McCleve Family

I need some duct tape!

2009-11-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

So Gaugie boy no loner feels the need to sit or crawl ... unless it is over to something to help him stand up! He is going to have wheels before we know it ... and I am not sure I am ready for that! He is only 81/2 months old ... These are all the times I caught him ... just TODAY ... but of coarse he gets away with it when he gives me his sweet smile ... he is such a Joy!

When I got him from his nap

When I was helping the "big kids" with homework

and when I was loading the dishwasher

Can you tell that he knows he is the coolest ever when he is standing up like a "big boy"?

Mae Boutique

2009-09-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Because I surely don't have enough going on ... I am now part of a new boutique.

Mae Boutique

www.maeboutique.blogspot.com

Check it out!
(our logo is way cuter now but I couldn't get it to copy to this blog)

Where have we been?

2009-09-16T15:27:00.001-07:00

Why I think it is easier to post on face book ... I don't know .... really I think it is the instant gratification (I don't have a prob with that :) of people commenting on your posts and the "blog world" just isn't that way so here we go ... AGAIN ... committing to keeping up the blog.

Gaugie boy is getting so big ... he is sitting up rolling over and able to get pretty much where ever he wants ... on the verge of crawling! At his 6 month appointment he weighed in at 18 lbs! He can no longer wear his 6 month clothes and has moved on to 9 & 12 month sizes ... 12 is still big but it works ... He is a super happy baby charming all the ladies with his smile that spreads across his entire face ... we are having so much fun with him .... and since he is technically still 6 months old we are having his 6 month pictures done tomorrow. I am very excited to see how they turn out!

To the citizens of Cebu

2009-06-12T21:23:00.001-07:00

Have you seen this guy!

We like him a lot and would like him back now!

Thanks!

xoxo

5 Years old!

2009-06-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Addison!

I can hardly believe you are 5 years old and will be going to kindergarden!

I am going to miss my little helper.

(she really does help)

Mommy loves you so much!

I am so lucky that you are My girl!

You are such a good big sister to Gaugey and he is going to miss you when you go to school.

I hope you had a fun birthday Buberella!

Love, Mom

2 years old

3 years

4 years

(yes she is wearing makeup ... it was a "fancy Nancy" party)

5 years

It's not a birthday picture... but pretty symbolic of their relationship. :)

(Being the "great mom" that i am didn't take pictures at her birthday events ... but did have great friends and family who took them .. and I don't have them yet )

7 Years Old!

2009-06-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Guhner!

I can not believe you are 7 years old!

You are growing right in front of my eyes. We are so lucky to have you in our family,

I am so lucky to be your mom! You are such a great brother, cousin, and friend.

We love you buddy!

I hope you had a fantastic day!

Love, Mom

4th Birthday

5th Birthday

6th Birthday

7th Birthday! (this year)

3 months!

2009-05-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gaugey boy is 3 months old!

I can hardly believe it.

He is deffinately spoiled .... rotten? well that depends on the day :)

He is in size 2 diapers (and has been for quite a while)

He has also been out of newborn and 0-3 clothes for a while as well.

He loves his big brother and big sister.

He definitely prefers to be held but does play on the floor as well as tummy time.

He is NOT sleeping through the night yet ( see above .. spoiled ..)

He loves baths (taking one in Aunt Jane's sink above)

He can roll over from tummy to back and thinks he is pretty cool when he does it.

and is really trying hard to go from back to front and gets about half way there.

He laughs and "talks" I LOVE when we have our conversations!

He loves to see what is going around and doesn't always want to be held like a "baby"

He has already been to Flagg, Taylor and The Ranch and actually did pretty well in the car.

He is a complete joy! Yes even at 2 a.m.

I can not remember what our family was with out him ... it seems as though I have known him forever!

We heart him!

RECYCLE

2009-05-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.mountainviewrecycling.com/

For those of us who are not fortunate enough to have recycling provided through our city or HOA we now have an affordable option.

Check their website to see if they cover your area.

They provide a can and pick up once a week for only $10 a month.

There is a $15 set up fee

with this code vp0509

you get 50% off the set up fee

Gunher is so EXCITED that we have signed up for recycling.

To be honest I am excited too.

Eric is excited that I wont be hauling around newspaper in the back of the prius any more. :)

It is a small price for the convenience to do our part.

Now if I can only remember to bring my reusable bags into the store!!!

Blessing Day!

2009-05-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Gauge was blessed on May 3rd, 2009

Here are a couple generation photos that were taken.

He is such a sweet boy!

Summer time!

2009-05-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

I wish it was this easy for me to look cute in swim gear!

Gauge loves Papa's pool! Yesterday was his first day ever in a pool. I thought it might be a little chilly for him, but he loved it. I also thought that this little outfit would last through the summer ... as you can see I will be heading off to target soon to get the next size up!

Mother of the Year!

2009-05-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Please me in congratulating Christine! She has been voted Mother of the Year...We love you Christine! Check out the news report!

Gauge Smith McCleve

2009-03-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the new born photos we had taken of Gauge. Big thanks to Aimee for the time she spent and taking amazing pictures. Check her work out at: www.pyperjanedesigns.blogspot.com

Some Family Pictures

2009-02-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

I am so happy with how these turned out. I was not really "feeling" getting pictures done being super prego, but I am so glad that I did! Thanks again Aimee!

http://www.pyperjanedesigns.blogspot.com/

Baby

2009-02-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

No our Gauge is not here yet but on Friday (February 6th) I was able to have another ultrasound. (to monitor growth) I have never had an ultrasound this far along ... it was really cool. I think he is going to be quite a cutie if I don't say so myself. I hope his cheeks are as fat as they look in this picture. The ultrasound tech said that according to the measurements he weights 8lbs 2oz ... our little over achiever!

It is still not real to me that he could come at anytime ... even though I saw the ultrasound and could see that he could be ready ... definitely big enough (the doctor said especially around the belly)

Baby watch is on ... we will keep you posted!

Just Funny!

2009-02-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

Ever feel this way?

2009-02-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have to laugh and then agree .... what is with people when you are pregnant?

I have to say it doesn't bother me to have people (I know) touch my belly. But here is what any day out of the house brings me these days.

complete stranger: when are you due?

Me: March 1st

complete stranger: OH! are you sure

Me: smile and nod and walk away

complete stranger: oh ready to pop any day

Me: no actually I have (fill in the blank) weeks left

complete stranger: Oh twins?

Me: no just one

complete stranger: WOW!

So with 3 1/2 weeks left until my due date

(most likely I will be induced right after valentines day)

You can see why a girl would want to become a hermit and never come out of her house .... especially because I get these comments from 5 months on. But I have a life .... so I wont ... so just deal with the BIG BELLY!

Yes I am one of THOSE people!

2009-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

So a week or so ago I was "in town" as anything not in Queen Creek is considered in town, and just happened to be close to Pete's ... which I love so much .... I had to laugh at myself as I ordered.

A monster burger (1/3 lb meat) with cheese ... No onions

with

Onion Rings (but you just ordered no onions)

and

.......

an extra large diet pepsi (theirs is the best) ... because you know every calorie counts :)

Family Pictures

2009-01-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

We just got our family pictures done on Tuesday. Let me tell you I really wish we would have had them done before Christmas ... I never got around to it ... so now I have documented me in my 8 months of glory! Ahhh ... and for those of you who so nicely tell me that I don't look prego from behind ... you are a lier and I have photo documentation to prove it! (not something Aimee can control) I am really glad we got them done and Aimee did such a good job! If you are due for pics definitely get a hold of this girl!

check some of our pics on her blog

pyperjanedesigns.blogspot.com

two sisters one heart

2009-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a copy of an email I recieved from a friend...take a look.

