Turkey Day!

Of course, Turkey Day had to start out with a Turkey Bowl! Brett and a group of guys in the area went to a local park and played football. The boys and I went to watch for the last hours or so. Besides Zea getting covered in filthy, sandy, mud it was a good time. Taft just loved to watch his daddy play football and I am excited for the day when they are all old enough to play together. They sure look up to their Dad...and with good reason!
Next, we went to the Sander house in Allentown, about an hour away. They used to be hour neighbors here but moved after he graduated from Temple dental school. They are great friends and Owen can make one seriously DELICIOUS turkey. I really don't remember ever having one that good in my life...sorry mom :0) but this was amazing. They are renting a 3 bedroom/3 story house, so, there was lots of running room for the children. They basement is one large playroom and so they spent most of their time down there.
It was very relaxing and great company. The Griffitts (other neighbors and friends) also came and Trevors dad, Steve, was in town and cam also. As well as the Coburns who moved to Allentown the same time as the Sanders. Thanks again everyone for a good time and great food.

The Rachel Ray Show

While my mom was in town we went to see a taping Rachel Ray in New York. A friend of mine, Jamie Bohn, got tickets for us online and there was enough for my mom to go also. We were there for 5 hours but it was fun and worth it. We got a free cookbook...bonus. My niece, Hailey, in california is 5 and have loved Rachel Ray since she was 3. I was really wanting to get her autograph for her but the way it was all set up, we saw Rachel Ray but couldn't really talk to her. I had finally come to grips with the fact that I wouldn't be getting the autograph as we were the last ones to leave the studio that night. BUT as my mom was taking my picture outside underneath the canopy with the address on it I heard someone say, "Do you want me to stand in that picture with you?" I couldn't believe it! She was standing right there and I couldn't help but yell with excitment about how badly I had wanted to get an autograph for my neice and had given up on it. Well, she signed a magazine for my niece, and the cookbooks that both my mom and I got. I know she was so exhausted and it meant so much to me to get that for my niece that I had to thank her a number of times and then as we were walking back toward the studio about 5 minutes later (we had gone the wrong direcction) i asked her bodyguard to thank her again. i just don't think there are too many "stars" who would have made that kind of effort after a long day, when we didn't even know she was there to begin with. Maybe she just thought i was so pathetic standing underneath the address. :0) Either way, she was sincerely nice and i was very happy to see that it wasn't just an image.

I was tagged

Okay, so forever ago I was "tagged". I have been so behind in my blog pages (& didn't know what to write) so I have waited until now to do it.
Here are the rules:
1. Each person list 6 facts/habits about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

okay, my 6 things about myself:
1. For anyone who doesn't know by now...I am pregnant. I am due June 7th or 9th (I have heard both); I think I will just say the 8th. What most don't know is that the crazy thing in the Claytons family is that I have 2 other sister-in-laws (Jennifer & Jaidi) due that same month. Busy month for that side of the family...but it will be fun.
2. I HATE to read instructions and I am not good at it. I think I take after my Grandpa Stout (moms dad) in that he was an engineer and like to just look at things and create what he needed. I am not as creative but I can look at something and figure it out better than trying to read how to do it...it usually just confuses me and I feel like it is a waste of time. Even in school, I would do great with whatever was discussed in class but if I had to read something...help!!! I actually throw my anantomy book across the room once because it made no sense to me at all. I am very much a hands on kind of person and am not bad at it either. Brett on the other hand...drives him crazy that I won't read things. He will actually read an entire manuel to something just to know all about it...I am glad one of us will...I will just leave that up to him. I have to go to him to figure out how to work my watch all the time because HE read the manuel for MY watch. Thank goodness for him!
3. I was a bit of a cowgirl in high school. I wore the belt buckle and everything. I raised 2 pigs for FFA and really, really wanted to be a barrell racer. My neighbor (if you could call it that...they lived a mile down the road) had horses and would let me ride. I even set up barrells once and tried. I also tried team roping; it was fun but I like barrell racing better.
4. For someone who eats just about everything...I don't like cake. Of course I will eat it, but I would choose just about any other dessert first. If I do eat it, I like it after it has sat in the fridge for a while and is cold. I seems to make it less fluffy. I really don't like frosting so that doesn't help with the whole cake thing either. I always had angel food cake for my birthdays (that isn't REAL cake) so I love that or ice cream cake...but the real deal...I would rather have pie. I don't understand when cake became the birthday thing...too bad!
5. I dream to be a professional dancer. Dream in the sense that I know it will never happen but when I go and watch groups perform...my heart hurts to do what they are doing. I am not so great anymore but I was not a bad dancer, once. I just never had the training, so, I couldn't do the harder moves. I really think had I had the training I could have done it and that is why I struggle watching other people so much. I still love to go but I just want to run up there and perform with them. Oh well, it is too late now...most dancers retire by my age but at least I have a husband who is willing to learn country dance with me (if we ever find a place or the time) and that should at least help me still be able to dance what I am good at and can do.
6. I guess for the last one I would say that I get a spiritual feeling in/at 2 unique places. I feel a spirtual feeling when I am around patriotic thing (the flag, songs, events, history) I get chocked up about it at times (I know this is not that unusual...at least in my family) but thats one. The strange one is whenever I go to a library. It is almost a spritual peace and excitment to learn. I get this overwhelming desire to sit and read every book in the whole place. This may not seen that weird for people who have always loved books and to read but considering that I was not a reader growing up at all (I used the same book, which I never read, as my reading log for 3 years in high school; I only watched the movie and asked my friend who read the book what was in the book and not the movie). So, for me, it was strange to have such a spiritual and emotional drive to gain knowledge through books. This does not include instruction manuels or boring text books...I still hate those!
Okay, there you have it. Hope it wasn't too boring.
Now I tag...
Tara Jones-http://bradandtara.blogspot.com/
Natalie Tolley-http://meandmavie.blogspot.com/
Natalie Cherry-http://verrycherry.blogspot.com/
Aileen Taylor-http://tysonandaileen.blogspot.com/
Megan Bork-http://nmborkfamily.blogspot.com/
Jaidi Clayton-http://www.lubbockclaytons.blogspot.com/

