seth's dad's for Thanksgiving. This year everyone was so kind to come to our house. We had a feast and it was just a great day! Here are some highlights.

Laurel, Savannah, Landon with cousin Luke. Isn't he just the cutest little boy. He is always so happy and my girls just love him.

Jamie, Kimball and one tired Luke

Granny and Papa

Roger, Jennifer (expecting their first baby in a few weeks) acting her silly self.
We were glad that Jennifer's parents and her aunt could come for Thanksgiving.

Eating some yummy food!

Laurel and savannah wearing their Thanksgiving shirts.

Mom and Dad

2011-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Mom and dad came to visit for a whole entire month after Sawyer's birth. I was in heaven. I was so excited to have help while I was adjusting to going from 3 to 4 children. We had such a great visit. These are just some of the things that topped the grateful list.

Mom was downstairs every morning at 7:15 to watch Landon and Sawyer while I took the girls to school.
Mom held Sawyer. Sometimes all day long. He is so spoiled. But that is okay. He knows his grandmother.
Mom made sure dinner was on the table every night. There is just nothing better than my mom's cooking.
She bought me some much needed kitchen utensils.
A visit with mom is not complete until some room is decorated.
She made a duvet cover and pillows for mine and Seth's bed. She made curtains for our bathroom.
I feel like my girls when they tell me to draw a heart in the palm of their hands so they "can feel my love all day." I feel her love when I walk into our room. I have also made the bed every day since that duvet cover went on! Funny how that works with me.
Mom turned on Curious George every time Landon said, "George pease!"
She did not judge me for letting George babysit Landon.
She ironed Seth's shirts and folded our clothes.
She made dressing and cornbread muffins for 125 students at Laurel's school for their Thanksgiving party.
She went grocery shopping for our family Thanksgiving dinner. I dropped her off at Wal-mart and I went to help at Laurel's school with the Thanksgiving party. She stayed in Wal-mart for four hours until I came back to get her. Now, that was some service. If you need to know what aisle something is on at Wal-mart, just give mom a call!
With her here, it allowed me to go to Laurel and Savannah's holiday parties. She said, take full advantage of me while I'm here. I did.

Mom related a story to me about how she always looked forward to her parents coming to visit after she
had a baby. She said that they would have their car packed with groceries and goodies for her. She always felt so spoiled. Well, thanks for spoiling me mom!

Now, I can not leave out my dad!
Dad first and foremost provided us with humor. That is what he does best. This is what dad would look like with blonde hair! He kind of looks like Donald Trump, don't you think?

He entertained and played with my children. Landon became his shadow.
He was a babysitter.
He stayed in the car with Landon and Sawyer while mom and I went into stores shopping.
He bought me lunch, filled up our gas tank numerous times and would say, "Merry Christmas" when I would offer to pay him back.
He hung pictures on the wall.
He helped Seth outside.
He took Laurel and Savannah to McDonalds and let them play and eat anything they wanted.
He took Laurel and Savannah to school the last week they were here. He was so cute. He would come downstairs and say, "your driver is reporting to duty." "I will be waiting by the van when you girls are ready." They just thought this was great. He sang silly songs with them all the way to school.
He was determined to find a shorter route to school. We now go straight at the 4-way stop, instead of right. It saves about 3 minutes!
He helped Laurel with handstands and cartwheels.
He threw balls with Landon.

One word. GRATEFUL!

It almost makes me want to have another baby.
So we can do this all over again.
I love you, mom and dad.

Blessing Day

2011-12-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Scenes from Sawyer's blessing day....

Beautiful day.
Beautiful blessing.

Dear Sawyer,

2011-12-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

So, they tell me you are my brother.

And mommy says that I am going to love having a brother. She says that we will be able to play together one day. But right now, all I hear is, "Landon, be soft with your brother!" She sure is protective of you! I will be glad when you can wrestle with me!

I can't wait to show you all the tricks I have learned. I love to swing. On Everything!

You see, this lap use to be just mine. All mine. I don't really know how I feel about sharing it with you.

I do anything to get attention these days. I'm so scared mommy is going to forget about me. She tells me all the time that she loves me and that I'm still her baby. Then you start crying and she has to feed you. You sure do take alot of her time.

I got a really bad cold about 3 weeks after you were born. Mommy had you on one shoulder and me on the other. We rocked for hours in the middle of the night. When you cried, I cried even louder. You are not going to out do me!! Finally, mommy took me to daddy and I got to sleep with him. I think these two are just trying to survive! I guess you are an okay brother. I will just be happy when you can play, for real, with me!

Love,
Landon

Halloween 2011

2011-12-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

A daddy, two witches and a dragon.

Seth took Laurel, Savannah and Landon to a friend's neighborhood for a hayride and trick-or-treating. This was Landon's first time to run from house to house saying, "trick-or-treat!" Seth said everytime he got a treat he would stick them to his nose and smell them.

I stayed home with this cute pumpkin.....

Sawyer Reaves Clayton

2011-11-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Reaves Clayton
Born on October 17, 2011
Weight 7lbs. 13oz.
Length 20 inches

The Birth Story
The 10 month gestation period was coming to an end. And by george, I was going to be prepared this time. You see, I was not prepared at all when Landon surprised us by coming two weeks early. So this was the plan. I was to go into the hospital at 4:00 Monday, October 17th, for the induction process to begin. I was going to be induced Tuesday morning. I worked and worked, nested and nested over the weekend. I got caught up on all the clothes and cleaned the house. Sunday night, the girls and I picked out all their clothes for the next few days, since I would be in the hospital and daddy would be getting them dressed and to school.

Monday morning came. I took the girls to school. There was so much excitement. We knew that this little baby was going to be here the next day! Landon and I went into Wal-mart to pick up some items. I was enjoying my last day with it being just Landon and I. We came home and I unloaded the groceries. It was around 9:00a.m. I was defrosting some meat to make a vegetable beef soup. And then it happened. My water broke!

I called Seth! I said, "Seth, my water just broke!" He said, "Really! I will be right there!" I was so excited! We were going to have a baby today. I called a friend. She came over to stay with Landon.

Seth and I got to the hospital around 10:30. I got all settled in. I was dilated to a 2. They told me I could get my epidural when I was a 3 or 4. I was in no pain. The nurse told me she was going to step out to discharge a patient and would be right back. In a matter of minutes, the contractions started coming! I was breathing through them. They were getting worse and worse. I was REALLY breathing. Then, I started sqeazing Seth's hand harder and harder. These were some of the things I remember saying, "Seth, you need to get the nurse." "I'm about to cry. I'm about to throw up!" "I was planning on getting an epidural!" "I can't do this without drugs!" "How do women do this without drugs!" "I need to find a happy place!" "Seth, go get the nurse, NOW!"

Seth did as he was told. The nurse checked me and told me that I had dilated to an EIGHT! Uh, huh just like that I had gone from a 2 to an 8! And, I felt every bit of that transition. That epidural was heaven! My hats off to you women who go without drugs.

Our sweet baby was born at 4:34 that afternoon. They cleaned him up a little and then handed him back to me. For 30 minutes, he laid on my chest and Seth and I were in our own little world just staring at this little miracle. I am so overwhelmed with love. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for sending this baby to our family.

Just Me and Savannah

2011-10-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the whole day with Savannah at Old Baker's Farm. This was her first field trip as a Kindergartner. This was her first time riding a bus. Laurel gave her the "bus run down" that morning. She told her to make sure she puts her hands in the air when they go up a hill and hollar when they go down! It is always a treat for me to spend one on one time with my children.
This is what we did.

We saw and petted cute animals.

We took a hayride out to a pumpkin patch.

We ate lunch in the loft of the red barn.

Savannah got to go through a maze.

We picked cotton.

And I really wish that I could have plopped Savannah down in this beautiful field of sunflowers and taken pictures of her. This was some of the beautiful scenery we saw on the three mile hayride.

It was a great day with my sweet Savannah!

Baby Shower

2011-10-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have some of the best friends here in Birmingham. And, since I have none of my family here, this makes me happy. It's like your friends become your family. Some of my friends from the bunco group gave me a small baby shower. I felt a little silly having a baby shower for the fourth child, second boy, but these girls insisted that every baby needs a shower. They were so, so sweet to do this for me.

The baby shower was at Sariah's house and she did such a great job of decorating. I'm bummed I did not get a picture of her! She was a great hostess.

Debbie and Amber
Amber actually went into labor at 11:00 that night and had her sweet boy the next morning. She was such a great friend to even be there! Debbie is pregnant also. She is still having morning, evening, whenever sickness! So I really appreciated her helping out with this baby shower. I love these girls!

I was so excited that my sweet mother-in-law, Helen and my sweet sister-in-law, Jamie could be there. I am happy that I have Seth's family close by.

Two of my dearest friends, Stacy and Dana.