Hello Friends and Family,

I am proud to be a part of an upcoming event to raise money for Emma and Taylor Bailey, a set of conjoined twins that mean a lot to me. Besides owning and running The Chattering Wall Vinyl Co. my second job is taking care of these beautiful little girls three days a week and I have become very attached to them. To learn more about them please go to www.twosistersoneheart.com My part in this event is the Silent Auction. I am overseeing the collection and execution of auctioning off items which all the proceeds will go to the Emma and Taylor Bailey Foundation. I am in need of items at this time and was wondering if any of you could help by donating items or services. Or if you have contacts in high places of big businesses that might be able to help with donating items, services or just cash donations, anything would be greatly appreciated. We also will be having vendor booths available to sell or promote your businesses. There will be TV spots promoting this event and we are hoping that it will be an event that no one will forget. If you would like to donate or participate in any way please email me at ginni@chatteringwall.com or call me at 480.734.3524. Also I have attached a sponsorship agreement in you would like to have a vendor booth and a corporate letter containing non-profit organization info for those businesses that would like to donate goods, services or cash. Also located at the end of this email is the flyer for the event. Please help make this event a success! And please forward this to everyone that you know! Thanks,Ginni ChristiansenThe Chattering Wall Vinyl Co.ginni@chatteringwall.com www.chatteringwall.com 480.734.3524

I wasn't able to post the attatchments .... if you are interested email me and I will forward it to you!

Thanks

Christine

A little bit of Christmas

2009-01-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

Eric took this picture (and others) So cute! We stole the idea from the Warren Family's Christmas Card where their family was all sitting on the bed. We still need to make our other pics black and white because you can see our beautiful teal comforter in it. (notice bottom left corner :)

Family Vacation

2008-12-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

We just spent the last week in California. 5 days of it in Disneyland ... yes you heard right 5! (not entirely recommended) The kids were really well behaved in the car the way there and back ... that in itself is a miracle and they were not even sleeping. We have seemed to bring home a little bug with us so we will post more later.

Dissed and Dismissed

2008-11-18T20:44:00.001-08:00

So what it so great about being 6 month prego and being called to jury duty? You have to use the restroom facilities so much that it is not conducive to the trial. Oh bummer 2 years until my next possible jury duty.

Bump?

2008-11-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

So I officially have THE bump! ... Some of you are thinking ... what are you talking about you have been showing since you thought about getting pregnant ... yes that is true ... but in the last week or so I have the "are you sure you are not having twins?" bump. ... I was foolishly thinking that because I have not gained even close to as much as I have with the other two that maybe I wouldn't get "that big" ... well folks the size of your uterus really has nothing to do with how much weight you gain ... it is going to get as big as it needs to for the baby ... whatever ... I was going to post a picture but I was not having it tonight ... I will post a picture soon when I am feeling a little more fabulous! Oh and by the way for those of you who don't know we are having a boy! Yeah boys!!!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Some fun decorations around the house!

Our cute little kitty cat!

(pictures of Guhn are on grandma's camera)

Yummy treats I made for Guhner & Addison's classes.

Hope you all had a GREAT Halloween!

First Grade

2008-08-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am serious! Guhner is in first grade! We are so proud of him! He does so good in school and makes friends with everyone! He is in Mrs. Olsen's class, which we were very excited to find out that our cousin

Raven is too!

(Shannon & I both warned her)

Here is to a great first grade year buddy!

We love you!

Toothless!

2008-08-11T11:15:00.001-07:00

I have to say Guhner is the cutest toothless kid I have ever seen.

After much waiting and anticipation

he lost his first tooth on July 10.

Just in time for first grade!

It is so cute to see him eat out of the side of his mouth. It is good I think it is cute because the tooth next door is very loose and will most likely be out in the next week or so.

Baby #3

2008-08-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

We are very excited! We were waiting to hear the heartbeat before officially announcing it. We were able to hear it at our doctors appointment on Friday. Although most of you have known (once one McCleve finds out it might as well be in the paper) Now you don't have to pretend like you are trying to keep it a secret. The kids are very excited for a new baby! Christine is just over 10 weeks and is due March 1, 2009.

For Michelle

2008-07-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Deluxe Cheeseburger Salad

4 sesame seed hamburger bun tops
1 small red onion, divided
2 plum tomatoes
3/4 lb 95% lean ground beef
1/2 cup finely diced dill pickles
3/4 cups ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
1 cup (4oz) shredded cheddar cheese

1. preheat oven to 425. Slice bun tops into 1/4-in strips. Arrange in a single layer on cookie sheet; bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool completely.

2. Slice half of the onion crosswise into thin rings. Remove and discard stems from tomatoes; cut tomatoes into quarters lengthwise and slice crosswise. Set onion and tomatoes aside.

3. Cook ground beef over medium-high heat 5-7 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles. Chop remaining onion half. Finely dice pickles. Combine chopped onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard. Add cooked ground beef; mix well.

4. To serve, Arrange lettuce on large serving platter. Spoon beef mixture over lettuce. Top with cheese, tomatoes and sliced onion. Arrange hamburger bun croutons around edge of platter. Serve immediately.

This is a pampered Chef recipe ... it says it serves 6 but I think is serves more. Super yummy and easy and great for summer!

The Poops

2008-07-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Watch out Addie Mae has the poops ..... poor girl! She was up every 15 to 20 minutes last night until about 4:30 .... of coarse she is super dehydrated but doesn't want to drink (have you tasted the pedialyte drinks? ... they are nasty ... no wonder she doesn't want to drink it) .... she is still passed out on the coach ... she has an appointment at 11 so hopefully they will be able to give her something ... here is hoping that none of your kiddos get this "bug"

Summer Fun!

2008-06-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

So it is FINALLY summer for us! Guhn's last day of school was not until June 18th! I know!!!! The kids and I have already gone up to grandma perkins and everyday I hear "can we go to grandmas to go swimming" Of coarse .... it is so stinkin hot .... what else could we do!?! Here are some pics from this morning! Jordan better watch out! I see a new #23 comming up in the ranks!

Nacho!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone else is having a great summer!!!

General Tips

2008-05-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

We have been in the car quite a bit the last few days and here are some tips all parent should know and we were reminded of this weekend ....

always have in your car:

10 times the amount of plastic bags you would ever think you could possibly use (you know the ones from when you forgot to use your reusable shopping bags)
1 towel per kid traveling in the car
1 roll of paper towel
package of wet wipes (it doesn't matter how old the kids are)
change of clothes

This weekend we had wet wipes and change of clothes (only because we had stayed in Taylor and still had all our bags in the back of the car)

Addison has been sick and needless to say it would have been soooo helpful to have had a few of the things off this list. Have you seen projectile vomit in movies and thought ohhh that is sooo fake..... well it is not .... I have seen it first hand this weekend and it is sooo real. Poor Eric has been barfed on more times this weekend then anyone would care to in a life time (sorry babe but thank goodness it was not me!!!)

Anyway we will now be prepared with these thing and hopefully we will never need to use them!

*kinda funny a week or so ago this was the conversation in the car on the way to school

Guhn: Hey mom, I know 3 different ways to say throw up
me: Really what are they
Guhn: throw up, regurgitate, and barf
me: oh and don't forget puke
Guhn: oh yeah puke too
me: Guhner where did you learn regurgitate
Guhn: Mom! I am almost out of kindergarten!

Really???

2008-05-14T23:54:00.001-07:00

Go ahead and count them ..... SEVEN pairs of shoes on the stairs .... and this was on a good day! As you can see the funny thing about it is that I was a major contributor to this stairway art! The funniest thing to me is that within the last 3 months we have added a shoe rack under the coat hooks and a shoe basket by the front door .... and yet this is where the shoes like to hang out! I hope I am not the only one with stair art like this.

Way to go Guhner!

2008-05-14T23:51:00.000-07:00

Guhner finished his jr. suns season on Saturday May 10th. He was very proud of his "real gold" trophy and said that it was him dunking like Michael Jordan! Good job Guhn we are very proud of you!

