Preston, Kami and Zachary Clarke

Family Pictures 2011

2011-11-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are our family pictures. We took them at Hidden Haven and Five Mile.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T19:07:00.000-06:00

Zach went to the pumpkin patch for school a couple weeks ago. Since the pumpkin patch is right next door I just thought I would pick him up instead of driving back to Parowan. Once again Zach and I don't mix when we take pictures so his eyes are closed in almost all of them.

School & Soccer

2011-10-05T21:29:00.000-06:00

We've had a busy couple of months. The boys both started school and Zach started soccer. It was a little frustrating because I just wanted him to pay attention but then I remembered he is 4 and all the other kids were doing the same. Preston is doing well in school and is enjoying his second year. Zach is in a huge preschool class this year and has been doing homework learning to write letters. Last year was all about social so it is nice that it is more geared towards education this year.

Zach and I taking pictures doesn't work out so well.

Haha this picture kills me. He wanted a picture of his backpack but somehow it turned into a booty shot.

Yes this was where 90% of practice was spent.

Hopefully the next couple of months will slow down and we won't be so busy, but Preston starts Debate so I highly doubt it.

Mossy Cave

2011-07-22T19:59:00.000-06:00

We went to Tropic today so Preston could play in a softball tournament for his mom and dad's businesses. Well we won't talk about the tournament because two innings isn't worth mentioning, but then we decided to go hiking. Preston's little brother Parker and our nephew Dallon went with us. The water was fast and the waterfall was huge this year.

The boys hiking up

At the cave. Yes I said it is a lame cave. Notice the matching baseball shirts. Thanks Mal!

The waterfall.

The boys jumping in the FREEZING waterfall. I didn't get a picture of Preston in it, but he did go under it.

Zach decided he wanted to walk in the water. I was a little nervous because it was fast and you couldn't tell how deep some spots were.

Zach really excited!

Crossing the stream unnecessarily because there is a bridge right above them.

We had lots of fun even though the tournament was a bust.

DALLAS

2011-06-24T21:42:00.000-06:00

Preston and I went to Dallas last week for an entire week. Preston took two of his debate kids to nationals so I tagged along. It was nice to have a whole week with him since we haven't go to see each other much lately.

View from our hotel room

I was so excited to see this. It was a life size bronze statues of a cattle drive. Since it was so hot I burned my hand trying to climb on one of them, but it was still fun.

Heart Attack Grill. A cafe that prides itself on how unhealthy it is. Our shake came with a slice of butter on top.

Preston with the two kids who competed at nationals.

This was a museum of mummies found in Mexico. Zach thought it was cool that I saw real mummies.

Dallas World Aquarium.

Preston and his student Chancy eating sushi for the first time. We even got a video of Chancy gagging.

Waiting for the DART train after the NBA championship parade. It was so crazy.

We went to several art museums in Dallas. Some included Holocaust Museum, ssculpture gardens, museum and where JFK was shot. Most wouldn't let us take pictures but here is one outside of SMU.

I had such a great time, even though I missed Zach like crazy and gained about 5lbs. Next year will be Indianapolis so hopefully some more kids can qualify.

Boys will be boys

2011-04-13T17:53:00.000-06:00

I know I haven't blogged lately, but I had a TRAUMATIZING afternoon. I was in the kitchen baking which is already a major anxiety for me and Zach came in the back door from playing outside. He said, "Mom I have a surprise for you." This usually means some dandelions so I said, " Oh you do what is it?" and then PLOP this is what landed on my kitchen counter.....

Yes I screamed and luckily Preston was home upstairs so I ran to him yelling and screaming. Zach couldn't understand why I was upset over a robin. When I took him upstairs to hose him down he said, "Well you're nurse can you fix it." So sweet but also very disgusting. For those of you concerned with my kitchen counter like I was, I did bleach it.

I'm still here

2011-02-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I'm still here. We have been so busy the last few months. We survived the holidays which were extremely hard and now we are just trying survive the second half of the school year. Preston is busy with debate tournaments and goes almost every weekend. Zach is getting so big and so smart some of the stuff he says I don't know where he learned it. I'm just trying to keep up with everyone. I will post pictures of our live when I find them and find time.