Let me tell you about the lady in the middle holding the plate. This is Annie. She is like my children's adoptive grandmother. She treats them just like they were her own grandchildren. She is only five years older than me and all of her children are grown. We laugh about this all the time. I think it makes her feel really young and it makes me feel really old! Her third daughter just went off to college. She has four grandchildren, all boys! I learn so much from her. She has raised three great daughters and gives just some of the best advice ever!

Future Dirt biker

2011-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Landon loves to pretend he is a dirtbiker! He found these swim goggles and insist on wearing them when he is on a riding toy.

He loves doing tricks! His favorite thing to watch on T.V. is a dirtbike race. He will bring us the remote control and say, "b-bikes, b-bikes!" That's right, no Sesame Street going on at our house! And, guess who loves this the most? His daddy!

Changes are coming

2011-10-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

I think someone knows a baby will be here soon! For the past two days, Landon has been fighting his naps. He comes out of his room. I tell him to go back. He runs back. And then the door opens again and it starts all over. I've decided to not let my blood pressure get up over this, because you know, I don't think that would be too good for his baby brother. So, very calmly, I say, "go back to your room. It is nap time." Yesterday, after about 20 minutes of this things got quiet. I went to see where he had fallen asleep and this sweet boy had pulled his chair over to the baby crib and had crawled in. He is such a little angel, when he is asleep!

Labor Day

2011-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to the aquarium in Tennessee.

We saw every sea creature imaginable.

We caught butterflies.

Seth, with the children, in the butterfly garden. It was absolutely gorgeous.

I think we will all be dreaming of fish tonight.

It rained and rained and rained! Laurel and Savannah giggled the whole day under their new pink umbrella. Even I did not care that I was getting wet. It was great to spend the day together as a family and rest from our labors.

The Calm Before The Storm

2011-08-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

We love this boy.

Never a dull moment.

Landon went missing. I went searching. This is what I found.
I said, "stay right there while I go get the camera."
He said, "otay."
Little Stinker!

When I Am Baptized

2011-08-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Laurel's sweet friend, McKinley sang this song right after Laurel was baptized.

What I loved most about this day, was Laurel's excitement! She was so excited that she was being baptized and I'm so proud of the girl she is becoming. She loves to hear stories from the scriptures and she loves Jesus.

It was so sweet that her daddy was able to baptize her. It was such a special day for both of them.

(One huge regret: I did not take pictures of everyone that came to Laurel's baptism. There were many friends and family who came to support Laurel and it meant so much to her and to us.)

I was going to take Laurel outside for an eight year old photo shoot. When I turned on my camera, I found these pictures that Savannah had taken of Laurel. Looks like they got my camera and had their own photo shoot. And who knows when I would be able to make one happen, so I decided to use these somewhat dark, sweet photos instead!

We are so proud of you, Laurel!

A Makeover Party!

2011-08-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

A makeover party is what Laurel requested and boy, oh boy was it one fun, hopping party....

The invitations were sent and the favor bags were sewn. Making favor bags for all of Laurel's friends is my favorite part of planning a birthday party. I have watched most of her friends grow up from babies and their moms are some of my best friends. I love doing something special for them. And I loved that I was able to use my leftover fabric!

Welcome to Laurel's Salon where you can get the works! You can have your hair styled, nails painted, and makeup applied!

Did you think Laurel and her mom ran this salon by themselves? No way! Laurel's mom had lots of help. Our hairstylist was Brianna, one of Laurel, Savannah and Landon's favorite babysitters. She did a fabulous job of making the girls look beautiful. She also made each little girl a flower barrette. They loved her!

Our manicurist was Miss Annie! We think she is just about the best thing ever!

Our makeup artist was Laurel's Aunt Audra! We were just so stinkin' excited that she was here from Utah! Laurel loves her and wishes her mommy knew how to do girl's hair the way Aunt Audra does.

Sweet sisters!

I'm sure Seth was thinking, thank goodness we are having him a little brother.

After everyone was finished with their makeover, we got a group shot before heading upstairs to walk the runway. The girls put on a fashion show for all the moms.

This part was so much fun and it was so fun to be behind the scenes helping the girls get dressed. It was so fun to listen to the things they had to say. And I need to give a SHOUT OUT to my awesome husband for letting me go crazy with these birthday parties. I asked him if he would build me a runway for this fashion show. I wanted the girls to be able to step up on something and walk a runway. You know, do some twirls, some dancing, show their personality. Well, he did not even blink and told me he could do that. Well, Friday night rolled around. Hello, the party was the next day!!! I looked at him and said, "you need to get busy on that runway, don't you?" He very cutely said, "I have it all figured out." All of a sudden I was really nervous that my vision and his vision were not coming together. I must say he put together a runway with not one bit of hammering nails involved. He never ceases to amaze me!

Laurel and her daddy

The fashion divas!

Birthday girl on the runway. Oops, turn sideways.

Happy Birthday Laurel!
We love you sweet girl!

A Special Visit

2011-08-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I was getting ready for Laurel's Eighth birthday. I was planning her birthday party and also her baptism. I was having a pity party because none of my family would be at her baptism. Mom and Dad are coming for a month after the baby is born and could not afford to come to her baptism also. So, I was hormonal and just feeling sorry for myself.
About 3 weeks before the birthday party/baptism weekend, my sister Audra calls and says, "Lori, I have been thinking about Laurel's baptism for weeks now and Linn and I would like to come and I would like to be one of the speakers!" I busted out laughing, because you see, my sister does not like to publicly speak. My exact words were, "You don't speak!" She laughed and said that she was serious. She would do this for Laurel. Then I started crying. I told you I am one hormonal woman right now! This meant so much to me and to Laurel. They flew from Utah the Thursday before all the events.

They were both such a big help. Linn, Audra's husband, knew that I had a lot of errands to run on that Friday so he told me not to worry about the house. He deep cleaned my house! That's right girls, he deep cleaned! I had the basics covered like a clean toilet and clean sheets but he got areas that had not had attention in a while. And it looked GOOD when I got home. Now this is just some selfless service and I had no shame letting him do it! I told Audra while we were out that I was just giddy knowing someone was at home cleaning my house! And Linn was giddy when he saw that rainbow vacuum cleaner! You have to love a man like Linn! I told him I owed him blue bell ice cream for a year.

Landon fell in love with Linn. He called him "bubby" for "buddy." I could go on and on about this visit. It was great having family here and I think we all bonded. Thanks Audra for acting on the inspiration to come. You and Linn made the birthday party and baptism so special and one that Laurel will never forget.

A helping hand

2011-08-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Savannah came home yesterday with this recognition. She was so excited! I wasn't surprised. Savannah has always loved helping people. When she was in preschool, she would come home and talk about this little boy in her class who cried alot and didn't speak. She would say, " I held that little crying boy's hand today." I just thought it was a little boy who was sad and missing his mommy. One day Savannah and I were in Wal-mart and this lady with a boy Savannah's age came up to me and said, "I am Gunnar's mom. Savannah and Gunnar are in preschool together. Gunnar has Autism. I just wanted to let you know that we have prayed and prayed for an angel and this little girl is Gunnar's angel." I could not have been a prouder mom! I later learned through Savannah's teacher that Gunnar had not let anyone close to him, much less hold his hand, until Savannah. He was drawn to her and she was able to help him calm down. Savannah helped out with Gunnar's speech therapy as well. Gunnar was also an angel for Savannah that year.

At the beginning of this week, Savannah came into the kitchen and said, "my back hurts so bad." I asked what she had done. She said, "It must be from stretching back to help that little boy who can't ever get his pack opened!" I laughed and told her she might need to change her position when she is helping him. I love her sweet personality and how she loves to help others.

First Day of School

2011-08-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Laurel and Savannah were so excited to start school. Especially Savannah because she is in Kindergarten now! She has been waiting for two years now to go to the "big school" with Laurel.

We love Laurel's teacher, Ms. Harris. She has been teaching for 24 years and seems to still love teaching. We got to go meet Ms. Harris on Laurel's actual birthday, August 8th. When Ms. Harris found out that it was her birthday, she grabbed Laurel and hugged her and sang happy birthday to her! I think she is going to have a great year.

Savannah's teacher is Ms. Conn. We have heard great things about her. Savannah said some of the funniest things that first day. She put on her backpack and said, "I can't believe I have a real backpack now!" Before she got out of the car, she said, "Now mommy, I want you to go home and get my baby and cry." She got in the car at the end of the day with the biggest smile and said, "that was the most exciting day ever!" "I did not even get a one (a warning)!" The next day she came running into the kitchen and said, "goodmorning! I was so sleepy when I woke up and then I remembered it was a school day and I told myself, get up you have to go to school!" She asked if I was going to walk her to her classroom. I told her I thought I would just drop her and Laurel off in carpool. She raised her arms up, formed a fist and brought them down with a "YES!"

I think she is going to be just fine!

