Thanksgiving in Rexburg!

All the sisters in my family went up to the Rexburg house and celebrated a much-loved holiday. WE had oh.....12 pies (not all pictured), yams, mashed potatoes, huge turkey, rolls, mom's jello, cooked carrots and aspargus, ham, stuffing......SO MUCH FOOD. We started the pies on wednesday, finished them on thursday as well as the rest of the wonderful feast, and kept eating it for 3 more days. It was so fun. We saw a couple movies, put up Christmas lights, went to the BYU-Idaho beautiful new book store, did some Christmas shopping, listened to the new "Christmas Best" CD from Em and Tim, and much much more. My favorite part was the WHITE ELEPHANT gifts we did. Usually the Clason fam does this on Christmas eve, but this year we all won't be together so we did it at thanksgiving. Let's Begin:

First, Heaths' gift from Jordan. Heath is a spurs fan, watches every game up here on TV. Jordan and Tim love how much he loves his team......
I have a love for coloring books. We did a lot of that up there- (CLASON GIRLS LOVE TO COLOR) so Harrison got me this coloring book and High School Musical crayons from the dollar store. So funny!
I got cat six beautiful glass cats to decorate one of the guests rooms at the Rexburg house. They were absolutely hideous!
Dan has a strategy. There is this AMAZING pizza place in Rexburg- Craigo's- and when dan goes and gets the all you can eat, salad, pasta, pizza and dessert buffet, he doesn't eat his crusts, leaving more room for the actual pizza pie. So, when we all went to Craigo's, in shifts due to babies being asleep, we saved all our crusts in the ziploc bag. What a funny idea Emily! We all laughed so hard! Dan- you know, that strategy does work. 
Emily is an artist as most of you know. She is very talented and designs Christmas cards, thank you cards and all sorts for everyone! She is so kind. So, Catherine got her some essentials: Glitter pens, kitty thank you cards- and some pretty crazy looking face thank you cards. It was perfect! Good job cat.
Claire had Jordan. She makes this face that we all call "concerned claire"...and Jordan always catches it. So Tim wrote up for her all of the reasons why she is always concerned. They were so funny. Oh claire, we love you.
Heath and Tim. Tim just bought an old GMC truck that he loves, that has a nice gun rack built in it. What a perfect thing to put on your trailer hitch Tim! 
Dan had Annie. Annie has very sensitive eyes, and the whole weekend she wore sunglasses in the house while we were cooking because the kitchen lights were too bright. A regular thing for her to do. She also gets headaches from certain brightness, so Dan made a visor that connects to her sunglasses and and icepac that ties around her neck!

Annie had Claire. She likes to throw tantrums and bang her head against the floor so anne make her a head-sweat band and padded it to protect her head. It was so funny! 

Tim had Harrison. He is one smart boy. So Tim made him a workbook. Cross word puzzles of his favorite words, people and food. Word searches....very very good work Tim.

Just a few of our many delicious pies that lasted the week and more! Gotta love pies.
Poor little Claire burned her hand on the fireplace, so her parents wrapped it and she snuggled with dad most of the day. Bless her heart. She played for two days with that sock over her hand.
Cat's great way to chop onions. Ski googles! It works!
Harrison loves to watch the "Hot Dog" song from mickey mouse with heath on the computer....again and again and again... we love him.

All in all the weekend was fun. A few accidents, burnt hands, throwing up, screaming because he heard his parents come in the room...... a thanksgiving to remember that's for sure.

Christmas Cards and Gifts!

Hello all. I have such creative people in my family. (Both the Clason side and the Jones side). My sister Emily has designed different Christmas cards for anyone that would like to send some out this year. They are beautiful! With each purchase, $5 will go to our friend Nie Nie. Click on "Christmas Cards for NIE NIE" to the right, to see her great designs and all the information regarding your purchase. My sister-in-law, Britni, has used her creativity and has started a wonderful Children's Boutique business online. She has set up a website with all the wonderful things she makes and sells. (See link on the right: CAMBERLYN). 

It's Over!