Family Pictures

2010-12-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here are our family pictures for this year. They are in no order and then there is the ones on the top and on the side. I hope they posted ok.

This is how we all felt by the end of it.

Halloween

2010-11-06T16:33:00.000-06:00

We were so excited for Halloween this year. It is one of Zach's favorite holidays. He said he wanted to be a ghost for awhile now but it is very hard to find a ghost costume and I don't sew so we found a zombie costume and just called it a ghost. I don't know if he realized or someone said something but when we went trick-or-treating he kept telling people he was a zombie ghost so it worked out. We were all suppose to dress up but Preston ended up having a debate tournament and couldn't go with us. The ended up taking 3rd so I guess it was ok since he wasn't there.

Well I think he is the cutest zombie ghost!

Pumpkin patch

2010-10-22T17:14:00.004-06:00

Zach and I went to the pumpkin patch with his preschool earlier this month. We had never been and Zach really enjoyed picking his pumpkin. I drove a couple of the kids with Zach and I was laughing so hard and the things those boys were saying. I really appreciate Miss Kari she has her hands full with all those boys. The picture above is Zach being mad I had him take pictures while everybody else ran around the patch.

Update

2010-10-06T19:02:00.004-06:00

Mr. Clarke on his first day of school. Yes he was mad I made him take a picture.
Zach on his first day of school.

Just a funny picture we found of Zach.

Yikes it has been a very long time. Lots has been going on and it has been crazy. Here is just a highlight of each of us from this summer until now....

**Preston taught Taiwan kids English at SUU this summer. He has been working very hard to get endorsed in English basically taking what classes it would take to get a minor in English. He is loving his job at Beaver even though it is time consuming and stressful.

**Zach started preschool. I didn't know how I would feel about this but he absolutely loves playing with the kids. He runs away to all of our neighbors and I can never find him. I'm pretty sure he is going to get arrested for breaking and entering even though I have explained several times you don't go into someones house without knocking and then them answering. He is so smart and comes up with the craziest things.

**I just cut down to two days a week. Yes from 36 to 24 hours and I love it. I actually get to see Preston for more then 15min a day. Zach is not used to having me around so much but I think he likes it. My next goal is to organize my house. Yes it still looks like a tornado hit it even though we have been here for two months. Another highlight was at a high school dance Preston and I chaperoned several high school kids thought we were still in high school and dating. I had a good laughed.

Well that's it. Now that things have calmed down a little and I have found my camera I will post more.

Classroom

2010-08-23T20:47:00.006-06:00

It has been such a crazy summer. I don't know where the time has gone. Preston started school last week and it doing great. He has been a little overwhelmed, but has been enjoying it. I went and helped put his classroom together last week. Although it isn't completely done it looks pretty good. Here is a couple pictures I took on my phone so they aren't the best.

This is a Spanish calender that I made. I think it turned out well if I do say so.

This is his office area. Yes that is a Mexican blanket covering a TV that was made in the 70's.

Anyway it has been super busy around here but we are hoping things settle down. P.S. Beaver won their first football game. I think I'm going to turn into a super fan and yell and scream at the top of the bleachers wearing my own Beaver t-shirt. Watch out Parowan.

Update

2010-07-31T14:33:00.002-06:00

We are alive! I know some of you have been wondering and asking questions of whats going on. Well Preston got the job in Beaver and will be teaching Spanish I and II, English 9 & 10th and debate. He has been working really hard to get endorsed for English and is half way done with his last class before school starts. He was able to do a fundraiser for his debate team and met a several of his students.

We just moved to Paragonah so that we can be right in the middle of Beaver and Cedar so I can still work. We are renting my mom's cousin's house and it is huge! I really like it so far except for the ugly painting and wallpaper, but I'm just decorating over it. I'll take pictures when I can find my camera. Zach runs around yelling, "mom where are you" because we have more than two rooms that I could be in. The yard is connected to my Aunt Dorothy's so Zach has lots a room to run around.

On a more personal note which is for family reading this Zach finally pooped in the potty. We think it is going to stick this time.