A Really Fun Day

2011-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

It all began with the play, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the children's theater....

We met up with some of our best friends, Ava and Lily!

Jack and his fairy godmother.

The Giant!

The giant's wife

Landon was mesmerized for the whole hour. His eyes never left the stage. And since Landon sat there so long, he was on the go as soon as it was over. He would not stay still for a picture.

So, once again the children's theater did not disappoint. It is amazing how they can put on such an entertaining play with only four actors. Oh yeah, the cow was amazing and there were two people under there. Great costumes and a great spin on the original Jack and the Beanstalk.

After the play, we rushed home to meet up with two of my friends from my Parisian past! Stacy, Barb and I try to get together every summer for a visit. Stacy and I are here in Birmingham and Barb moved to Atlanta and is a school teacher.

Let me just tell you, this doesn't happen very often. Landon doesn't warm up to most people this quickly. He was making me laugh. He just crawled up in her lap and started snuggling with her. She is so good with mine and Stacy's children. You can tell that she was born to be a teacher.

The children had so much fun playing. You may think that is a girl on the far right, WRONG, that is Mason. He is the oldest of Stacy's children and is always such a good sport when he comes to play with all these girls. He was the MC of their fashion show and then decided to give us a good laugh by coming out swinging a purse, in a silky dress and a tutu on his head. It has been fun watching all of Stacy's children grow up.

Great Entertainment.
Great Friends.
Great Day.

Little Brides

2011-07-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Laurel was so excited when she saw my wedding dress in the back of my closet. I scored major points with her and Savannah when I took it out and let them try it on!

Then they asked if I would put it on. HA! I told them that would not be a good look in my current condition. I wonder if my waist will ever be that small again!:)

Serious Trouble

2011-07-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right! I'm in serious trouble.

This little boy has his mommy wrapped around his little finger. What will I do when I have two of these? When I get on to him, he just grabs my cheeks and squeezes them together and says, "MOMMY, MOMMY!" And then he gives me a big kiss.

The day he said, "I wuv you," it was all over. I just melted into a big sappy pile of yeah, you pretty much can get away with anything.

But, No, No, No! I have got to get control of myself and this little boy who thinks he rules the house around here with his charm. Let me just be clear. It's not only me he has wrapped. He has us all wrapped! He is the sweetest most loving, little brother. Then in a split second he can grab a toy and knock Savannah or Laurel over the head. He says the most precious, "I sorry!" and when this is said, all tears are dried up. He grabs Savannah's hair and drags her to where he wants to go. Savannah says, "he just drags me around like a dog on a leash!"

It makes me think about growing up with my two brothers. If we wanted mom to bake cookies, we always sent one of our brothers in to ask for it because we knew she would. There was always this special, unspoken bond between them. Now, I totally get it!

Awww..... the beach!

2011-07-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Beach~

It has been way too long, four years to be exact. We vow to never let this happen again.

This was Landon's first time to have his cute, little feet in your grainy sand. He did not know what to think about you. He didn't really like the way his feet were feeling.

As we approached your ocean, he became even more troubled. He gets the cutest, concerned look on his face. When your vicious waves came rushing up to him and ran over his feet,

he squealed like a girl and jumped in his daddy's arms!

But, not his sisters! They rolled and splashed all in your salty water. They let your waves slap them in the face and knock them down. They giggled and were in their own little world.

The next day brought more joy for Landon. He decided it was a lot of fun to be out with daddy and Laurel riding your waves. If daddy was out with Laurel and Savannah, he would stand at your shore line with his arms reached out saying, "daddy, daddy!"

Savannah had the most fun playing in your beautiful, white sand. We watched dolphins play in your ocean and fish flip up in the air. One poor fish lost his life to a sea gull.

We buried each other in your sand!

We built sand castles and collected sea shells.

We had a blast and you are truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. Until next summer Mr. beach, until next time.
Love,
The Claytons

A Gift

2011-06-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

He is the father's day gift that just keeps on giving.

We celebrated Landon's 2nd birthday yesterday, along with father's day. He was born two years ago on father's day weekend.

Last year Landon wanted nothing to do with his cake.

But, not this year. He could not get enough.

He enjoyed every last bit and morsel of his birthday cake! He giggled and made yummy noises and gave us all a good show.
We don't know what we would do without this rambunctious, lovable, mischievous, full of life little boy!

And another thing I love about my sweet husband. He always remembers that video camera. We have years and years of video that my children sit and watch like movies.

Father's Day

2011-06-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Fathers. Wow, what would we do without them. I'm so thankful for the fathers in my life.

Especially my children's father. Seth made it clear when we first met that having a family was the most important thing to him. He is the best father and our children adore him and I adore him. That man to the right of Seth is a great father also. I actually know how Seth will look in his 70's! We call him papa and he is the sweetest man. He has always treated me just like a daughter.

And these are some of papa's sons. They are all great fathers and have been great uncles to my children. Do you know he has two more sons? That's right, he has 5 sons! Galen and Karsten couldn't be with us. We missed them.

And this is my dad. I love this man. He has taught me so much throughout my life. I think I get my wit and sense of humor from him. He is a great dad!

Happy Father's Day!

It's a......

2011-06-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Boy!!

We all walked out of the doctor office and Seth and I looked at each other and I said who would have thought that we would have four children! Just ten years ago I was crying for one and now some days I almost cry because I'm so overwhelmed with three and now four! Funny how life works. We were driving home and Savannah said, "I can't believe it's a boy." Laurel said, "I know. Now that's enough. We have enough kids!" We just all busted out laughing. I could not agree more with Laurel. We feel very blessed.

Sisters

2011-06-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

I have such great memories of sharing a bed with my older sister, Angela. I couldn't help but think of those memories when I saw these two. Angela had blonde hair and I had brown, just like Laurel and Savannah. Angela always wanted us to snuggle in the winter time and in the summer time she would send me down the hall to tap the thermostat on the wall. For some reason the air conditioner would always come on everytime I tapped it. I would run back to bed and she would say, "okay, let's go to sleep fast before it turns off!" I look back on that and wonder, was it really that hot, or was it just thrilling for me to tap it and it magically come on. We would play, you scratch my back, I will scratch yours.

So here I am looking at my two daughters doing the same thing. I will walk by their room at night and hear Laurel telling stories to Savannah. And then saying, "it's your turn now." They play the same back scratching game. They giggle. They go to sleep most nights holding hands. Laurel puts up with the closet light being on because Savannah is afraid of the dark.

What is really funny to me is when Laurel gets up in the morning and says, "Savannah is so wild at night. She is all over the bed. I had to put her head back on the Pillow in the middle of the night. Oh mommy, she is messing up my beautiful sleep!"

Now I know that Laurel is not making any of this up!

Slip-n-Slide

2011-06-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Summer has begun!

~Nothing better than giggly, wet, tan babies!

Las Vegas

2011-06-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial weekend, I met my two sisters and mom in Las Vegas for our second annual girl's trip.

I think we might have a tradition going!
And the older I get the more I realize that it is a good thing to take some time for yourself. I think it makes you a better mother, better homemaker, and a better wife.
We had the best time doing absolutely nothing! We took a nap when we wanted to. We layed out by the pool. We went out to eat. There was no cooking allowed. We watched some cute "chick flicks!" We read books. And I can't wait to do it again. I said goodbye to my mom and sisters at the airport. I was heading to Alabama and they were heading back to Utah.

I had these three adorable ones waiting for me.

You know what made this trip even more relaxing? I knew I had one awsome man at home holding down the fort!

Special Treats

2011-05-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my dad and his sister, my Aunt Julia took a trip south to visit their other sister, my Aunt Jean. It was such a treat when dad and Aunt Julia came to visit us for the weekend. When I was growing up, Aunt Julia and her family always lived out West. We only saw them once a year and sometimes not even that. Aunt Julia always sent her nieces and nephews a birthday card with a $5.00 bill inside. Even though she lived so far away, she made sure that we all knew our Aunt Julia. I thought she was the most fashionable woman ever! She later told me that her first major in college was textiles and design. So, I like to think I took something after her since my major was fashion design. In the few days she was here, my girls grew to love her and still talk about her.

Aunt Julia spent so much time with them. Anytime we went anywhere she would squeeze between them in the very back of the van. They played video games on her cool phone and she put lipstick on them. I came home from a wedding shower Saturday night and found them in the bed with her all snuggled up. I just thought it was great that they know my Aunt Julia now and will never forget her.

It's great to see that brothers and sisters, at any age, can still have fun with one another! If Uncle Tommy had been able to come the whole family would have been together. We missed him! Aunt Jean and Uncle Marvin came up to my cousins house and we all got together that Sunday afternoon. Since my family lives so far away, it is always a treat to see them. I love being around my Aunt Jean because she reminds me so much of my grandmother. It is honestly like watching the grandmother I knew.