Hurray!!!

2008-05-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Finally I found our camera cord!!! It magically appeared right in front of my face .... imagine that!

Happy belated Earth Day!

2008-05-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Why Reusable Bags?
(beside the fact that you look super cool when you do!)

A million plastic bags are used every minute worldwide.

In America alone, 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go into producing paper and plastic bags every year.

Plastic bags are NOT biodegradable.

They clog waterways, spoil the landscape, and end up in landfills where they may take 1,000 years or more to break down into ever smaller particles that continue to pollute the soil and water.

Plastic bags also pose a serious danger to birds and marine mammals that often mistake them for food. Thousands die each year after swallowing or chocking on discarded plastic bags. ( I Know we live farther than any human should from the beach .... but I love to visit)

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year.

Of those, approximately 100 billion are plastic shopping bags, which cost retailers about $4 billion annually.

Why waste plastic bags?

Choose reusable bags!

Seriously if you pay more than .99 or $1 for them you are dumb .... one time cost ....
everlasting effect on the environment ....

CVS even has them now for .99 (you can even buy them with your EXTRA CARE BUCKS!)

Thats my Girl!

2008-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Fortunately and unfortunately I do not have a picture to go along with this story ... anyway a week or so ago I had taken the kids to Chevron (our special treat place) to get either an Icee or an ice cream cone. They had both chosen an ice cream cone .... we were also getting Eric a fountain soda to take home to him. As I am getting the said soda Addison keeps telling me (20 times in 2 sec.) Mommy I dropped some of my ice cream, I turned and saw it was a quarter size drop from her huge waffle cone .... okay Addison just a minute I am trying to get daddy's soda ... she then continues to tell me another 20 times just as I turn around to see her bent over sucking the ice cream off of the floor!!!! SERIOUSLY! I don't know what the hurry was .... she had about 30 times that amount of ice cream in her cone ... or maybe she didn't want to leave a mess (which as soon as I was done getting Eric's soda I would have wiped up with a napkin) Then Guhner says "What mom it made the 5 MINUTE rule"

Honest to BLOG!

2008-05-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Seriously I know!
You have to shoot for the moon to reach the stars ... right???

P.S.
still haven't found camera cord :)

Challenge

2008-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I readily admit I have been really lame at blogging .... I do enjoy it and it is like our family journal ... so I am challenging myself to blog every day in May .... It will be a whole lot easier and more interesting once I find the cord to transfer the pictures from our camera! Any one else who would like to take on this challenge .... go for it! Happy blogging.

BELIEVE

2008-04-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't make you a believer nothing will !!!!!

I went to Fry's this afternoon .... and this is what I got!

4 - 1/2 gallons of milk

13 boxes of cereal

10 healthy choice meals (rain check)

9 boxes fiber one bars

1 box curves granola bars

5 boxes nature valley bars

12 boxes fruit snacks

10 men's deodorants

Total spent: $37.37

So like I said ..... if this doesn't make you a believer nothing will!

MRS. MCCLEVE

2008-04-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

As most of you know I spend a lot of time helping out in Guhners class. While at school the kids call me Mrs. McCleve .... a little weird at first, but I got use to it. Well yesterday Guhners "friend" Matisyn was over playing after school and came up stairs to ask me something ... "Mrs. McCleve ......." Whoa! .... "Maty when you are at my house you can call me Christine ... only at school call me Mrs. McCleve." It was very weird to be called Mrs. McCleve in my own house! Plus it sounds REALLY OLD!!!! Any way I thought it was cute and this morning on the way to school I had to keep reminding Maty what my "real name" was.

I caught the FEVER!

2008-04-13T21:10:00.001-07:00

Yes it is true!

I am officially signed up for coupons sense! I am so EXCITED. If you don't know what it is ... check out http://www.couponsense.com/ If you want to sign up there is this GREAT lady in my neighbor hood who is so nice and helpful and she even gave me a few of her coupons (I was able to get shout stain removal for 50 cents a bottle) Her name is Joyce and her email address is joycescouponsense@yahoo.com When I had kids in diapers it was worth it just for the diapers! Never mind the free deodorant, shampoo, peanut butter, cereal, fiber one bars, fruit snacks, yes you heard me right FREE! Now you know why I am so excited!

The Middle Wife

2008-04-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

My dad sent this to me in an email (one of the few forwards that I happened to open)

I thought this was too funny .... those of you with kids totally get this!

The 'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.

When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the! front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'

'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.'

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.) 'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this. ' (Then Erica lies down ! with her back against the wall.)

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)

'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center,

so there must be a lot of toys inside there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Grass head guys

2008-03-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is a project I found in family fun magazine. Hopefully you can see how cute they are in the picture. I brought the project into Guhners class for them to do ... they are so much fun and the kids love them! This is a picture of them giving their grass heads "hair cuts"
Cute easy project to do with the kids!

Supplies: knee high pantyhose
1 cup potting soil
empty (clean) yogurt cup (we used yoplait)
2 tablespoons grass seed
google eyes
permanent marker
glue (not glue stick)

Directions: (trust me ... follow these ... I tried to do my own directions and they turned out awe full)
place grass seed into bottom of knee high
top with potting soil
tie a knot at end of "ball"
trim knee high so that the "tail" will drop down to the bottom of the yogurt cup when "head" is placed on top
glue on google eyes and draw face with marker
fill up yogurt cup with water (at least 3/4 of the way) and check water daily
soon enough your guy will be growing hair .... and will be ready for hair cuts!

Happy Belated Birthday!

2008-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry honey that this post is "belated"
I hope you had fun on your birthday!
Thursday was Eric's birthday ... we met grandma for lunch at R&R pizza, then we went bowling (Eric's fave!) and of coarse a few games at the arcade.
I thought I would share a few comments that were made that day that made me laugh

Addison: "Happy Birthday Daddy ... you are the birthday man"
apparently Eric is now too old to be considered the birthday boy

Guhner: "How old are you now dad?"
Eric: "28"
Guhner: " 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, WHOA!"

Don't feel too bad honey ..... I am right behind you!

Thanks Michelle!

2008-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

okay so I haven't been on in a while and when I do I have a new header!!!!
Thanks Michelle .... you are the BEST! and so dang cute that I FORGOT that she was pregnant when I saw her the other day! Good thing you are my sister or I would hate you! :)

YMCA Basketball

2008-03-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is Guhner & Matisyn

From the first week of school they considered each other boyfriend and girlfriend....although now it depends on the day if Guhner admits she is still his girlfriend "Mom we're just friends"

She is definitely a cutie!

Guhner just started YMCA basketball and Maty & Ethan are both on his team

(they are all in the same class at school)

Before we knew that they were all on the same team I was saying to Guhner

me: "Guhner wouldn't it be cool if Maty was on your team"

Guhner: "Yeah.......but what if she is standing too close to me and I dunk in her face!"

I didn't have the heart to tell Guhner that white boys can't jump ....

I am glad that he was concerned over "dunking in her face"

Guhner had a fun time at practice ..... I didn't go this week .... I stayed home with Addison .... she was in some need of one on one time with mommy

I will be there next time .... maybe I will be able to witness some of his "dunking skills"

I LOVE MY LIFE!

2008-03-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

I may complain ....

dream of how green the grass is on the other side ...

but really I have a great life

I LOVE MY LIFE!

Here are a few reasons why...

I have a fantastic husband

I have 2 GREAT, HEALTHY, LOVING CHILDREN

My husband works from home!

Guhner goes to a great school and has the BEST teacher!

Addison is doing so good in preschool and we love Miss Melissa

We live close to lots of family and friends

3 things we do not have in our house: bottles, sip cups, diapers

This Sunday Eric and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary

Meatloaf

2008-02-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) stuffing mix for chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees.

Mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce.SHAPE meat mixture into oval loaf in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with remaining 1/4 barbecue sauce.BAKE 1 hour or until cooked through.May substitute ground pork or veal for the ground beef and/or ketchup for the barbecue sauce.Prep Time: 10 minTotal Time: 1 hr 25 minMakes: 8 Servings--

I got this recipe from dinneronadime.blogspot.com I am NOT a meatloaf person .... but I LOVED this! Super Yummy! Super Fast! What else can a girl ask for.

(The day I made this I actually had some free time earlier in the day and prepared it all and covered it and put it in the fridge, then all I had to do is pop it in the oven!)

If you try it let me know if you liked it!

My Christine.....

2008-02-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

Christine and I decided that we would not spend any money for the V-day this year.

That being said I would like to let everyone know why I do love my wife...

1. She loves me no matter how dumb I am or how long I play video games.

2. She carried a pager.

3. Everytime I go on a trip long trip she leaves me notes to find in my suitcase.

4. She has given me two beautiful children!

5. She takes me to a Cubs game every year on my birthday. Even though it is always hot!

6. She is the most beautiful girl in the world!

7. She has had many different hair styles...and has looked great in every single one of them!

8. 108% has to be a good sign right?

I know this is corny but that is ok! I love you Christine!

Got to try!

2008-02-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

They have no name!

They are my vice....

I hardley ever share .... not out of selfishness ... out of lack of control

We are lucky if they last more than a day

I had a visiting teacher bring them to me once and have been in LOVE ever since

They are super easy .... especially how I do it

You use any cookie dough (I use the kind you buy in a bag and add a stick of butter & an egg to)

and put them in the mini muffin tins

(makes at least 24)

bake same as you would regular sugar cookies

the minute they come out of the oven press a recess pb cup in the middle

by the time you get to the last one the first one should be melty (yes it is a work) enough to stick 3 m&m's into (not 1 ...not 4 ..... not 2 .... 3)

I then stick them in the fridge to set up

Then yum yum yum

If by some miracle you are able to share (or you make a double batch)

They are fun and easy to make festive with seasonal m&m's

(the ones pictured are cupids mix m&m's)

Hope you enjoy!

Dinner on a Dime

2008-02-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

So for the record everyone is in a horrible blogging slump .... including myself! Between all of you and the writers strike I have little to amuse me .... Yet I am trying to rise above this slump and share a little treasure with you .... it is a blog I happened upon (yes while I was clicking on your friends links .... hey you weren't blogging!) and it is a new favorite .... especially when I am in a dinner slump (which is most of the time :) .... anywho it is dinneronadime.blogspot.com while their directions could be a little clearer ... it helps give me new ideas for dinner .... so check it out and enjoy ..... and update your BLOG!

FlashBack ..... ?...Friday...?

2008-01-27T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I am looking at all the blogs annoyed that no one has a flashback .... yet I have no room to talk do I? ..... Especially since I have not yet blogged a flashback .....

Here is a flashback near and dear to me there will be better ones to come .....

This was in August 2006

I can not believe how big they are now .....

It's my Birthday!!! ..... WEEKEND!

2008-01-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

As most of you now have seen Deanna's blog .... yes tomorrow is my Birthday .... but I have been celebrating since Friday .... on Friday Eric asked me out on a date (which I still love when he asks me on dates) He wanted to take me to the Cheesecake Factory and to the movies (27 dresses) Well I opted for Ikea and the Cheesecake Factory .... I LOVE Ikea! We had a lot of fun! Then on Saturday the girls and I scrapbooked at Family Scrapbook Studio .... It was a blast! ... I can not say enough good stuff about that store! They are doing an amazing job! Every time I go there they have NEW stuff ... (good for me ... bad for the budget) So check it out ... I have a link on the right .... Then on Sunday we had family dinner ... my choice ... homemade chicken noodle soup!!! Yum! Yum! As if that were not enough mom also make bread and rolls with honey butter (not for the calorie counter) (Thanks Mom!) And to top it off Eric totally surprised me with a clip it up system (it is awesome and what I exactly wanted) I am so excited and will have to post pictures later! So I have had a FANTASTIC birthday and it really isn't until tomorrow!

Flashback Friday!

2008-01-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

So Christine is with Guhner at school this morning so I thought i would add to the trend that will soon be swiffering the nation..."Flashback Friday"
This photo was from when I came home from my mission and was in the hospital. While I was sad to be home off of my mission I was happy to be with the most beautiful girl in the world!

Spread the Stupidity

2008-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

Amanda sent this to me in an E-mail and it was too good not to share!

Spread the Stupidity

Only in America do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

Only in America do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ... Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin ?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons? Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe,why do they call the airport the terminal?

It gave me a good laugh ....

and for the record I am guilty of ordering a cheeseburger, large fries, & a DIET COKE!

This one is for you!

2008-01-15T20:13:00.001-08:00

This post is for those of you who always say

"I have never seen your house messy"

Oh it gets messy....

This has to be the worst it has been in a while

Look now because I don't know if this will stay up for that long

(unless I can post a super clean picture in the near future)

The kitchen.... counters ... Island ....

papers .... homework galore! .... Mail .... magazines

boxes of food that just need to go in the pantry

Seriously it would take me all of 30 min to clean it up

but that would entail me cleaning it up ....

Yes .... I am STILL putting away Christmas

but I am also going through an OCD moment

Can I just put the stuff away? .... NO!

I have to reorganize ..... vacuum under the stairs

(where the bins go)

Just really make it more difficult than it needs to be!

Ahhh .... Last but not least the bedroom

The master bedroom that is....

or the pit of clean laundry

I do have that to say it is all clean

The pile on the floor next to the nightstand

The huge mountain on the bed

The bag of unpacked stuff from our trip this weekend

so maybe once I clean up the downstairs

(my OCD again)

I am going to haul all of laundry downstairs

and watch TV all night while I fold laundry

Hopefully ..... I just may watch the TV!

Miss Thing!!!!

2008-01-15T19:43:00.001-08:00

BEFORE

Down to her waist .... Long "princess" hair

Every daddy loves a girl with long hair

Daddy was teasing her one day saying

"Hey Addison, Lets cut your hair short"

Expecting her to be horrified

That was not the case...

"Yeah Daddy! I want my hair short like Sydney's"

I didn't care either way.... Eric wanted it to stay long

After weeks of her being consistent in wanting it short we did it!

AFTER

We were going for the

children's version of the Posh Spice hair cut ....

It is not quite what I was looking for but it is

SUPER CUTE! Addison LOVES it!

I would like it a little shorter and more Posh like ... hopefully once the sickness leaves the family Aunt Deanna will fix it for us.

No, I didn't tell her to pose like that,

the extra spice came with the haircut!

(who would have thought that was possible)

CTR 6

2008-01-15T19:29:00.001-08:00

My sweet Guhner Boy! It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant with you .... But I can not remember what life was before you and your sister where a part of it .... You are almost 6 (even though you have been saying that since your 5th birthday) You never had a problem with nursery and it has been the same ever since .... you love your teachers and your friends .... you love to sing the songs .... you are also doing so well sitting quietly in Sacrament meeting

and passing the trays down the isle ....

You are growing into such a fine young man and

we are so PROUD of you!!!

Sunbeam!

2008-01-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

Yes .... it is true .... Addison is a Sunbeam! I can hardly believe it! Guhner & Addison were both so excited that they would see each other in primary. She did GREAT! It probably helps that her preschool teacher Miss Melissa is the primary chorister. I think it has now been long enough that I take for granted that I get to sit through Sunday School and Relief Society uninterrupted .... I can remember those days .... walking the halls wondering if it was even worth going to church

when I was in the halls the whole time .....

not anymore ...

I have "BIG KIDS" now ....

It is true .... It all goes by way too fast!

So here is to you Miss Mae ... Big sunbeam girl ...