2010-06-21T19:10:00.004-06:00

We took our yearly trip a couple weeks ago. We went to temple square, Discovery Gateway, Lagoon and the zoo. It was very busy. Zach got sick and threw-up the first night. It was a little traumatic since it was the first time ever but we all survived. Zach was still not feeling well for Lagoon but was a trooper for most of it. It is picture overload so enjoy!

Don't you love all the cranes from construction.

My nephew Scott took this picture. I think he is quite the photographer.

This is one of the only pictures we could get that Zach wasn't screaming.

We found this ride at the very end of the day and it was Zach's favorite. He would only ride with Aunt Amy and after 3 times she was soaked!

Yes I know this sweatshirt is too small and it says first visit (which it's not) but it had rained and was so cold so we all bought sweaters. This was the only size they had for Zach.

The baby elephant

Our yearly family picture.

The boys trying to be gorillas

After all that the kids just wanted to play at the playground.

P.S. yes I did get Zach's and Preston's hair cut after this. Zach is sporting a cute buzz now.

GO BEAVERS!

2010-06-11T09:59:00.002-06:00

It may seem strange for me to cheer for Parowan's high school rival Beaver but PRESTON GOT A JOB! He is going to be teaching at Beaver High School English/Spanish. We are very excited. We thought this was going to be a long shot but he ended up getting the job. Just thought I would share the good news.

Welcome home Pace!

2010-05-12T15:46:00.003-06:00

This post is for family that couldn't be here. Last week Preston's brother Pace came home off of his mission from Chile. We spent the weekened together and are very happy to have him home. Zach was a little shy at first which is hard to believe, but he warmed right up.

We were also able to talk to Preston's other brother on his mission in Sweden for a couple of hours on Mother's Day. It was really nice to hear from him and hear that he is doing well.

Pace and Preston's sister Malory stayed at our house a couple of nights ago and when I saw Zach he just couldn't stop talking about Uncle Pace.

Uncle Pace
Pace's blown apart shoes from working hard.

I just thought this picture was really cute. This is Zach's cousin Olivia giving him a hug.

Zach with Addie and Gavin.

I'm so proud of Preston's brothers and the good example that they are setting for Zach.

Happy 3rd Birthday

2010-04-27T08:08:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was Zach's 3rd birthday. I can't believe it has been 3 years. We had a very busy day. We spent the afternoon with my family in Cedar shopping and going to lunch. Then we went to my nephew's baseball game. After it was over we had the party. We had a lot of people there and were very grateful for everyone coming. Zach had such a good day. He couldn't wait to open his presents. Before we left for the game he tried talking me into letting him open presents. I told him that he had to wait and he said, "I've waited and waited!" he is so cute.

He picked this cake out 5 months ago and has remembered ever since. Anytime anyone asked what he wanted he said a pirate ship birthday cake.

Preston and I got him a bike. We weren't sure if he was big enough for one but he did such a good job.

Please excuse the dirty face and messy hair. It was his birthday and we let him do whatever he wanted like wearing a cowboy hat or helmet all day.

The amazing Pirate birthday cake. Yes it was three layers of cake filled with chocolate frosting.

We did a pinata for the kids. It was really fun. My cousin Owen finally broke it open and sent candy flying across the yard. I hope the deer enjoy the ones we couldn't find. Sorry mom.

Towards the end of the night we took a bike and scooter ride down the street with all the kids. Zach did tip over when he hit a pothole (good old Paragonah dirt roads). He got right up and brushed his legs off and got back on. I was so proud of him.

I'm glad the day turned out well. It is hard to believe that he is three. Sometimes he acts so much older but then it seems like yesterday that he was born. We can't imagine our lives without him. We love you!

Easter

2010-04-14T17:02:00.005-06:00

We had a good Easter weekend. I worked most of the time but we were still able to do some fun things. My nephew Gideon came down so we decided to have an Easter egg hunt in St. George since the snow had cancelled the one in Paragonah. The kids had a lot of fun. We went to the park and played with all the toys that the kids got. Paragonah ended up having the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Zach got one of the prize eggs and when he went to get his prize it was a princess ball. He looked at it and said, "I don't want this" and tried to give it back. I was laughing so hard. Anyway a nice little girl got a Cars frisbee so they switched. Zach had a lot of fun and now thinks we should have an Easter egg hunt everyday!