My dad showed me an old box that Aunt Jean had given him while they were visiting her. It was a box of daddy's things that grandma had saved. I found two letters that I had written her when I was a little girl. And then there was a letter that she had written to all of the grandchildren. This letter is priceless. She was such a great woman and I loved her so much. I loved being able to read a letter from her all these years later.

Donuts For Dad, Or Papa

2011-04-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Savannah had been counting down the days until Donuts for Dads.

Seth had to unexpectedly go out of town with work and was not going to make it back in time.

Of Course, mothers could go if the dad couldn't make it. But, I decided that Savannah wouldn't be as disappointed if Papa could be her daddy's replacement. And boy, was I right! She was so excited and so was he!

March

2011-04-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Some things to remember for the month of March:

Our Sweet Daddy Turned One Year Older!

Landon Overcame His fear of Dirtbikes. He Had No Choice, When He Was Thrown Into A Huge Dirtbike Race!

His Daddy Placed First Place.... WhooHoo!!

Landon Now Goes Around Saying, "Vroom, Vroom!"

This First Trimester Almost Turned Me Into a Crazy Woman!

I Gave Myself An Attitude Adjustment And Mama Is Going To Be OKAY!!

Which Makes Daddy And The Little Ones Very Happy!

Landon Knows His Animal Sounds And Screams Out Neigh And Moo All The Way To And From School!

All Of The Alphabet Letters Are "B"

He Wants To Be Outside All Day Long

Which Means I Have Issues Keeping The House In Order!

What Do You Do?

I Say, It Is Way More Fun Being Outside!

Closing a Chapter

2011-03-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Seth was 31, I was 29 when we got married. We knew that we wanted to start a family right away. I mean come on, we were not spring chickens, we knew we didn't have time to wait. I had never thought that it might not happen right away. After a year and no baby, we decided to go to a fertility specialists. We worked with Dr. Steinkampf for the next year doing all kinds of procedures. There were many tears, emotional roller coasters, talking about my infertility issues way too much to anyone who would listen, getting angry when I would hear about someone dumping a baby in the dumpster and oh, my poor husband. I don't think I could have gone through this with anyone else. He is an amazing person who always had his faith, plus mine, when I had none. Finally, We found out I was pregnant. We were the two happiest people on earth. I continued working during the pregnancy at Parisian. Two weeks before my due date, my water broke. The labor and delivery nurses said that I was the happiest pregnant woman they had ever seen. I knew that I was about to begin the job I had always wanted.
Laurel was born on August 8, 2003

I was the happiest mom. Laurel was the best baby and my world was consumed with her. Then I remember the roller coaster ride starting again. What if she was it? What if I would not be able to give her a sibling? After months of trying on our own, we returned to Dr. Steinkampf. So much was going on in our lives at that time. We were planning a move to Utah and in the meantime we were house sitting for some friends. I was anxious because I wasn't pregnant yet and we were moving to another state. I knew that I would have to find a new fertility specialists. I was scheduled for a surgery on a Friday and I found out that Monday that I was pregnant! We were so excited. We moved out to Utah, I found a great doctor and we had Savannah on November 17, 2005.

We were so happy! I loved being a mother to two sweet girls. I loved living around family for the first time in years. It was a great year and a half, but then we decided to move back to Alabama when things did not work out with Seth's job. We had held onto some land that we planned on building a house on. So, that is what we did. We were living life, building a home and enjoying our daughters. We knew we wanted more children and we had figured out by this time that we just were not that couple that could say, " hey, you want to have a baby by next summer?" So, we went back to Dr. Steinkampf and what seemed liked an eternity to me, I was finally able to get pregnant. Landon was born on June 20, 2009.

I felt so blessed. I was the mother of three beautiful children. I was 38 when I had Landon. Seth and I felt complete. Then, when Landon was 8 months old, Seth looked at me and said, "maybe you should go back to Dr. Steinkampf and have that dye shot through your tubes again." (and yes, it is just as painful as it sounds!)
I said, "have you lost your mind?!? I thought we were complete."
He said, "wouldn't it be great if Landon had a little brother?"
Me, "well, what if it is a girl?"
Him, "well, I will take another sweet, little girl."

Me, I dropped the conversation. Can you believe it, I was speechless!

Months go by, comments are made about a fourth child. Like, " I just think if we had not had fertility issuses, we would have had four children." And, he was right. I always thought four children would be perfect.

Then one night, we were saying our prayers and he prayed out loud for a fourth child!
He ended the prayer and I said, "wow, you are really serious?"

The emotions started welling up. It wasn't that I didn't want a fourth child it was the whole process of going back through fertility and what if I couldn't give us another baby. I was worried because I was turning 40. Of course Seth worked his charm there and let me know that I didn't look 40. He even came home with a statistic that more 40 year olds are having babies now than 20 year olds.

He called me one afternoon this past December and said, "our insurance is changing, so if you are going to have the dye procedure you need to schedule it before January." Yep, thanks Obama!

So, we talked and I said, "I will have this one procedure done. And we can try through March and after that we need to close this chapter." He agreed. We knew we had this one last chance. It's not like we could wait a few years to discuss having a fourth child. Unfortunately age moves forward, not backwards.

So Seth and I went to Dr. Steinkampf. I think he was a little shocked to see us. He has five children of his own so he completely understood. He told me that I hold the record for the most return visits. Oh well, I guess it's nice to hold the record for something, right?
I said, "okay, this is the deal. We are going to try until March and then we are closing the chapter."
He said, "well, Mrs. Clayton, you aren't giving me very long."
So, I had the dye procedure by the end of December.
Me, of little faith, just did not think it would happen by March. It had never happened that quick before. We were all praying. Seth and I were fasting.

Prayers were answered! We found out right before Valentine's Day that I was pregnant. The whole family went to Dr. Steinkampf's office yesterday for the ultrasound. We are beyond excited! Dr. Steinkampf met all of our children that he had a part in getting here to this earth. He hugged each one and then he hugged me. I thanked him for all he had done for our family. We said our goodbyes. I feel so blessed to be a mother to these sweet children.

Baby Clayton is due October 23, 2011

Surprise Loss

2011-03-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

I love how Laurel and Savannah write letters to everyone! I hope their journaling skills continue through life. Savannah put this under her pillow, along with her tooth, for the tooth fairy. (Laurel helped her little sister out by writing the letter.)

No one knew Savannah's tooth was even loose, not even her. I wish I had grabbed my camera when we all went running into the bathroom. The look on her face was hilarious. She was so shocked that her tooth had just fallen out. It's amazing how all of a sudden she felt so grown up. She kept saying, "I'm such a big girl now because I lost a tooth." Then she would say, "I'm not going to show anyone until I go to kindergarten."

Saturday

2011-02-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

You know it has been a great Saturday, when your girls come in from playing outside all day, and have to strip down in the laundry room and head straight for the shower.

Welcome to their castle! Or, if you ask Savannah, she will tell you it is a "port!"

They discovered this cluster of trees about a month ago and have worked and worked to gather rocks to "build walls" around the castle.

This is the Playroom! Laurel is holding a "telephone." She showed me a really huge leaf, which is a"baby doll."

And across the path from the castle is the barn! Yep, that's right. Savannah is milking a cow!

And here's "prince charming" dropping Savannah off at the front door.

Can you say, we watch too much Little House On The Prairie around here!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

What a great day!
67 degree weather of sunshine.
Valentine parties.
Lots and lots of candy.
2 hours at the park with two of my valentine's.
And my main Valentine is bringing home take out!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Muffins For Mom

2011-02-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Savannah's preschool had a special program for the mothers on Friday. She sang some of the cutest songs to me. She just looked so cute and confident up there on stage. Just like a big girl who is ready to go off to Kindergarten.

These were some of the things she made for me. I just have to document that Savannah thinks her mommy is as pretty as a "kitty cat!"

Her teacher put together this collage on a frame. I love how she said that she wants to be a doctor and a mommy!

It Finally Stuck

2011-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

I will have to say that sometimes I forget to Stop. And. Enjoy. The. View.....

But this morning it was breathtaking! For a minute, I daydreamed that I was at a resort in the mountains and then I was snapped back to reality when I heard we had regular school hours today.

And this is what Laurel thought about that! I must agree with her. I think it should be a school rule in the state of Alabama if there is ever any snow stuck to the ground, School. Is. Closed. Don't they know snowmen need to be built and sledding is a must.

On the other hand, Savannah was so happy, this one time, that she did not have school.

And Landon just stood there and whimpered, with a puzzled look on his face. He didn't know what had taken over his "outside world."

Diaper Catch

2011-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

Yep, we play catch around here with just about anything!

Why sure, you can teach your son how to throw and catch with a dirty diaper. Now, don't be too grossed out, it's only tee-tee not poo-poo! I asked!!

No wonder he wants nothing to do with me when daddy gets home. He's way cooler!