Mommy & Daddy are so proud of you!

Flashback Friday

2008-01-15T07:26:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I was talking to Deanna and she came up with the idea of Flashback Friday.... blog style ..... so we look forward to seeing your flashback and stay in tune to see our Flashbacks .... they will be worth seeing!!!!

What a Nice Day!

2008-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Okay most of the time you will hear me whine about the weather....well today you will not! It is not too hot .... it is not too cold .... It is just right! I have all my windows open and fans going to "air out" my house .... Hopefully it will rid my house of all the sick germs. It has even given me the motivation to put my Christmas decorations away ( yes they are for the most part still all out) My kiddos have been sick .... they are on antibiotics now and they have been eating Popsicles and watching movies all afternoon.....and (knock on wood) they have not even been picking on each other! Like I said What a NICE day!

It's ON!

2008-01-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday January 19th

Family Scrapbook Studio
(elsworth & ocotillo)

http://www.familyscrapbookstudio.com/

480-677-3363

There are only 10 spots so call now to save yours
*Don't forget to tell them you are with me!*

The price does not include dinner

The gecko grill is in the same plaza and soooo yummy!
( I am not sure the exact time .... I am sure they can tell you when you call to sign up)
I am very excited! Hope to see you all there!!!!

Still time to scrap

2008-01-10T10:58:00.000-08:00

Okay so lesson learned ..... Check with store before posting it on your blog .... Scrappin Affair is a bust for that weekend ... I am making some calls and shooting for the 18th or 19th preferably the 19th and will post as soon as I confirm a time and place ... sorry guys!

It's time to SCRAP!

2008-01-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

Friday January 18th

5:30 - 11

A Scrappin Affair

(crismon & baseline in the bashas plaza)

480-832-1084

Snack n' Scrap is normally $10 but if you tell them you are with me it will be $5

I am not sure how spaces they have ... I am going to call first thing in the morning

If we get at least 5 people to sign up with me then we can make it a private crop.

(If no one else is signed up ... I will find out tomorrow)

So come one come all .... If you are reading this you are invited ....

Well GIRLS ONLY (sorry boys)

Don't be silly the more the merrier call and sign up it will be so much fun!

Be Proud!

2008-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Besides my renewed spirit of blogging I finally had Eric show me how to add links. I am not dumb .... I just have to be shown how to do it! Why waste my time trying to figure it out when it takes him all of 30 sec to show me .... So thank you Eric ..... And to those of you who were feeling left out ... I am sorry ... I just didn't know how to add you! :)

Got Blog?

2008-01-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

While I am on a blogging streak today I just wanted to say to those of you who don't have blogs ... its time ... really we are all too old for myspace ... and most of us are too married for myspace as well ... don't feel left out .... don't feel like you are starting too late .... it's just time. Swallow your pride and start your blog today!

Congrats!!!!!

2008-01-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say a big Congratulations to those of you who have recently found out you are expecting! I am very EXCITED for all of you ..... There is nothing more exciting then awaiting the arrival of the new little family member ... it is hard to imagine feeling as much love for a new child as you do for the one you already have but as Shannon put it so sweetly .... It only makes your love stronger. The moment they enter your life it is hard to remember life with out them. I can not wait to meet the new additions to your families! Congratulations Christina & Becky!

How Clean is your house?

2008-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

I found a new favorite show .... it is on BBC America and called How Clean Is Your House? It is one of those shows that comes in and helps people clean their absolutely disgusting houses ... no seriously bad .... don't watch if you have a weak stomach .... anyway part of it the ladies compare side to side a chemical cleaner and a "green" cleaner (non chemical) to show that they are just as good, if not better .... so here is one to try

For window and mirrors

2 cups tap water

2 cap fulls white vinegar

1 pump of had soap

combine in clean empty spray bottle

spray on surface ...... (duh) and put your paper towel away and use crumpled newspaper

I know this works my .... Grandma Hart aways used this for her windows and I had forgot about it.

Not only is it good for the environment .... you are eliminating chemicals from your home and around your kids and animals .... it always leaves a streak free surface ..... and better yet it is super cheep!

I am definitely going to do this next time I do the windows and mirrors ..... honestly for the main reason that I always get streaky mirrors and it drives me crazy and Eric makes fun of me because it drives me crazy .... So have fun "green" cleaning!

Thanks!

2008-01-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

So as you have noticed our blog is supper cute and festive!
I can say that because my super cute sister in law Michelle spent tons of time making it for us.
Thank you Michelle! You are the BEST!

Kiss

2008-01-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

Last Night (New Years Eve) marked the 11th New Years kiss that Eric and I have shared. It was the 11th anniversary of our FIRST KISS!

This March we will have our 7th wedding anniversary!

Our relationship has never been perfect. There are always things that we need to work on (mostly me!) I would not change it for Anything!

Eric you are the BEST! Even when you drive me crazy. I could not have wished for a more loving or supportive husband. You are Amazing! You are funnier than I let you think you are. You rock at singing on Rock Band! You are a Fantastic father! Definitely the "cool" dad.

I am so glad that 11 years ago I let you kiss me!

Here is to many more New Years kisses!

I know .... I know .....

2007-12-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

I know what the date is ...... I know how many days until Christmas ..... I know that the probability that anyone on my list will get their Christmas card before New Years is slim to none .... and yet I know that I have not even started my cards yet!

I KNOW!

So any of you who enjoy our blog .... or just read it anyway .... please help me out! You can guess that if I have not even made my cards yet ..... I have barely thought about updating addresses .... so if you are reading this ... please email us your address so you may be added to the list.

mcclevefamily@gmail.com

And since you probably will not get it until after New Years, I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

I know .... I know .... neither one of us has blogged forever ... Maelynn forwarded me this in an email, and I thought it would be a fun blog so here you go...

I am not tagging anyone with this .... but it is fun and hope you blog it as well so we can get to know you ... Christmas

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both, usually wrapping paper

2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? 5 fakes .... and counting

3. When do you put up the tree? it is a process... we start with the kids trees the week of thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? after New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? It's okay .... I have to be in the mood for it

6. Favorite gift received as a child? hmmmm ....

7. Do you have a nativity scene? 7 ... 4 that the kids can play with ... one from when guhner was a baby .... My willow tree nativity ( I love it ... touch it & I break your fingers) and a really cute one my mother in law got me this year.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Eric .... He has a list longer than the kids and nothing costs less than $100

9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids ... I love to buy them stuff .... that is what Christmas is about

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got? I have never recieved a bad gift ... I love presents!

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, and handmade I just can't send them to be printed this year even though it is way faster, easier and less expensive ... I am starting mine tonight ( I should really just order them)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Rudolph the red nosed reindeer (the one they used to show on pbs) and A Charlie Brown Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? 4 am the Friday after Thanksgiving ... It's tradition!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. 15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Treats!!!!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear on 4 of the trees and the tree in the loft has clear and the C7 multicolored lights ( I call them old fashion ) .... we only put clear lights outside ( It is our only rule)

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night and Mary did you know? I still haven't heard Mary did you know and it is my absoulute favorite

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home ..... Until we move to Cali then we will travel

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? not a chance :)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Stars on all 5

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? New PJ's on Christmas Eve and extended family gift exchange, everything else Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The after math, I hate taking down all the decorations and have my house look so plain!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Everything ..... Especially focusing on the true spirit of Christmas and listening to Christmas music.

24 . Favorite ornament theme or color? Of all the trees Addison's is one of my Favorites .... all girly and pink with a glass ballerina, angel wings, ballet slippers, a pink jeweled star on top, what is there not to love!

25 . Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Something super simple and easy, less stress, more time with family

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

... Amber Alert ...