Today was the Primary Program. It turned out pretty well. We have about 10 kids on our ward roll, and about 4 come so doing a program was going to be a challenge. So, as a Presidency, we invited all the grandparents in our ward to bring there grandkids. We had 26 show! It was great. About two weeks ago we started writing the program and practiced it yesterday. We all met at the chapel and ran through it one time. Then we served them pizza and prayed that it all would work out. It was chaos (well maybe not, but you know how you get stressed out about stuff and then you start to get hot and irritated and thinking of all sorts of things that you should have said or done). Our Primary Pianist is AMAZING. She composed this beautiful version of "I love to see the Temple" with piano and violin. The girl that learned it only practiced the day before! She is unbelievable. She began when she was 3 and played beautifully. Everyone did well and the sunbeams were so cute: "My name is Madeline and I like horses and I am a child of God." One little boy held the microphone so close to his mouth (touching his lips) and spoke really loud. It was so cute. Another little boy sang really loud especially during the chorus of "We thank thee O God for a Prophet."  Anyway, it went well and it was nice to have a lot of kids in sharing time and singing time. Now I am excited to sleep now, instead of dreaming about kids throwing up, crying, not showing up.....the works. So thanks to my counselors, music leaders, and teachers for helping with everything! 

Happy Birthday

Grandma, I wrote this on Saturday and Saved it to post today, (November 1oth, your birthday) so sorry the date is November 8 up above. Haha)

Happy Birthday. I love you so much and I hope today is fun for you. I have been thinking the past few days about the memories I have of you and the reasons I love you. 

1. You taught me how to read music and play the piano.

2. You make the best homemade chicken noodle soup.

3. You love and respect my dad and mom.

4. I love that your hands are always cold even if it is 100 degrees outside!

5. How you always had gum- BIG RED gum

6. When mom got that wire stuck in her finger and you ran over to the rescue!

7. When you forgot to put chicken in your homemade chicken noodle soup!

8. When you and Aunt Grace would play duets together.

9. When you and I would play duets together.

10. "Breakfast" "Dinner" and "Supper" never "Breakfast" "Lunch" and "Dinner"

11. When you and Grandpa would watch westerns with me when nobody else would. 

12. How hard you worked all your life- mom, school teacher, grandma, friend, mother-in-law

13. Apple juice in cereal-what? 

14. Oatmeal and toast. Every morning. 

15. That you've served multiple missions.

16. How you raised my Dad to be the man he is today.

17. Bongo

18. Christmas Juice

19. Grandpa's Stories.

20. Muggins/ all the games you would and do play with us.

21. The love you have for your family and most importantly your love of the Lord.

Happy Birthday. I hope you know how much I love you and care for you. Your life has been an inspiration to me and a guide. I love you so much. 

Places I Have Been

No kids to blog about. School is boring to blog about. No creativity here, so Emily gave me a list of like a million things I could write about. So I chose one for this week. Places that I have been. I have chosen just a few that have given me many sweet memories. Let's start with Wisconsin.

For years I begged my parents to let me visit my cousin and Aunt and Uncle in Wisconsin. Finally, the summer before my Senior year in High School they let me go. We went on a church history tour throughout the midwest. What a wonderful experience that was for me. I learned so much about the history of the Church and experienced things that many people will never have the opportunity. I will be forever grateful for that vacation. I will never forget how much my testimony grew that summer. Thanks to all that made that trip happen for me. 
Heath and I went to Puerto Vallarta on our honeymoon. It was so beautiful. We went snorkling, swimming, hiking, ate our meals in very nice restaurants and even experienced lock down during a hurricane. I had never been anywhere like that. What a fun way to start our lives together. Constant adventure!
Nauvoo. Beautiful. Inspiring. Historic. Colorful. Calm. Spiritual. Nauvoo. Need I say more? This place had such an impact on me. I will never forget all I learned there about the strong and faithful pioneers. 
And Lastly, England. My mother is from there and when I was in eighth grade she and dad took my sister and I to visit our Nana. We saw where my mom was born, where she lived when they went back after living in America. Where my Granddad went to art school- and met my relatives I have never met before. I am so grateful I was able to learn more about my mom and her family. This is Big Ben- the architecture in England and Scotland is incredible! Breathtaking really. 