Please Shine Down On Me

2011-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Oh Mr. sun, SUN, mister golden SUN... Please shine down on me
Oh Mr. sun, SUN, mister golden SUN, hiding behind a tree
These little children are asking you, to please come out so they can play with you
Oh Mr. sun, SUN mister golden SUN...please shine down on me.

I can't get this song out of my head. I have one little boy who needs his outside time!

Laurel ~~played hooky~~ was sick today. She woke up saying her throat was sore and that she just didn't sleep well last night. It was so rainy, cold, dark and dreary outside that I immediately said, "do you want to stay home?" It was apparent a few hours later that she probably could have gone to school.

But this little guy was so happy to have her around. He has been her shadow. She is so good with him. She just propped him up in the window and was pointing to different things trying to get him to say them. He pretty much walked around all day saying, "DA-DDY." He pronounces it very matter of fact. I try to get him to say, "MOMMY," but he looks at me and gets louder and louder saying, "DA-DDY."

Here's to a rainy, dreary Friday, where we are dreaming of Mister Sun, Playing hooky and working on saying,
"Mommy!"

Random Days... Random Thoughts... And One Green Chair

2011-01-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

Who needs a housekeeper.....

When you've got this little guy!

He even sweeps in heels!

Guess who came to babysit for me a few Saturdays ago? Papa, Seth's dad. Now, I would have never thought to ask Papa to watch my children, by himself. He knew I was having trouble finding a babysitter so I could go to my sister-in-laws baby shower. She is about to have the second "Clayton grandboy." And, boy oh boy are we excited! Anyway, Papa called me up and asked if he could watch them. I couldn't help but laugh when Savannah said, "Papa is taking care of us?" He can't watch us, he's an old man." And he is. He's 70 something, I forget. I forget because you would never know it. Memories were made that day and all survived!

I made my first pillows!

They were all centered around this green chair. Seth had this chair before we got married and I've been decorating around it ever since. Our first year of marriage, I looked for a chair slipcover to cover it up because I didn't think it could possibly be in style. Then my Aunt Barbara, the decorating queen, came for a visit and told me that this green color was very popular. So, my wheels started turning and Mom flew down from Utah and we spent two weeks decorating mine and Seth's room around this green chair. At the end of the two weeks, we did the whole cover your eyes, light the candles, reveal with Seth. It was so much fun! Then the chair went to the guest room years later. And then to the basement when we had Landon because the guest room became Landon's room.

I had this polka dot chair already and I wanted another chair to fill the space. I found one, but knew we didn't really have $200 to spend on a chair. So I brought the green chair up from the basement. This polka dot chair has a robins egg blue circle in it. I knew that green, blue and brown all go, but it really wasn't working. Even Seth wondered how I was going to tie the green in. Well, I knew that could be done through pillows. I was in Hobby Lobby one day and what did I find? That's right, fabric with all of my colors. I almost screamed right there in the middle of Hobby Lobby. It was as if I had sat down with a fabric designer and said this is what I need! I love it! I love how fresh and light and airy it looks. Now, if you are not a lover of green, this is probably one ugly chair to you. I think I inherited my love of green from my mom. I'm having fun putting this room together. I just wish mom was here. Decorating is always more fun with mom!

40

2011-01-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

Forty! Really?

Bring. It. On . Baby. Wow, I remember when 40 sounded really old. Well, it's not looking too old today. I seriously can not believe I'm 40. It seems just like yesterday I was building straw houses and riding fourwheelers with my cousins.

So, how should one forty year old act? I'm really excited that I have three crazy, funny, so imaginative, active children to keep me young. That's right. I'm happy about that right now. Ask me how I feel in ten years when I'm 50 raising crazy teenagers.

This photo shoot was courtesy of Laurel and Savannah. Laurel posed me and said, "sit right here. Put this arm here and this hand here." The girls asked if they could take some pictures of me for a surprise they wanted to do for my birthday. I said sure. You know, there aren't a lot of pictures of me. I'm usually the one behind the camera. I always grab the camera and Seth grabs the video camera. I think he might get the better end of the deal here. It never fails he grabs the video camera when I have on no makeup and I'm in awful pajamas!

Okay, so Tessa, if you are reading this, your Christmas card was our favorite!!! You were all so stinking cute with your in the air poses. How cute were you grabbing your feet. Well, as this photo shoot began, Laurel said, "mom can you do criss cross applesauce in the air?" I said, "what are you talking about?"
Laurel said, "remember the lady who was in the air holding her feet?" I said, "oh yeah, Tessa. Well, I will give it a try."

Tessa, please tell me that you are still in your twenties because this 40 year old mama can not get her legs in the air like that! So I pulled out this jump and Laurel said, "wow, were you a cheerleader?" Um, No but hopefully I scored some points in the cool mom category.

So here's to forty! I'm not going to let it get me down. I'm embracing the age!
Does this mean I will need to be completely dressed and in the kitchen making breakfast tomorrow morning when the children wake up?

Dear Grandma and Grandpa

2011-01-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

My mommy thinks I might have turned a corner this past week. You see, I'm not as whiny and clingy. I seem to be laughing a lot more and maybe even playing a little more by myself.

I don't know why they think that gate will keep me from climbing stairs! If I am really quiet and sneaky, I can climb pretty far before someone finds me.

I really like to play with cords. I like to drag these things all over the house. But, when mommy starts to plug one of these in, I am out of there! The loud noise really scares me. I don't know how daddy will ever get me on a dirtbike.

I also like putting things over my head. Even plastic bags. Mommy keeps saying something about it being dangerous, but I do it anyway. I like to put it over my head and spin around until I am really dizzy! Don't worry, mommy is never far away.

Do you know my mommy loves me so much! She is always hugging and kissing all over me! If my hair looks funny, that's because mommy and daddy (I really think it was more daddy) got a bright idea to let mommy cut my hair. You know she cuts my daddy's hair, so they thought I would let her cut my hair. I don't like sharp objects coming towards my eye. I don't like clippers that sound like bumble bees either. So, mommy did an awful job! One side is a lot shorter than the other. But daddy said I still have a cute face!

I really love taking a bath! I know, mommy told me I would love my bath one day. I didn't like it so much when I was younger. I like playing in water so much that sometimes I can't wait for someone to take off my clothes. I know how to get in the tub and turn on the water all by myself. I almost made my sister late for school though.

I am also saying some words. My favorite is "here oo go." I am even saying my sister Laurel's name. My parents sure gave me some tough names to say. It sounds like this, "wawa." I'm still working on the other sister's name. I walk around saying, "E-I-E-I-O." I even said, "Yee-ha" at the end of a song. I put my hands to the side of my face and say, "nigh, nigh." I love it when my mommy rocks me and sometimes I hum with the music. I have a pretty good life around here and can't wait for you to come and visit me. I am growing up really fast!

Love,
Landon

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

The Anticipation
Every Christmas we would wake up early and run to mom and dad's room and we would have to wait. Daddy said the same thing every year, "wait here and let me see if Santa came." He would go and check things out and then he would call for us to come. It was a mad dash to the tree. I wonder if my children will have these same memories when they look back. Seth always goes in and turns on the lights and puts on Christmas music and gets the video camera ready to capture their first expressions. And they are in the hallway saying, "can we come in now?"

The Note From Santa
Laurel, Savannah, and Landon came running into the living room and were so excited to find exactly what they had asked for under the tree. Then....

Laurel found a note from santa by the fireplace. This was my favorite part of Christmas morning.
Aww... the magic of Christmas!
The looks on her and Savannah's face was priceless.
The note said to find and follow the lights to find a surprise.
They were confused at first. We told them to look around and find the lights.....

They found the lights and dropped to their knees and started crawling. It's always interesting to see how children respond to excitement. I thought Santa had a brilliant idea with the strand of lights. (He might have had a little help from a certain Lexus commercial! :)

Surprise! Santa brought a trampoline! They had no idea and were so excited.
And then this magic happened....

It started snowing!! On Christmas Day, we had the most beautiful snow falling in Alabama. The view was so pretty. It wasn't cold enough to stick to the ground, but it sure was beautiful to watch.

This little guy just pointed and jabbered all day. He loved his firetruck and loved the siren even more!

Seth's mom came up. We had Christmas lunch with her.
This has been the best Christmas!
I love seeing and hearing the innocence of my children.
Laurel asked me the other day if she was alive when Santa was a baby? I told her that Santa has been alive for a really long time. She said, "wow, I bet he is really old!" "When will he die?"
I said, "It's magic Laurel. It's all magic."

Merry Christmas

The imagination of a child and Surprise gifts from Laurel and Savannah

2010-12-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas, I walked into the laundry room and found these two making the biggest mess. I have realized that they have the best imagination and a mess can be cleaned. So, I asked them what they were doing and they said that they were making Christmas dresses for their dolls. Aw... these are two girls after my own heart. They were making dresses out of my scrapbook paper.