2007-11-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

On my way home today ... I thought to myself .... self ... It would be really fun if you had Merrek spend the night tonight and surprise Guhner & Addison with the sleepover. So I called Deanna and she was fine with it, then I called Eric to warn him and he asked if Emma was coming too. What a great idea ... I forget that she is so big now 18months (I can't believe it!) So while picking up Merrek I talked Deanna into letting me take her "baby" ... although she is such a big girl now! Deanna may forget or deny her previous agreement and there may be an Amber alert. .... No one fear the Whetten girls are here and having a great time! Emma is sitting next to me at the kitchen table ... she just ate a cheese stick and is finishing her bowl of goldfish crackers ... and I swear she just told me she wants to "get down" .... I am off to tend to the children in my home ... I LOVE it! and don't worry Deanna you girls are doing GREAT!

2 down 3 to go!

2007-11-19T21:05:00.001-08:00

Yes you read that right!

Last night & tonight we set up Guhner and Addison's Trees.

Yes, they each have a tree in there room. (new last year ... not me ... Eric!) The other 3? We have one for the loft, one for the family room, & one for the formal living room. I know, I know, I am going to be a crazy old lady with 20 trees and scary Santa figurines all over the place. Don't worry I am a bargain shopper and get 90% of our decorations at the AFTER Christmas sales! I love it! The kids have so much fun with it! Whether Eric will admit it or not, I know it is starting to rub off on him and he is starting to like it too!

Perfectly Bad!

2007-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

Okay a picture does not do these ..... absolutely ...... wonderful .... completely sin full .... going to make me gain 20 lbs before Thanksgiving .... nutella rolls justice! (The name doesn't either) I could tell you how wonderful these are until I was blue in the face .... but there is no way anyone could even understand until they tasted it themselves. (just to let you know there were 16 to start .... I tried to catch a picture before they were all gone)

They are sooooo simple and easy!

I got the recipe from Becky Higgins Blog (beckyhiggins.com)

You have to try them for yourselves and let me know how much you LoVe them!

NUTELLA ROLLS

(these amounts will make 16)

2 pkg. crescent rolls

13 oz. container Nutella (it's a hazelnut spread; found near the peanut butter)

1-2 bananas (optional)

powdered sugar

Spread out a crescent roll triangle, drop a spoonful of Nutella in the middle, add a slice of banana if that sounds good to you, and then wrap it up. Place these on a baking sheet. Put them in the oven at 375 for about 15 minutes, or whenever they are golden. Then sprinkle powdered sugar on top and EnJoY!

Like I said I copied the recipe from Beckyhiggins.com.

I made 8 with banana and 8 without. Both were great! I would eat them warm ... mmmmmm I want some more just thinking about it! I preferred just the Nutella, but I would make the banana ones if I wanted to feel okay about eating them for breakfast! (not that there would be any left!)

Am I really that old????

2007-11-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

I like to think that I am a kid at heart. It is pretty evident that I am getting older. 3 years from 30 and I am starting to realize my body cannot do what it used to.

One of the thing I love to do is play video games.(I wish I had more time to do it) On Saturday night my brothers came over from night of video games.

We started off the night with one of the best games ever created "Guitar Hero 3". This is the first opportunity my body had to give out on me.... about 2-3 hours into playing.... my hand from all the ROCKING started to cramp up on me. Now don't worry...the show did go on. I could not let my electronic fans down....It is just too bad that Marcus completely destroys me...he is amazing.

We then transitioned to Halo 3. This again is one of the funnest games that I have had the pleasure to put in my Xbox 360. There is nothing better than blowing things up and destroying my brothers hopes and dreams one melay at a time. It usually takes me a few games to warm up and get into a groove... Well I was starting to feel good about my game so I made a challenge to my brothers. Whoever got the least amount of kills had to chug the nastiest mineral water ever that Marcus had purchased previously that night.

So long story short....I got my butt kicked. I chugged this carbonated nightmare and thus began the second opportunity for my body to let me down. Cue the stomach pain and the having to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes...it makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.

We ended up playing until about 4:30 this morning. Third way my body let me down....I have been absolutely exhausted today and at one point passed out so hard Christine tried to do give me CPR...jk.

All in all it was one of best times I have had in a long time... no matter how I feel today and the fact that I had to type this blog with one hand...I will do it all over again!!!

So Proud!

2007-11-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

I am so proud....tonight Addison insisted she needed a container for her lunch, just like Guhner .... and wanted to write her name on it herself ... "But Addison you don't know how to write your name" ... "Yes I do!" So I thought what will it hurt, let her think she is big stuff. I even gave her a permanent marker and told her it was special and needed to be really careful ....

And to my surprise and amazement this is what I found!

Someone forgot to send me the memo that my not even 3 1/2 year old knows how to write her name!!!!! I know they had been working on it a little in preschool, but I had no idea .... I am so proud!

Seriously!!!!

2007-11-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

Okay ... Seriously .... I have to bribe people with cookies to leave comments on my posts! Eric just wines and he gets more comments then me! All you are doing is encouraging him! Seriously... my feeling are hurt!

Tag= Shenanigans

2007-11-14T22:17:00.001-08:00

I am trying to understand this new trend that is sweeping the Blogger Nation..."Being Tagged"

I am going to have to say that I just don't like it...Take away the fact that I generally don't like being touched coupled with the fact that it reminds me of the game that most children so lovingly played in elementary school...The only problem was I was the fat kid back in elementary school and always got my butt handed to me in Tag.

The whole tag thing is almost as bad as the FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD:FWD: emails
that you get with the story of the dog with cancer that lost it eye in freak hot dog eating contest.
This email while heart warming always has this final caveat when you are done reading it:
***If you forward this email to Five of your friends and you will have good luck for the rest of your life, and Buddy the one eyed hot dog eater will be saved from cancer***

///If you don't a million monkeys will take over your house while singing "Endless Love" All dressed in cheer leading out fits.\\\\\

I am will not participate in these Tag Shenanigans.

Oh Christine...Tag! No Tag's back!

Tagged!

2007-11-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

I think I was tagged by two people at the same time....they are so similar you are getting a two-for-one!

FOUR PLACES I'VE WORKED
1. Petsmart (is it Pet Smart? or Pets Mart?) I worked there and still don't know!
2. Hogi Yogi
3. Tony Coury Buick
4. Nanny

FOUR PLACES I'VE LIVED
1. Buffalo, New York
2. Mesa, Arizona
3. Queen Creek, AZ
4. Maybe .... San Jose, CA

FOUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS
1. The HILLS
2. The Office
3. Scrubs
4. Ugly Betty

FOUR MOVIES I WANT TO SEE
1. Chuck & Larry
2. Dan in Real Life
3. Georgia Rules
4. I know there are tons more out there but I am way behind!

FOUR FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Any and all CHOCOLATE (snickers, recess, milky way, peanut m&m's)
2. Salad & bread sticks from olive garden
3. Krazy Sub! Poor boy on wheat, cold, no onion, with a pickle! (and a diet Pepsi)
4. my chocolate chip cookies w/walnuts they are the best! ( I need to make them this weekend, I haven't had them in a while)
***the first 4 people to comment on this post will get a plate of them! Doesn't matter where you live! ***

FOUR WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME
1. My jaw pops and cracks and It never did until I hung out with Deanna
2. Most people think I am a neat freak (I wish I could be) and think my house is never messy (it usually is a big mess ... I will post pictures to prove it!)
3. I hate to wear closed toe shoes! I try to wear flops year round
4. This may be weird (maybe gross to some) My Hair is soooo super dry that I only wash it once or twice a week.

FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE
1. getting a pedicure
2. having a full body massage
3. Getting a good old fashion back cracking (chiropractor)
4. $$ Movies by myself or with an adult (no kids)

FOUR PEOPLE I'M TAGGING
1. Eric McCleve
2. Shannon Henderson
3. Becky Alvarado
4. Cindy Perkins

Halloween .... Week

2007-11-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

So our Halloween week started on Sunday .... on a whim we took stuff over to Grandma's house and made some delicious Halloween cookies. Addison ate more frosting then she put on her cookies and Guhner ate more cookies then he decorated but that is what it is all about anyway!