This is just a few of the many places I have been- but the few that have impacted me in many ways. Thank you to all you helped me get there! I love you. 

What Would My Patronus Be?

So Tim, Emily, Annie, Jordan, Heath and I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last night- great movie- while Em and I were wondering what our Patronus would be. I honestly don't know what mine would be- so I went to the internet. I took a quiz that determined what mine would be - it said I was a stag, like Harry Potter. That I have compassion and I care about my family.....brave, honest.....things that only a true gryffindor would be. (Smile). I don't know though. I was thinking a  fish or a lion. Haha. Any ideas??? Maybe a peacock. I have no idea, but I thought this would bring some nice comments. Tell me what you think my Patronus would be and what yours would be.

Baby Noah

I am the worst blogger in the world. I know- I am sorry. About a week ago, baby Noah and Stephani came to visit. We had such a good time. Annie was kind and let us borrow all her old baby gear, (carseat, pack-and-play, bibs, burb clothes, blankets, bowls, spoons, stroller) it was nice that Steph didn't have to fly with all that and her suitcase. We loved having her here. Dinner at Cafe Rio, movies, conference, visits, shopping, cuddling with Noah- fun fun. He was such a good baby- so happy and fun. I am so glad y'all got to come up we miss you!

Home in Oregon!

Last week I went home to Oregon with my sisters and their kids. It was a lot of fun. They spent a lot of time with Grumpa and Nana. Grumpa and Nana's house has a lot of fun things to do. Swimming, sand box, cows, picking strawberries and peas, sprinklers, play-dough, and much much more. Thanks to mom's new hard wood floor, the clean up from meal times was pretty easy. We spent time together, went shopping, worked in the garden, met up with some friends, it was a blast! Thanks mom and dad for the greatest home to go back to. So beautiful and so fun. Love you!

Summer Days

This, my dear friends, is something that one must have on a hot summer day. Given that it has been like 100 degrees here lately, a little Ben and Jerry's is where it's at. There are so many amazing flavors; chunky monkey, chubby hubby, chocolate chip cookie dough and much more. The best part about these individual cups are that they can be eaten in one sitting, or saved for many smaller sittings. I love ice cream! mmm.

Our Fourth

I apologize for no pictures sooner....I am having a little trouble with the camera. But for now I will just let you know what we did for the 4th. We went to Texas to celebrate and to see baby Noah for the first time. We took Jones family pictures, had a barbeque and watched the fireworks in New Braunfels. Joel brought a radio and we listened to the songs that fireworks went to. This, my friends, is my favorite part of that Holiday. (I am sure Heath could tell you how I kept cheering and clapping during the works). I love listening to the Patrioctic songs during the fireworks display. I am so grateful to live here in America, to be free to choose the way I live. Brooklyn did good this year- I guess last year the loud bangs of the fireworks scared her. The BBQ earlier that day was also a celebration of Jack's 1st birthday. He was adorable! Then on Saturday we went to SeaWorld in San Antonio. That was a lot of fun. The Sea Lion show was my favorite part. We saw so many beautiful creatures... Baby Noah was blessed on Sunday, then Nick and Steph hosted a wonderful lunch for all of us! Thanks Angie, Perry, Nick, Steph, Joel and Britni for letting us share that weekend with y'all!

H & C- cute as can be

Claire loves to scoot around in my room and play with the door stop. I barely could get her to do it for the camera but I thought that his one was so cute. Harrison loves to jump. Here he is showing me, Aunt Emily, cousin Claire and Nana what he is made of.

Strike Three? NEVER!

WOW. I don't think I have ever looked better. Em and I are on a softball team together. We play every Tuesday night- it is so fun. Em plays first and I play second. We play well there. I played second in high school so I love it- but Em caught in high school and college, so she would rather be behind the plate. However, having a girl there that can catch anything-I mean ANYTHING- is just what a co-ed team needs. She is so good.

Tim, Claire and our Mom came to watch us this week. That was a lot of fun. Claire wants to be just like her mom when she grows up.

Em hit this one right down the third base line. Perfection. It was so hot that day. Em- why are you wearing pants?

Nice shoulder drop Liz. But hey, it's slow pitch and that dropped in center field so I'll take it.