This morning they came out with presents for Seth and I and for each other. They had wrapped them with Scrapbook paper.

They made me a necklace!

Of course, Daddy got Chocolate!

Laurel made Savannah a peppermint heart!

Savannah made Laurel a singing card, which they must have discussed, because Laurel immediately started singing when she opened the card!

I loved that they came up with this idea!

Christmas Eve at Granny and Papa's

2010-12-25T19:23:00.000-08:00

We always have so much fun at Granny and Papa's house on christmas Eve. My children love seeing their Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and of course Granny and Papa. Who needs presents when you have a cool train running around your tree!

When we got home, Laurel pulled out this letter she had written to Santa Claus. She wanted to make sure he took it with him. I Love this stage. Could it just stay like this forever?!?

Twins, but really Triplets!

2010-12-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

HA! I bet that got your attention....no, I'm not expecting! Just doing a little babysitting for a friend this week. She has twin girls who are 1 month younger than Landon, who makes up the triplet part:)

So, I have discovered some things this week:
First, my hat is off to you with twins, triplets, quads.....and your probably just crazy if you get past this number!
Second, I do think if I had one more week with them, I could lose another 5 pounds. I'm so busy I don't have time to eat, which is probably not a bad thing just coming off Thanksgiving!
Third, babies will love whoever is loving on them. They have been the sweetest and most loving little babies.
And, lastly, I don't think Landon is ready to give up his mommy to anyone else!

Savannah has been my little assistant. She has saved me many times when my arms were outnumbered. We put all three of them down for a nap and I said, "Whew!" and Savannah said, "Whew!" Then she said, "I don't know what to do now that those babies are asleep." I said, "Let's paint."

Then I realized that she draws people like this now.

Instead of the "alien" like people she use to draw. When did this happen?

Then, we discovered Landon's masterpiece! Thank goodness for magic eraser!

And thank you for some warmer weather today!

Sunshine=happy children!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

GIVING THANKS WITH FAMILY!

We had Thanksgiving dinner with Seth's family. I was looking at this picture and can't believe how much the family has grown since I married Seth. And this isn't even all of them. We were missing his brother Karsten and his sister Lorria, and her family.

Kimball and Jamie
They are expecting their first baby in February. We are so excited that Landon will have another boy cousin close to his age.

Roger, Jordan, Galen, Jennifer and Spencer
We were so excited that Galen could visit from California!

I'm so grateful for this sweet family!

Cousins
I love how Laurel and Savannah wanted to wear their Indian t-shirts that they made at school.

We celebrated Savannah's 5th birthday with the family!

We had a great time. We stayed at Granny and Papa's Thursday and Friday. We had so much fun watching the Auburn vs. Alabama game with everyone. I'm so mad I forgot to take a picture of Granny and Papa. They came out with Auburn hats on. They were wearing Alabama T-shirts. They had their jeans rolled up and were wearing one of each team's socks. So cute!! They were trying to stay neutral. But, let me just tell you, it was obvious who Granny was pulling for! And her team did not pull out the win!
WAR EAGLE!!

They always do such a great job of hosting everyone! Thanks for some great food and a great time!

November 17, 2005

2010-11-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Five years ago, We welcomed our sweet Savannah. She has been such a joy to our family. I found out I was pregnant with Savannah right before we moved to Utah. It was the best pregnancy, no Alabama humidity! We were so excited that Laurel was going to have a little sister. I had Savannah about two weeks before the ground was covered with a blanket of white snow. We were home bound for most of the winter months and I loved every minute of it. There was no schedule. My schedule was loving and snuggling this new baby and making sure Laurel still felt loved.

Laurel adored her little sister then and she loves her even more now. They have such a sweet bond.

I can't believe she is five. She has this new, sassy attitude. I wish I could carry a recorder around and record the things she says. She will tell you that she loves you multiple times a day and my favorite is when she says, "I could just gobble you up, mommy!"
Well, I could just gobble you up too, Savannah!
Happy Birthday!

The Difference Between a Man and a Woman

2010-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Our Little Landon is like a tornado going through the house. I clean up and he is right behind me messing up. It is a vicious cycle. It usually ends with Landon and I playing on the floor. But, this results in piled up laundry and messy rooms, which makes me a crazy mom.

On this day, when things got quiet, I knew we were in trouble. I found this messy activity going on in the bathroom. He was so content and was having so much fun just shredding the toilet paper into tiny pieces. I decided that was one mess I could clean up later and said, "carry on son!" This occupied him for at least 20 minutes. I was able to get three loads of laundry folded and put away.

When Seth got home, I showed him the pictures on the camera. He looked at them with a grin on his face and then said, "that wasn't a brand new roll of toilet paper, was it!"
Now, that is the differnce between a man and a woman!

One of my favorite gifts

2010-11-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

A handmade anniversary card by Laurel and Savannah

Ten Years Ago

2010-11-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ten Years Ago I was smooching this handsome man as the new Mrs. Seth Clayton. Seth asked me out on our first date on April 12, 2000.  He asked me to marry him on September 9, 2000. We were married in the Birmingham Temple on November 11, 2000. I give this time line because, Whew... that was quick and we really didn't know, for 100% guarantee, that we weren't marrying a crazy person!

I like to call it the interview process.  As we started our dating process, Seth offered to help me with a budget. Managing money was not my strong point at the time. So, Seth knew all about my finances before he asked me to marry him.  Sneaky little guy, huh! Then he asked me to come over one Saturday and help him work in the yard. He later told me he wanted to see if I was a hard worker. Well, I did a lot of work in the yard growing up, so I nailed that test!  He asked me every question you could imagine about life, children, career... It was very important to him that I stay home with our children.  We have had to be very thrifty at times, but he has made that possible. And through this "interviewing" process, I learned so much about the kind of man he was.

As I was dating Seth, I just remember thinking this is the easiest, most comfortable relationship I have ever had.
Here we are ten years later!

I love his patience.
I love his kindness and gentleness.
I love the kind of father he is to our children.
I love his work ethic.
I love how safe he makes me feel.
I love his commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I love that he is a spiritual leader to our family.
I love how he says, "settle down little lady," when I get flusttered.
I love when I answer the phone and he says, "hello wonderful."
I love how he respects me.
I love how he likes to go fast on a dirtbike!
I love how protective he is of us.
I love how he tries to make each day a good day.
I love his positive attitude.
I love how he kisses me hello and goodbye.
I love how he tells the children, "the first kiss goes to Mom."
I love how he still holds my hand.
I love how he is not a critical person.
I love how he brings me my favorite cookies at the end of a bad day.
I love how he lets me sleep in on Saturdays.
I love this Man.

Happy Anniversary!

A day with Savannah/Old Baker's Farm

2010-11-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Savannah is having so much fun at pre-school. These are three of her best friends. I have to document a story about these girls. They got in trouble one day because they all went into the same bathroom stall. They had been warned by their teacher that they would have to pull their green popsicle stick if she caught them doing this again. Well, she caught them! I was told they walked back to class with their heads hung low. Savannah went to pull her stick and discovered she did not have a green stick. The teacher and her assistant had to hide their faces because they were laughing so hard. When they set up the room, they ran out of green sticks and decided not to put one in Savannah's envelope because they did not think that sweet, quiet girl would EVER pull a stick!

Picking cotton

It was such a treat to get to spend the day with Savannah. She is such a sweet girl.
And yes, we did have a lesson on being a Leader not a Follower!

Halloween

2010-11-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Every Halloween Laurel says, "We don't live in a community!" So everyone Halloween we get to borrow our friend's neighbors for some trick-or-treat fun. This year we went to our good friends, Dan and Debbie Bethers. It was so much fun to trick-or-treat with her and her sisters and their children.

Landon fell asleep before the fun began. So Seth and Dan stayed home with Landon and Lizzie. They watched football and handed out candy!
(War Eagle!)
Thank you Dan and Debbie for a great time!

A Day With Laurel

2010-11-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Field Trip to Hargis and Fall Party

Laurel found a just right pumpkin, after putting many back on the ground!

Laurel with her class. Can you find her teacher? Yes, that is her with the sunglasses on. Funny story: When I found out that Laurel had Miss Roy for her 1st grade teacher, I asked several people if they knew anything about her and everyone said, " I know she is really pretty!" Finally, I said, "well, can she teach?" Turns out, she is pretty, but, she can also teach!

Laurel with two of her good friends on the hayride

Laurel and mommy at her fall party! It is so rare to get one on one time with Laurel anymore. This was such a great day with just the two of us. She has the funniest personality and I love having conversations with her. She keeps me laughing~

See what I mean? I pulled into the grocery store and looked in the rearview mirror and this is what I saw!
I love this GIRL!!

Spook-tacular Events!