On Monday we carved pumpkins .... Guhner doesn't like to dig out the Guts and Addison LoVes it! On Wednesday (Halloween) Eric was able to go with Guhner to school to help with his "Harvest Party" Where Guhner went as a Lion.

Christine was able to go with Addison to preschool to help with the Halloween Party. Addison went as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Halloween evening we had our ward Trunk or Treat. The kids decided a costume change would be good. Guhner went as a Zebra and Addison went as a Cheerleader. You can imagine her excitement when she realized that her and Merrek matched. (they love to be "Twins")Grandma, Grandpa, Jared, Deanna, Donny, Merrek, Emma, Shannon, Raven, Ronin, and Bryan (Nash had pink eye) all came with us. It was lots of fun! Way too much candy .... it is going to be the death of me .... they each filled a gallon size bag with all the goodies ... and let me tell you it is mostly good candy .... which is not good for me!

Now the countdown to Christmas begins ... Christine is very excited .... she is already humming Christmas carols ....

Going Green.....

2007-11-06T20:15:00.001-08:00

After much talk ... deliberation ... planning .... haggling ... price comparisons .... We did it! We are now not only green loving Prius owners, we are also a one car family .... and surprisingly we are adjusting well. Eric either works from home (which we LOVE) or he is in California. We were only using the 14mpg gas guzzling suburban anytime we went anywhere while our 2nd car just sat and sat as we still pay for insurance and registration ... It only makes sense ... and during our visit to San Jose last month we came to the conclusion that San Jose does not lend itself to owning two vehicles. So we are absolutely loving our new Prius, the kids love it to .... they have told everyone they know multiple times that we have a new car ... (the new car seats help too) So the McCleve Family is actively trying to save the world one mile at a time. (we are currently averaging 52mpg) :)

From the Mouth of Guhner.....

2007-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

It is not very often with my current schedule that I get to take Guhner to school or pick him up. When I do get the opportunity to I take advantage of it. On Thursday of last week I had the pleasure of taking Guhner to school. This is the conversation we had....I thought it was quite funny!

Guhner-"Dad, Where does food go after you eat it?'**He says this as he shoves another bite of Count Chocula cereal.**

Me-"Well....After you swallow the food it goes down your throat and then into your stomach. Your stomach then takes the good parts from the food and you go to the bathroom to get rid of the bad parts.

Guhner-"OK, so if I drank alcohol or coffee I would be going to the bathroom all the time?"

Me-"Yes, Guhner you would have to go to the bathroom all the time!"

All in a name

2007-10-21T21:44:00.001-07:00

Addison has had this kitty since she was an infant. In the past few weeks it has become her absolute favorite, take everywhere, never leave without it, upset when she doesn't know where it is kitty. "Kitty's" first name was Mr. Pussy Cat, then Mr. Kitty, Mr. Car, (don't let the Mr. confuse you "kitty" is a girl), Mattie, and today it is Miss Melissa (Addison's preschool teachers name) I think it is adorable I love that she has something that she loves so much. Hopefully "kitty" will always be there so we don't have to get Addison a real kitty. I look forward to each day and new name that "kitty" will have.

Hillarious Hair Day

2007-10-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Friday was hilarious hair day for Guhner's class. (It was H week) We were already planning on buzzing Guhner's hair. (He hates to have his hair done) So when I heard that it was going to be hilarious hair day I decided to wait so that we could give him a mow hawk. Eric's dream come true... Guhn loved it ... we spiked it up and sprayed it green. When Guhn came out of the bathroom he said it is so PuNk RocK! To Eric and Guhner's dismay we did buzz it off this afternoon. (Picture day is Tuesday)

Friday Night was Family Movie Night at Guhner's school. We watched Surf's Up, they had personal pan pizzas and soda. The kids had a great time and we definatly plan on going to the next movie night.

Suns Fan????

2007-10-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

As some of you may already know.... I am a huge Phoenix Suns fan. I literally will plan my schedule around their games and if it is play off time you can forget about getting me to do anything but watch the game. This is something that my wife does not completely understands, but she lives with it. ( I think she is just happy I am passionate about something).
Guhner has taken a liking to basketball also but not in the way that I had hoped for..... It all started 2 years ago when the Suns were playing against the Clippers in the playoffs. I was feverishly cheering for the Suns as I always do and out of nowhere Guhner started cheering for the Clippers. Mind you he was only 3 at the time. It was all down hill from there....I could not even mention the Suns without Guhner saying something about the Clippers and telling me the Clippers were a better team. He would even pray for the Clippers just to irritate me......
Unfortunately this trend continues today....But I am hopeful. We are on the eve of a new season. I have the opportunity to convince my son that the Suns are truly the best team in the land.

I am afraid that if I don't get to him this year he might brainwash me into thinking the Clippers are actually better than the Suns!

Pray for Me!

Queens of the CROP!

2007-09-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday September 22, 2007

This was my last time working a crop. It is kinda sad ... I have been doing it for 2 1/2 years ... it is when I get my friends and family to come scrapbook because I am working ... eat some Iron Chef ... talk with the girls ... maybe get a few things done ... overall tons of fun. Shannon and Michelle were the only regulars that were able to make it Saturday ( I forgot to take a picture while Shannon was still there) Hopefully we will still be good and get together once a month to go "scrapbook".

"I'm a good maker"

2007-09-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I had promised Addison that after we picked Guhner up from school we would use her easy bake oven. (some of you are thinking ohhh what a nice mom) Well I am not .... Addison has had this easy bake since CHRISTMAS and Thursday was the first time ever that I let her get it out and use it! I don't know why, it always seems like such a big production ... it's not .... from start to finish 30 min. She loved it ... was so proud of herself! While she was so carefully spreading the frosting on her cake I said to her "Addison you are doing such a Great job!" .... Addison: "That's cause I'm a good maker" Yes Addison you are a good maker!!!

Guhner's FIRST Day!!!

2007-09-19T13:17:00.001-07:00

Guhner's first day of school .... he loved it! ... had no hesitation ... like he has done this forever. Had it not been for Eric (making fun of some of the moms who were already crying) I would have had a good long cry ... I have never fought back tears like that in my life ... it is a rare occasion that I do cry, so when it comes on that strong I usually just let the tears roll ... I was not sad ... I think it is a right of passage ... I have already decided that Eric is not allowed to come when Addison starts preschool so I can have a good cry.

Mrs. Altstock (Guhner's teacher) did a great job getting the classroom ready. I know Guhner will love it in her class. She seems like a great teacher and truly cares about the kids. Since the first day she has told me how GREAT Guhner is doing and how POLITE he is, he has recieved a sticker every day on his calendar. Today he told me that he only needs two more ... he gets his math smarts from his mom!

Pick up went great! Eduprise has a great system/organization for drop off and pick up. Guhner's only complaint is that our suburban has to be his school bus ... ever since he has been old enough to know he has wanted to ride on a school bus ... I had to walk to school ... up hills both ways ... in the snow .... I would have loved to get a ride in any sort of vehicle.

Being a mom of kids in school is definatly different. It is great. When we get home we get to sit around the table and talk about our day. I get to check off homework and sign off reading time. I get to pack snacks and make sure everything is ready for the next day. I love it! I do miss them as babies ... but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Scrapbook Convenion

2007-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love the Creating Keepsake Scrapbook Convention. Great day, great products, great company! Oh and I just LOVE Becky Higgins. She is the greatest, is always inspiring and reminding us why we really do scrapbook! Amanda and I missed registration so we just showed up and shopped the vendor fair and was able to get into Becky Higgins back stage class. No stress. No hurrying to get to your next class. All in all a great day ... Although we have been doing this for a few years ... more than I am willing to admit! ... This may have been our last CKC. Don't worry we are not throwing in the towel. We are going to the next level ... CKU (creating keepsake university) They only do 4 a year. The closest one to us is in Anaheim ... June 2008 ... Watch out CKU here we come.