We were just saying how hot we were and how we just wanted this game to be done. Haha.....no it was fun. We killed them.

Lookin' good sis.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Perry. Look how handsome. Thank you so much for all you have done for Heath and I. Especially at our wedding! You have been so generous and loving. I am so glad that Heath has a father that taught him the gospel and is an example to him everyday. He looks up to you and is so proud to be your son.

Happy Father's Day Dad. Thank you so much for all you have done for me. For the example that you have been and are. You have given me everything I ever needed and have taught me how to be a good person. Thank you for being an example of love and service first to the Lord and then to your wife and children. I love you so much. You are my hero.

Paradise and its cookies

This is my favorite treat. Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies and a huge class of cold milk. Recently, Anne and Emily have kindly introduced me to a place called Paradise Bakery. They make the best chocolate chip cookies ever! Nice and soft, so soft that they basically just melt in your mouth, just the right amount of chocolate and the size is, well, perfect. The other day I went there to get a sandwhich, that comes with a cookie- might I add- and do some work on the internet. They were giving out free samples of differnet kinds of cookies, and of course I helped myself. This picture is not what their cookies look like, but they sure look good. Thanks my dear sisters for introducing me to this heavenly bakery. I always want a Paradise cookie.

Happy Mother's Day

MOM- I love you so much. Thank you for all you have done for me. Your example and your love that you have given me means more than you'll ever know. Thank you for your hard work, your service, your love and your food! I love you so much. Happy Mother's Day.

ANGIE- I am so glad that I married into a wonderful family. You are so kind to me and you have been there for anything that we have needed. You are so thoughtful and generous. Thank you for all you do for us now, and thank you for raising a wonderful son. I love you. Happy Mother's day.

David Archuleta!

Yes. Yes. He is here in Salt Lake and I got to see him this morning. There were THOUSANDS of people there, girls screaming and chasing him. He had like five policemen around him as girls were tugging at his sweater, and yelling "we love you David!" He was so cute. Here are a few pics a I got from up above.

Happy Birthday John!

Happy Birthday to my BIG BROTHER John. Here are 33 memories I have of you, and why I love you:
33. Your lemon Bars
32. Your orange julius creations
31. Your thumb
30. When you played high school football and I got to brag that my brother was a Grizz
29. How hard you work
28. State CHAMP!
27. When you and Barry would take me shooting
26. When you and Dusty would wake me up early to be your flag girl when you went water skiing
25. Your naps on the air conditioning vent
24. When you made me work and work and work on doing sit-ups
23. How Mr. C always talked about you and Matt- what great people you were.
22. When my Biology teacher in High School was a buddy of yours when you went to high school-
21. Coach Negal said hi to me everytime he saw me and asked me about you and Matt
20. When you went to Ghana to help their people
19. When you went on your mission
18. When you baptized me
17. When you became my Hero and resuced me from the wierdo on the Bus
16. The way you would come home from 3-a-day practices and drink a ton of orange juice
15. When you were on Price is Right
14. Your testimony
13. When you came to my graduation from high school- that meant a lot to me.
12. The day I met Toria
11. The day you married Toria
10. When Asher was born
9. When Ivy was born
8. Your example of getting an Education
7. When you would play catch with me with a football on your visits home from college
6. How you can build and figure anything out.
5. How you can still play legos for hours
4. The way you can swing dance
3. How you came to my wedding-right when MIT started
2. Whenever someone is cooking or baking, it seems to disappear because of your walk-by snacking
1. The way you protected and took care of the rest of us five.
I LOVE YOU JOHN. I LOVE YOU TORIA. I HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Birthday Party

Playing with Baby Claire. She loves her uncle. And books, look at all her books. We love her.
Tim and Jordan were a little tired when my sisters and I were finishing up the dinner. How cute.
Yum Yum Yum Yum
Harrison is eating a tomato. He is doing really well using his tooth to chew up adult food.

On Friday we had a birthday party for Cat and I at Emily's house. Em made a yummy dinner and Annie made me my favorite cake. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate frosting with strawberries on top! There was present opening, game playing and picture taking! Thanks girls, I had so much fun.