2010-10-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Trunk-or-Treat

We had so much fun at our church's trunk-or-treat! Laurel was a ballerina and Savannah was a poodle. They had so much fun playing games with their friends and getting candy! We had to go to Plan B with Landon's costume. Who knew that it would be 80 degrees on Halloween! He wore a short set with a dirtbike on his shirt. We should have gotten Seth to put on his dirtbike gear!

I love this time of year. There is just one magical event after another! I loved watching Landon run all over the place experiencing candy and strange costumes for the first time. I loved how he would check in with me every once in a while. He would run up and tap me on the behind and then he was right back in his daddy's arms.

Thank you notes from Laurel

2010-10-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

I went into Laurel's room this morning and saw this on the dry erase board.

Mommy
I love You
thank you mom for taking care of me!

thank you daddy for working for us!

What a great way to start your day!

OH BOY!

2010-09-30T07:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Landon,

I just want you to know what a joy you are. You wear me out every single day! You are a constant ball of energy. You want to explore and touch everything in sight. I am so happy I was blessed to have a boy. Oh, how different you are from your sisters. Your grandma tells stories about your dad. There was a time she could not find him and finally looked in the kitchen where she found him on top of the table with a bunch of bananas stuffed in his mouth. And then there was the time he climbed the dresser by pulling out all the drawers. I feel like I'm witnessing a glimpse of how your dad was as a toddler. Now, I've heard I was a very calm child. So, I guess I'm getting paid back for your dad's mischievousness. But that's okay, because honestly, I could eat you up with a spoon!

Love,

Mom

Unplanned Pose

2010-09-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

At the end of August, I took Landon to have his pictures made. I wanted a picture of him to match the pictures of the girls at this age. Which are pictures of them standing there about to take off walking. They would never sit down and pose at this age. So, that is the shot I was after. It took Landon a little while to warm up to the photographer. He would walk away from me and when she made a move, he would come running back and lean against my arm.

Well, look at this BEAUTIFUL pose she took of him.

And guess what? I ordered it in a 20X24! Yep, that is one big picture!! And, I love, love, love, it!

And guess what? When I picked up the pictures yesterday, the photographer asked me if she could enter this photo in a contest!
And I said, "Um, Yes Mam you can!" If he wins, the picture will go in all the Target books.

I love TARGET! I originally had made an appointment somewhere else.
When I made the appointment, the girl told me that I would need to plan on bringing in $200 the day of the photo shoot, in order to get a good package!

I hung up and thought, she did not just tell me how much money to bring, did she?
I called right back and canceled that appointment.
That's how we ended up at Target!
I got a 20 x 24, a 10 x 13, a free 8 x 10 for....$68.10!
I can't wait to hang them on the wall!

P.s. I miss his long hair!

Today my name is "Lizzie!"

2010-09-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Look at that SASSY face! This morning Savannah informed me that she wanted to be called "Lizzie" today. To be exact, she wanted to be called Lizzie Isabella Bella.

So Lizzie, Landon and I went for a walk. We found this bed of wild flowers that I made Lizzie pose in.

At snack, all of her "sweeties" (that's what she calls her babydolls, stuffed animals) needed a snack also. At one point she had three "sweeties" under her shirt and told me she was having three babies! At the end of the day she told me that it was hard work taking care of all these sweeties!

I love this girl's imagination! I had fun hanging out with "Lizzie" today.

The only feet I've known, are gone!

2010-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

What are these heavy things on my feet?!? I don't like them not one, little bit!

Quit snapping pictures and help me out here. I can't move!

Finally, those sweet girls who take care of me all the time, to the rescue!

Savannah's First Day of Pre-school

2010-09-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

The countdown began 24 days ago! Not for me, but for her. Savannah is so excited to attend her second year at Tiny Blessings. Laurel tells her all the time that Pre-school is the most fun, that when she gets to big school it's alot of work! So Savannah has one more year of FUN, FUN, FUN!

Now it's just me and this little stinker:

This is his nasty habit of sticking both hands in his mouth and gagging himself! He thinks it is hilarious, I think it is quite scary!! It will be fun having some one-on-one time with Landon. I see lots of bugs, dirt, rocks, and climbing in my future!

Savannah's Feet

2010-09-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Savannah came into my bathroom and sat on the side of the tub while I was putting on my makeup. We had this conversation.

S: Mommy, you are so pretty.
Me: Well, thank you Savannah. So are you.
S: Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a mommy just like you.
Me: You are so sweet.
S: But, I want to be a mommy without all of that white stuff on my feet!

Dear Savannah,
I love how you inherited your daddy's tactfullness. He always starts everything off with a positive comment. Thank you for reminding me that in addition to painting over the same polish ten times, I should also pull out the stone and scrub my heels!
Love,
Mom

BIG BOY HAIRCUT

2010-08-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

So, the deal was, I would get Landon a big boy haircut after I got his pictures made. Why do I feel like I have lost a part of my little baby boy? Should I feel this way? Laurel got in the car and said, "why did you do that to him?" She thinks he looks funny and different. I think his bangs may be a little short. I'm just happy he still has both eyes. Her scissors got mighty close several times because he was so wiggly. He and I both were covered in hair when it was all said and done.

I think his daddy will be so happy! Seth has always let me do whatever with the girls. He has never really had an opinion about their clothes or hair. However, he has been the opposite with Landon, which I think is pretty cute.

So, we are surprising daddy tonight with a big boy haircut!

P.S. Mom, that is the table that Seth's mom gave me. Isn't it beautiful?

Two Days Late

2010-08-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

Because of our family reunion, Laurel started school two days late. We went back and forth about whether we should go and let her miss the first two days of school. Then we decided, it's only first grade, let's go!! And I think she is glad we did.

So, on the way home from the airport Sunday night, I asked Laurel what she wanted to wear. She said, " I want to wear the dress you just made." I told her that I had not sewn the ruffle on yet. She said, "well, I can stay up and splash water in your face!" So of course I had to get it done!

When I picked her up from school, I asked her how her day went. The first thing she said was, "the girl that sits beside me has the funniest laugh I have ever heard!" So, sounds like my little first grader will have a great year.

Family

2010-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way to say goodbye to Summer. We got to take a really quick trip to Utah for a family reunion. Laurel and Savannah got to see cousins they had not seen in a really long time. I got to see cousins I had not seen in over 20 years. Landon got to meet people for the first time.

There was four wheeling, horse riding, trampoline jumping, lots of eating and lots of talking!

We celebrated Laurel's 7th birthday! We crossed over a creek, via a huge log to get family pictures. That was interesting! Whew, it was a fun trip and as always hard to say goodbye to family.

SEVEN

2010-08-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

LAUREL turned 7 on August 8th! I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I tell her all the time that Heavenly Father knew I needed her first in our family. She keeps me laughing with her great sense of humor. She keeps me on my toes with her deep questions. She is just pure joy!

Fairy Tales, Magic Shows, and Concerts

2010-07-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

This has been one hot summer.

If we have not been in the pool, we have been visiting our Birmingham Children's theater and our public libraries.

Have I ever bragged on our Birmingham libraries? I think they are some of the best! Even our little Chelsea library has offered some cute programs this summer.
Here are some pictures of us with some friends at the play, The Three Little Bears. The Children's Theater puts on the best plays for not a lot of money at all. We only spent $26 for Laurel, Savannah and me. It even held Landon's attention for a whole hour. When we left, I looked at my friend Dana and said, "I love Birmingham," and I do!

Check out Landon at the girl's feet! He did not know what to think about the big bears!

We also went to a great magic show at the Chelsea Library. The magicians were a husband and wife duo. They were amazing and I could not figure out how they did any of their tricks. And what makes a magic show even better? You and your friends getting picked to be hula girls!
Laurel was very excited! Today we went to the Roger Day concert at the Hoover library! He is a great singer and entertainer. He has made up some great, silly songs for children but at the same time they get the children to think. One of my favorites was Dream Big. I forgot my camera...UGH! But I did get this picture of Laurel and Savannah when we got home. These outfits are one of my favorites that I have made for them. Laurel will be a "cool" first grader this year, so I don't know how much longer she will wear what I sew.

I'm just so appreciative of the people who work so hard, for so little money, to entertain and educate my children. I love the library!

UP CLOSE WITH LANDON

2010-06-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

The same thing happened with Laurel and Savannah. I get a panic feeeling everytime my babies turn one. The feeling that I might forget their squishy, adorable, drooling, little bodies. I know great and new experiences come as they grow and get older, but there is nothing better than a soft, doughy, baby!

Back To May

2010-06-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

My mom, two sisters and I met in Las Vegas for a long girl's weekend over Memorial weekend! I will have to admit I broke down a little at the airport. I was a little anxious and nervous over leaving my sweet Landon. I knew Laurel and Savannah would be okay but my little baby had never been without his mommy.