Glorious Gettysburg

It was quite impossible to catch the beauty and magnitude of Gettysburg on film. There are numerous battlefields, monuments, & landmarks. You truly have to just go there to take it all in. We didn't expect it to be as big as it was and didn't give ourselves enough time (it is, at least, and ALL day event) so, a lot of our pictures were too dark anyhow. This picture at least helps to see one field and its beautiful colors and mass.

We took the audio/CD tour in our car. It was very well done. They boys ended up being the car, practially, all day but did GREAT! They really are little troopers; I was proud of them. Although it did help that Grandma was in the car with them. They just love her!

Our family picture was taken on "Little Round Top". I wish so badly that I could have a picture of how absolutely beautiful this stop was. And then to think of the determination, faith, and courage that took place at the spot on that day just magnifies its glory. What an amazing experience to be there. I thank God for the men who fought that day & everyday for our freedom and the life we now enjoy in this GREAT country! These are the experiences I will miss when we leave in August but always be grateful for. What a blessing it has been to live here for a while. Glad we still have 9 more months!!

Grandma Claudia came to town!!

The same night I got home from New York my mom flew in to visit. They boys were so excited (as was I) to have her here. The loved coming down each morning and finding her there. She stayed for a week and we went to Gettysburg & New York (just mom & I went there). Those are in future blogs.

Mary Poppins New York Trip

Originally, a group of girls were going to go to the Rachel Ray show on Nov. 7th. A small group bought tickets to also go see a broadway show. The Rachel Ray show got changed to the 14th but those of us with broadway tickets still had to go on the 7th, so, we made a day of it. It was Tamar, Alyssa, Robyn and I that went for the full day (thanks again for driving, Tamar). Our first stop was for me, a "white castle" cheeseburger in Staten Island. Apparently, White Castle is an east coast thing, really cheap & tiny cheeseburger that have been around for a while and open all time. I first heard of them when I was a teenager and listened to Beastie Boys. Kim this was for you! After making our way to New York with a few subway detours (we got confused in direction) we ate lunch in Greenwich Village at John's pizza. It was really good and I was able to make one of my favorite stops across the street at this wonderful italian bakery, Roccos, as well.

After a day of walking, subway rides, and eating (we also had dinner at a cart on broadway that sold very good gyros) we made it to Mary Poppins. Teri joined us there. It was very well done and we all had a great time. It was quite a bit different from the movie but I liked the changes. It made the morals of the story much more clear and meaningful. I am so glad that I was able to finally see a broadway play and spend a girls day away with some wonderful friends. We didn't get home until 2:30am and took a couple of days to recoup but it was well worth it. Thanks again for the great day ladies!!!

Kite flying in Valley Forge

We went kite flying at Valley Forge for a family outing. It was the perfect day and a great excuse to use our awesome kites again. We have a dragon and an airplane we got last spring from Costco; one of our best purchases! We really love the fall (especially out here with all of the colors in the trees) and really wanted to get out to see Valley Forge before the leaves fall. It was truly beautiful and we had a great time together. Taft did really well flying the kite all by himself and was pretty excited. Zea needed some assistance but still felt pretty special. They are such great boys, we have truly been blessed!