This is the Easter bunny in Paragonah. I don't know why they always have the scariest bunny.

Yes I had to show off my baseball skills. Preston was very impressed I could even hit the ball.

Zach went straight for the candy.

This is a How to Train your Dragon T-shirt because we took the boys to it the day before and Zach loved it.

All the crazy cousins together.

Shout Out...

2010-03-29T20:22:00.003-06:00

This is a special shout out to Preston's sister Megan. She fixed Preston and me up 5 years ago last Friday. I met him and we have been inseparable ever since. He is the best husband and father ever. We love you Megan. Thank You! (These are pictures of when we were dating that's why we look so young!)

Scrapbook Fair Video

2010-03-26T19:24:00.000-06:00

Scrapbook Fair

2010-03-26T19:12:00.001-06:00

My mom, sister Amy and I all went to the scrapbook fair today. Everybody thought we were crazy to drive in the snow but we went up and back anyway. It was worth it because my sister Amy was on the news! This is the video and she is at around 42 sec. She was super embarrased and my mom ditched her when the news lady approached. We had so much fun, ate lots of food and laughed a lot.

Mini Vacation

2010-03-15T20:44:00.002-06:00

This past weekend Preston and I went to Salt Lake and Provo for a teacher job fair. We left Zach with my parents so it was just us. We missed him even though we were only gone for one night, but it was nice for it to be just us. I have been waiting to go to my favorite restaurant The Melting Pot in Salt Lake for over a month. Preston even surprised me and ordered Big Night Out (so much food). This is the meat course it was after the cheese fondue and a salad. I didn't eat very much of this because I saved room for Bananas Foster fondue which is the best. After I gained 10lbs. we stayed at his grandma and grandpa Seilers. They are always so nice to me. Anyway I had a really great time spending time with Preston and hopefully something will come out of the job fair.

Spring Fever

2010-03-02T19:18:00.002-07:00

I finally decided to post since we actually did something today other than work. The first few pictures are of how boring we have been. Preston and Zach have played video games while I have been scrapbooking. Preston also got a BBQ grill for Christmas from my parents and we decided to break it out a couple of weekends ago despite the snow. He grills practically everyday it's great. I've been getting really sick of the snow so I finally talked Preston into taking Zach, my nephew Scott and me swimming at Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. It was under construction so I was a little worried but it turned out really fun.

It's hard getting these two to look at the camera and smile at the same time!

The boys had a great time and hopefully I'll be able to endure the snow for a little longer.

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-01-25T14:02:00.003-07:00

It was my birthday yesterday. If anyone knows me they know that it is a big deal. Despite our accident (see post below) we still made my birthday fun. My whole family went bowling on Saturday including my dad which he was a really good sport since it was the first time after his knee surgery. Preston and I spent that night at home watching movies. Preston and Zach picked out my beautiful princess cake. Thanks to everyone.

Zach was really excited for cake.

My boys doing their cheesy smiles.

Of course Zach isn't looking.

Ooops!

2010-01-25T13:44:00.003-07:00

If anyone has ever wondered what a car looks like after hitting a deer on the freeway going 80mph looks like this is it.....

We were coming home from my mom's last Wednesday when we got to the Summit exit. Preston was driving and I turned to see if Zach was asleep. Next thing I know I hear a big crash. We pulled over and this is the result. Luckily we are all ok, except for the car, and it was a lot better than it could have been.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T21:47:00.004-07:00

Sorry this is picture overload. It is also very confusing and out of order, but it's mostly for my memories so sorry. This top picture is of Preston and I after hitting a ramp.

Isn't he so cute!

Amy and me at the bottom of the hill.

Another cute one.

I showed Zach that he could eat snow and since he loves eating that's all he wanted to do for the rest of the time.

Group shot yelling SNOW!

Preston and Zach which Zach screamed all the way down. We tried it again as a family with Zach in the middle and he loved that.

We went sledding today for New Years. We took our family, my sister Amy and her son Scott and my other nephew Gideon. We found a really fun slope in Parowan. Even my sister got in the action despite her not wearing any snow clothes.