It was such a relaxing vacation. I felt like the night lasted forever. Since Las Vegas is two hours behind Alabama time, I would wake up at 4:30 and realize how much time I still had left to sleep. We spent time laying out by the pool. I got to actually turn over on my stomach and not have to fear a child was drowning. We ate good food, and I will never disclose the amount one meal costs me!
We saw Donny and Marie! They were excellent and I really want Marie's legs!! Donny is still just as cute as he was when I had a crush on him back in the day.

We watched Mama Mia and I guess I was living under a rock when this movie came out, because I had never seen it. I really need to get out with girlfriends more. But it was so much fun watching it with my sisters and my mom. I really just wanted to go to that island and sing and dance! I mean, I probably would not sound any worse or look any more painful than Pierce Bronson, right?

Oh, it was so much fun but I was ready to get home to my sweet family. Landon survived and didn't even come close to giving me the homecoming I was expecting. Laurel and Savannah, on the other hand, jumped up and down and tackled me! Then Laurel told me, "you are being a sweet mommy!" So I guess the vacation did me some good!

I think we should make it a yearly tradition! Thanks to my sweet mother-in-law for coming to help with the children. Thanks to my sweet sister-in-law for bringing over gatorade to Seth, who got violently ill the first night I left. And a BIG thanks to my sister Audra for providing the time share in Las Vegas!

An extra Special Father's Day

2010-06-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

A year ago on Father's Day weekend, we welcomed our sweet Landon into the world. What a fun year it has been! He loves his mommy, but he loves his daddy even more. There is an undeniable bond between the two. There was not only one proud dad that day, but there was one proud papa! Landon was the first "Clayton grandson!" So now that Clayton name will be carried on.

Happy Birthday Landon and Happy Father's Day Seth!

NINE MONTHS

2010-03-20T18:18:00.001-07:00

Pure Joy

We love you grandpa

2010-03-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun and wish you didn't live so far away!

Grandpa- just one of the kids

2010-03-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before dad left was beautiful weather. We quickly decided that we wanted to spend all day outside. This has been a brutal winter here in Alabama so we were excited to see some sunshine! We went to one of our favorite parks. This was Landon's first trip to the park and he loved every minute of it. We met up with some of our good friends there and it didn't take them long to warm up to grandpa, he is just like one of the kids!

Desota Caverns

2010-03-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

We have driven by the sign so many times and said, "we should go there one day." And come to find out mom and dad would drive by the sign on our way to Georgia every year and say the same thing. Well dad, Landon, Savannah and I, decided the day had come to visit Desota Caverns. Laurel wasn't able to go because she was at school but she got a cute little purse from their adorable gift shop.

We went on a perfect day when they were not busy and got our own private tour of the cave. It was really neat!

A week with Grandpa

2010-03-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

While Seth and my brother Wayne were in Florida and Georgia having a week long marathon of dirtbike racing, we got to spend the week with my dad. Dad, Landon and I hiked Ruffner Mountain. Dad strapped Landon on his back and I will have to say, my 67year old dad is in good shape! However, I'm sure dad will tell you that was just a hill compared to his western mountains. Landon loved it! I think this is the longest he has been outside all winter. It was a beautiful day and the view was beautiful as well.

When I grow up

2010-03-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

Laurel has been obsessed with her mouth since she has been losing teeth. The other day her and Savannah were talking and Savannah said, "when I grow up, I want to be a doctor and a mommy." Laurel said, "well, when I grow up, I want to be a dentist because I want to see what all goes on in there!"

Just in time

2010-02-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

We got this picture made just a few days before Laurel lost her two front teeth. All of a sudden she went from some what still being my "baby" to looking like a really big girl who uses words like "awsome", and "that's so cool"! I can't believe how fast they grow up. It was pretty funny though, while I was up with Landon at 1:00am because he was cutting teeth, I was playing tooth fairy to Laurel because she was losing hers!

It's been 8 months

2010-02-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

and we have loved every minute of it!

Laurel says, "Whew, if I knew babies were this much work I wouldn't have prayed so hard!" But, she loves him. she can make him laugh harder than any of us.

Savannah says, "I just love him so much, I don't want him to ever go away." And she does love him. Everytime Savannah gets a cold, Landon gets one because she is always loving on him.

When I am asked, "how is it having a boy?" I find myself consistently answering, "I am so in love with this boy!"

There is nothing better than hearing Landon's scream/growl when Seth walks into the room. He knows daddy is home and he is about to be thrown in the air!

Happy Birthday Laurel

2009-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Laurel turned 6 on August 8th! We had a family birthday party with grandparents and her uncle Kimball and Aunt Jamie. She got to choose her favorite dinner, California Pizza Kitchen white cheese pizza. And she picked out an icecream cake. It was a very low key birthday celebration and we had so much fun visiting with family.

6 Things We LOVE about Laurel:

Laurel is always happy and smiling!
Laurel is the best big sister to Savannah and now Landon!
Laurel is eager to learn about everything!
Laurel has the best sense of humor and makes up the funniest songs!
Laurel is very obedient and wants to please her parents!
Laurel is very compassionate and wants to include everyone when playing!

We love you and are so proud of the little girl you are becoming.
Happy Birthday!

We are in love

2009-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Landon Seth was born on June 20, 2009. He weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. He has already brought so much joy to our family.

Winter Wonderland

2009-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago, Laurel said that she wished we would move back to Utah where it snows. She said it wasn't fair that her cousins got to play in the snow and she didn't. Her preschool had obviously done a great job covering the "winter season" topic. I had a five year old dreaming of snow. What fun it was to see her face when she woke up to lots of snow yesterday.

We went out and built the biggest snowman that I have ever witnessed from Alabama snow.

While the girls were inside warming up with some hot cocoa, Seth was hunting for the perfect sled. They headed back out to sled down the hill.

We went in and took naps. And just like that the snow was gone, as if it had all been a dream. That night Laurel hugged me and said, "mommy, this was the best day ever!" One little five year old's wish had come true and one little three year old had experienced snow for the first time.

The Faith of a Child

2009-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

On May 8, 2008 the girls and I were in the car and this is how the conversation from the backseat went:
Laurel: "Savannah, you know when I was a baby you weren't born yet. You were in Heaven with Jesus."

Savannah: "uh,uh"

Laurel: "Savannah, did you pick us out a sweet little baby brother while you were there?"

Savannah: "uh,uh"

Laurel: "You did? What's his name?"

Savannah: "I don't know."

Laurel: "I know, we can call him Seth."

I was in the front seat with tears streaming down my face and went home and wrote this all down so I could hold onto Laurel and Savannah's faith. We had been trying to have another baby for over two years and there were many days I had just given up hope. Laurel was always diligent to pray that we would have a baby brother. If she forgot, we would say another prayer immediately. There were days I was discouraged and I would say, "Laurel, do you think we will have another baby?" and she would reply, "yes mommy, you just have to keep praying." So we did.....

We found out last Monday that we are indeed having a little boy!!!!
And with her simple faith, Laurel said, "I told you we would have a boy!"

Dirt Road, Wild Daisies, Skipping Rocks

2008-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

About a year after Seth and I were married, Seth began his journey of looking for land. WHAT! I thought I had married a city boy! We lived in a cute little neighborhood, which was convenient to anything and everything. So, as the year went on, his land file grew bigger and bigger. He had many newspaper clippings with "Land for sale" circled. He would take me to see some of these pieces of land and I would say, "well, this is pretty!" And he would say, "It just doesn't have the VIEW I'm looking for."

So after about a two year search, I had come to terms with the fact that I was going to live out on some land with a beautiful view. The day came that he found that perfect view.

You have to travel down a quarter of a mile dirt road to reach our home, that is at the highest point, so we can enjoy this beautiful view. I mean really, who lives this far down a dirt road today?

The reason for this post?

We have now been in our house for a year. And, I must go on record saying that I love my dirt road! I love the peaceful feeling I get when I turn off the busy highway into our little retreat. You never know what kind of wildlife you will see. It could be a pack of deer, or a mother turkey crossing with her little ones. It's really kinda neat that my children get to grow up in the country like I did....

Picking Wild Daisies and Skipping Rocks!

EIGHT wonderful years

2008-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

I love you, Seth!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T17:09:00.001-08:00

"Laurel and Savannah, what was your favorite part of Halloween?" It is unanimous, "THE TREATS!" Laurel was a cowgirl and Savannah was Pebbles, BONE AND ALL, from the flinstones. Why these costumes? Laurel's dance studio was having a five dollar sale on old costumes. I'm usually one that misses out on all bargains, so I was pretty proud of myself this halloween. Laurel's halloween day started out with an all day long party at school, with a little education. "Mommy, bats are notturnal (nocturnal) animals. They sleep in the morning and hunt for food at night."

Savannah waited all day to get to put her costume on. Once it was on, she was ready to go. "Let's go get those treats. Let's go trickytreat." We had a great time trick-or-treating with some good friends, Dan and Debbie, and their two adorable children, Cody and Brooke. They all had fun filling up their buckets with lots of SUGAR!