The $$$ Movies

2007-09-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Our cousin Shannon invited us for a play date Friday and we decided to take the kids to the dollar movies. We all know the saying .... You get what you pay for ... Well it is so true, I just can not help myself when I know I can get a good deal. Although we did get what we paid for we still had a great time and the kids had tons of fun. First we ate lunch at the food court, then played at the "play place", next was the movie, after the movie we let the kids run around a little in the play area outside. It is slowly but surely cooling off so it was not too horrible to sit outside in the shade. We love having play dates with our family and friends and will sure miss them when we move to California.

pictured from top:
Raven - Guhner - Cody - Addison - Ronin

Harvest Wreath

2007-09-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

So I got the idea in my head that I wanted a harvest wreath (I like to pretend that AZ has seasons) I new what I wanted it to look like but decided I did not want to pay more than $20. I went to Joanne's yesterday and they had harvest wreaths normal price: $29.99 on sale for $17.99 ... great, right in my price range, but I did not really like any of them. So any of you who know me "I can make one I like" Any of the crafty folk know that making it yourself is usually now days more expensive...And those of you who know me ... know how many do-it-myself projects I have in my scrapbook room. Well to make a long story even longer ... all the stuff I needed was on sale I only spent $18 and some change and gave myself until today to make it or I was going to return the stuff.

(to avoid adding another unfinished project to the pile)

So here it is my harvest wreath finished on time and looks pretty dang good if I don't say so myself. I also have enough stuff that if I spend another $3.99 on a grapevine wreath I can make another one.

Yeah for me!!!!

Budget

2007-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Only those of you who have a budget or have ever tried to have one will appreciate this. I decided our family needed a budget. My budget for groceries is $100 a week. Monday was my first shopping trip with said budget. If you can not see it in the picture my total with tax was $100.00. I was and still am so excited.

Flagstaff

2007-09-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Oh how I LOVE Flagstaff.

Even if my Auntie Jane didn't live there I would still love it. My Aunt living there just adds to the charm! The weather is PERFECT! (very comparable to San Jose) The views are amazing! (especially from Tom & Jane's house) The kids can play outside ALL day and they love it. Fresh air ... green grass .... trees .... especially the aspen ... raspberry bushes (in the backyard)...dogs running free...kids running off all of their energy...what is there not to love!!?!! Eric and I did happen to spend out honeymoon in Flagstaff 6 1/2 years ago (my first time in falling snow!) Since my Aunt married Tom (now Uncle Tom) we make it a point to visit at least a few times a year. Unfortunately the entire summer went by and the begining of September was the first visit of the summer. It was great, very relaxing, five star hotel accomadations. 3 short days and back to the heat of the valley (which I did not miss) but it was nice to be back home, kids back on schedule, and my own bed to sleep in ..... Next time we go to Flag hopefully there will be snow on the ground.

(Christmas does not always bring snow to Flagstaff)

First day for Addison

2007-09-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of preschool for Addison.

We had been talking about it ever since we signed her up a little over a week ago, and she has been so excited to tell EVERYONE. Well this morning she was not so excited about it and did not want to go. She wanted mommy to stay with her if she did go. Well we went and I had to trick her so I could leave. Mrs. Udy (her teacher) said that she cried for just a minute then she was great. Addison had a lot of fun and it is all she could talk about for the rest of the day. I am so glad that she enjoyed it and I know she will do great.

Happy Birthday!

2007-09-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Deanna!

Tonight we celebrated Deanna's Birthday. We went to Gecko Grill in Queen Creek. (super yummy Mexican food) After dinner we went to Bahama Bucks, which is our families ultimate favorite. When we were in high school we went there all the time. Deanna - Jamaican Rum Christine - Strawberry Daiquiri

We are so excited that there is one in Queen Creek now. I am sure it will the place for future girls night out. I hope Deanna had a great forever 25 birthday!

Family Reunion 2007

2007-09-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

McCleve Family

This Labor day weekend we went to the Goodman reunion in Vernon, AZ.
It was the first time our entire little family had gone camping. Addisons first time EVER. She loved it. We all had a great time! The weather was GREAT nice and cool, a little sprinkle here and there. The food was great! It was really good to catch up with family that we had not seen in a while. The kids had a BLAST getting to do "whatever they wanted" running all around with thier cousins. Guhner and Addison were able to sleep with Tyler and McKenna in a tent in the back of the horse trailer. Thier story is they stayed up ALL night. I think all night is about 10:30. Eric and I took the third row out of our suburban and put in an air matress, it was very nice and cozy.

The kids went with Eric to the cinder pits to go shooting. We caught a horney toad and took turns holding it (the kids, not me, I like to admire from afar). The best of all was each night we had SMORES. (my kids first time ever....I know someone please call CPS) The kids didn't ever want to leave (who can blame them). But I can say that I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight!

Dr. McCleve at your service!

2007-09-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

Per my previous post, here is a picture of my finger! Today was day 10 (when my stitches could come out) being the holiday, my appointment was on Tuesday. Well I wanted to go swimming with the kids today, so I took the stitches out myself in my mother-in-laws kitchen with what I believe was scrapbook scissors. If you look at the top of the picture you can see the stitches that I took out. It didn't really hurt. The only reason I think it hurt a little is because 3 of the four stitches were actually through my nail. Just call me Dr. McCleve, although I am not taking appointments yet.... I probably shouldn't have done that. My finger is oozing a little. In my own defence I don't think that they did that great of a job of putting the stitches in.

Preschool

2007-08-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have already admitted that this summer with my kids turning 3 and 5 was really hard on me. I don't have babies or even toddlers anymore I have two kids. (Big kids according to them) It doesn't matter how old you actually are, when your kids get older it makes you feel OLD!

Today I enrolled Addison in preschool. I waited because I was going through all the reasons I shouldn't sign her up this year...

Preschool for a 3 year old is glorified day care
We are moving
Guhner didn't go until he was 4
Taking Guhner to Kindergarten and her to preschool would leave me driving all day
She is my baby and she can just stay home with me!

Recently (Eric has been telecommuting and traveling back and forth) Addison has developed separation anxiety with me. As bad as to say that when I go upstairs to change out laundry or go downstairs to clean the kitchen and she doesn't know where I am she freaks out and starts crying. Not just crying, sobbing, the first few times she did it I was looking for the blood and a missing body part. Well there was no blood... I think preschool will be really good for her and to help her with her anxiety. She never cries when she goes to nursery at church, she LOVES it and I know she will LOVE preschool.

She will attend 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours....I don't know what I will do with myself....
Yes I do, I will clean my house in half the time and maybe get caught up on some projects and even some scrap booking! Then I will look forward to spending some time with my kids after school and not take it for granted!

Who needs a finger anyway?!?

2007-08-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

So most of you know that on Friday August 24 I decided to make life a little more exciting! I smashed my finger in our suburban door. Yes Eric did the same thing about a month ago. I don't usually think of myself as super competitive but decided to do a better job. I had to have Shannon take me to the new Gilbert emergency hospital on Power and Ray (which is very nice, I highly recommend it) and there I received 4 stitches on my right index finger. (yes I am right handed) I never realized how much I use that use full little finger until it hurt to touch anything including my keyboard to blog.....lets not forget that today and tomorrow we are moving grandma into her new apartment and then finishing the house to put on the market. Hey at least I have my arm, hand, and 4 other fingers that still work. You would be amazed at the things you learn to do with your left hand when forced to. Well only 5 more days until the stitches come out!!! We did take pictures and if I figure it out maybe we will have those posted soon. :)