Halloween

This was Halloween night. Taft had already dressed up three times (preschool, ward halloween party, & a playgroup party at a friends house) but we had yet to get Zea to wear his whole costume until this night. He freaked out everytime; he hates having thick clothings on (anything restricting). He had a fit when we first put it on (thus the crying in our family picture) but once he realized that he was going to get candy out of it and all he had to do was go to a door and ask he was in & had a great time. Taft really wanted to be "Super why" from the new cartoon "Super Readers" but I just didn't have the time to make it so I talked him into being the night the will fight the dragon (his brother). It was a fun night and we have yet to eat all of the candy. I couldn't believe how much candy they got just in our complex. Of course, the suckers where the first things they went for.

First day of preschool

Okay, so before the pumpkin patch was Taft's first day of preschool. He started in september and (in spite of what he looks like in the picture) he was really excited. A friend of mine, Jamie Bohn, in our ward was a kindergarten teacher and now teaches preschool in her basement. She does a great job and Taft really loves it. I just wish I could get more out of hime when he gets home but I guess that is going to be my life with boys...little details. I will keep trying.

A Day at the Pumpkin patch

Taft's preschool class went to the pumpkin patch for a field trip. Hosea and I got to go with them. It was a lot of fun and we had a good time inspite of the rain. In fact, it was pouring so hard at one point that they had to close the corn maze and slide and we all went into the store/ice cream shop. Just walking through the parking lot we got so drenched that we were soaked through our sweatshirts and jeans. Tamar and I had to strip the kids down to diapers/underwear and cover them in a blanket for the ride home. What a blast!

A muddy day with the Griffitts

Taft, Zea, Emma & Abby (Griffitts) found a mud puddle that was created from their day in the sprinklers & really enjoyed themselves. I was pretty funny & I had fun hosing them down. They were pretty excited for their "slow melting" popsicles (that's right mom's, look in the freezers in your stores, it says "slow melting" and they really are; not sure how it works and not sure I want to but it does; I am now okay with giving them popsicles even when they are not in swimsuits). :0)

Girls Camp

I went to girls camp this year for the second half on the week. It was so much fun & I really loved getting to know our girls more. They are so great, especially, considering how hard the areas are where they live. I feel blessed to have been able to be there for some pretty spiritual and special moments with them. I was exhausted when I got home but had a great time. Yeah, Logan ward girls...I love you!
This is Quany, Mimi, Kira, me and Vernisha (who I was introduced to as "Winky").






This is Megan Long, she is in another ward in the stake. We were counslors together over the second years (with 2 other ladies). We hit it off right away; she is so great! Don't worry we were eating a chocolate cake!

One of our girls, Vanessa, braided my hair the day we were leaving. I just wanted it out of my face but she went way beyond the call of duty and gave me cornrows. Taft thought it was pretty funny when he saw me. I wish I had a picture of what it looked like when I took it out...now that was funny...it was all over the place!

Our 5th anniversary

For our 5th anniversary Brett took us to Hersey Park (a water & amusement park). I was in charge of finding babysitting for the day (thank you again Dobson's and Barnhust's) so we were able to spend the day alone and go on any & all the rides we wanted to. Brett debated between the romantic vs. fun anniversary and decided that we need to have some serious fun together more than the other and he was right (as usual) :0).

We had so much fun and were completely whipped out afterward. We have always loved roller coaster rides but I was surprised how weak my stomach has become since I have been pregnant (No, I am not expecting, I just mean since I have had children my stomach has not been the same). Not to worry though, a little food and the time in line and I was good to go again. ;0)

I also turned 30, 6 days before, but we didn't do a whole lot (by my choice) so we don't have any pictures but it was a very nice and relaxing birthday. I was excited to be 30 until my knee and hamstring started to have problems and was taking forever to heal but I am fine with it now. I think it helps to be married to a younger and such a handsome man! ;0)
I mean just look at him...how can you be old next to someone so great! And let's be honest here, he is the more mature and grounded one on the family. :0) It has been a wonderful 5 years and I am excited for the innumerable ones to come.

Another family trip

So, our family went on a vacation to see the Hill Cumorah pagent in PALMYRA, NY (which was pretty cool, actually; especially because they only have one week to work with all of the actors). I have always wanted to see NIAGRA FALLS, also, and it was only another 2 hours past Palmyra, so, we decided to go there also. We had so much fun and it is truly a beautiful place to be (the Canadian side is much prettier but if you never went there the American side would still be quite breath-taking). I think I got a little excited with our pictures on our boat tour because I think the water that got on our camera fried out memory drive so we no longer have any pictures of the pagent or of Niagra Falls :0( so, sad! We did, however, get a couple of pictures of HARMONY, PA.(I believe it is now called Oakland) on our way home (where Joseph Smith lived when he and Oliver Cowdry were baptized and recieved the Priesthood. This is a picture of the water edge behind where his house once stood (no one knows exactly where he was baptized but there is a little area where the water pools that looked like the place I would choose so that is what I took the picture of.
This is a picture of me and the boys standing on the base of the orginal foundation (or what is left of it) of the house that Emma and Joseph lived in at the time. There really is such an amazing spirit to walk at the same places that the early saints walked and stand near place where such amazing miracles occured. We really have been blessed to see so much since we have lived here in Philly.
Below is a picture of the original tombstone that was laid for the baby that Joseph and Emma lost when they lived here. Both of Emma's parents were barried there also. The church has taken the originals and placed them on the back of new tombstone that are nicer (easier to see and read).
The originals for the Emma's parent (the Hale's) look very similar to this one.

Gettysburg Reenactment

We went to the Gettysburg reenactment this year to celebrate our Fourth of July as a family (we went on the 7th, close enough...right). It was a neat experience and (minus the heat and lack of shade) we really enjoyed ourselves. it wasn't on the actually Gettysburg historical site but a feild they rented off a farmer nearby. I was bummed at first because I thought I would see everything there when we went but as I thought about it, I am glad they do it this way as I think it would take away from the experience and sanctity of the actually site; plus, I wouldn't want to experience the actually site with a crowd as big as this one was. I guess we will just have to go back another time...darn! ;0) There was a nice breeze while we were there which helped with the heat but we still went through 8 bottles of water, 2 lemonades and a rootbeer and got quite burnt, inspite of the sunblock. Thank goodness Tamar loaned us her double stroller, the boys were fine; hot but not burnt. Despite what it sounds like we really enjoyed ourselves and are so happy that we were able to experience this.

Our Fourth of July

Brett had to work in the E.R. on the 4th, so, the boys and I just hung out together. We went to a parade in the morning near our house (very small parade) but they boys had fun (mainly because they were throwing out candy to everyone) and enjoyed themselves. That is until the fire trucks started to make noise and then he didn't like it...one time he went to get some candy they had thrown in the street and an fire engine honked at him, I am sure he didn't mean to but, it scared Taft so bad that he didn't even try to get candy for awhile. It was pretty sad, okay, and funny.


We got to the parade early so we bought some dough- nuts, which they thoroughly enjoyed eating, and ran around until it started. It was a good fun to do this withe the boys but we really missed Dad; it's not the same without him. It rained the afternoon and evening so we didn't even get to do the fireworks when dad got home (which Taft would've been happy to hear had he known we were going to do them...he just really, really doesn't like loud noises; Zea on the other hand could care less, go figure).

Pool Day

We decided to finally use our pool outfront on one of these crazy, humid, hot days. The boys had a blast. With how hot it has been we haven't gone outside as much. Hopefully, someday, we'll have a backyard with a fence so I can just send them out whenever they want and not have to be out there with them the whole time. For a little while I can handle but they would be outside all day if I didn't have my limits with the heat. :0)
Zea, getting ready to go into the pool, thought he had found himself quite the stylish hat for the occasion.

Taft's new sheets

Grandma & Grandpa Clayton sent Taft a set of Lightning McQueen sheets along with a sider-man car and a clifford car for Zea. Needless to say, Taft has be thrilled for his new sheets and so has Zea, quite frankly. They both love playing on the bed (whenever they are not being washed). I wish getting them to sleep on them was just as easy! :)
thanks Grandma & Grandpa

Taft's broken collarbone

My first of many (so I hear) Emergency Room visits for broken bones. Taft fell down our stairs and broke his right collarbone. It is so sad but you must admit that little sling is pretty darn cute, not to mention the boy! He is doing fine and being a good sport; in fact, if i didn't see the x-rays I may not believe it was broken. We give him motrin when it hurts and do our best to keep the sling on. He has to wear it for 2-6 weeks. They say at this age he should heal very quickly but it will be at least 2. We take him to a doctor in a week to see how it is healing. This was a crazy way to end a busy week.

Family Temple Trip

We went to the Washington, D.C. temple together as a family. It was wonderful and the boys really enjoyed walking around and going to the visitor center where they saw the statue of Christ and listened to the recording. It was a nice opportunity to talk to the boys and make some sweet memories with them. At two different times Taft told Brett and I that "Jesus loves Him"; it was worth the whole trip for that. I hope he will always feel that! I am so grateful that Christ has made it possible for our family to be together forever. I hope and pray I can live up to my part of that gift.

Brett's White Coat Ceremony

This was Brett's White Coat Ceremony (when they have finished classes and are about to start rotations they get "coated" by a faculty member. The bottom picture is him waiting for his turn. The top picture was the clearest picture I was able to get of my handsome man; he is waiting outside the room for it to start. Our camera battery died right before it ended, so, someone else got a picture of our family that I will hopefully be able to add later. He has worked so hard. We are so proud of him and excited for this next step, okay, excited and nervous.