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!

2010-01-01T21:21:00.003-07:00

It was Preston's birthday on Christmas Eve and this is the cake that we picked for him.
Christmas morning was really fun. Zach was so excited to see his tent that Santa brought him.

Santa also brought him a cowboy costume.

This is how excited he was to see all of his presents from santa. I hope everybody had as good as Christmas as we did.

Christmas Program

2010-01-01T20:52:00.002-07:00

We went to watch my nephew at his church Christmas program. When we were waiting to start this old lady told Zach that he should go sit with the rest of the kids. Before I knew it he was at the top sitting by Scott. He didn't really know what was going on or any of the songs, but that's what made it funny. In the middle of the program Scott had to go on stage because he was a shepard so Zach followed him and just stood there front and center staring at baby Jesus. It was really funny.

Let it Snow!

2009-12-08T20:50:00.002-07:00

It snowed! We let the boys play out in my mom's yard while we took pictures. I love Zach's little snow suit. We bought it 3-4 months ago for dirt cheap so it doesn't get better than that.

This is a picture of a snowball that Preston threw from the porch that landed on Zach's head.

It was very cold so we only played for a little bit, but Zach loved it.

Super seniors and first dates

2009-11-09T20:00:00.002-07:00

The foreign language club at Canyon View held their annual Sadie Hawkins dance. It was a Halloween dance which I thought was crazy since it was a week after Halloween. Anyway Preston had to chaperon the dance and his teacher that he student teaches with told him to bring Zach and me. Zach was so excited he got to wear his dinosaur costume again. Mrs. Duncan's little girl said she would be Zach's date so she dressed up as Wilma Flinstone. Preston's little sister came to stay the weekend and asked Mrs. Duncan's son to the dance. Maybe I should have stayed home so Preston could have gone with Mrs. Duncan. The decorations were impressive and I told Mrs. Duncan that it was decorated better then my prom. Zach got very tired around 10:30. Let's hope he is like this when he is in high school.

Malory and Braxton dressed up as a 50's couple.

Zach on his first date!

Halloween

2009-11-03T10:34:00.005-07:00

We had a really fun Halloween this year. I only had to work the last half of the shift so I was able to celebrate. Zach was so excited for about a week before. He even woke up from his nap saying "boo" over and over.
We went to Paragonah to go with Scott. We first went trunk or treating at their ward and then we decided to take the boys door to door. Zach had a great time and every time someone would open the door he would just walk right into their house. Preston even dressed up as Edward Scissorhands which scared a little princess but other than that it was a hit. Zach only got scared at two houses which I thought was a success since there were some pretty scary decorations.

Family Pictures

2009-10-06T17:50:00.002-06:00

Last week we had my friend Alisha's little sister take our family pictures. I absolutly dread doing this. It takes so much work just to have Zach hold still for two seconds to take pictures and very rarely do we get a good picture especially a family picture. Anyway I think she did a great job and we really love these pictures. All the pictures on the side of the blog and these are the ones she did. Her blog for her photography is http://allsnappedup.blogspot.com check it out because she does the cutest pictures. Sorry there are a ton of pictures, but they are mostly for Preston's brother Pace since we are terrible and never write letters. By the way Zach is holding a pear in most the pictures because that is the only way he wouldn't be a dork. He called it his parrott. Don't tell the Stowell's because he stole it off of their tree!

Was it worth it?

2009-09-13T21:24:00.002-06:00

Ever since I met Preston I knew that he loved baseball. I have never seen him play so I always pictured him very awkward, but to my surprise he is actually pretty good. We go to our ward's men's softball every Tuesday night. It has been really fun to get out and Zach loves to watch his daddy and play in the dirt. Anyway last Tuesday Preston was running to home, but someone was also throwing the ball to the catcher. Everyone held their breaths and just hoped that the catcher would drop the ball. Me being sceptical just figured my husband was out, but to my surprise he slid into home and the next thing I knew the catcher was on top of Preston and the umpire was yelling safe! Well everybody cheered and all the elders quorum was saying how cool it was but they wouldn't have done it. Preston definitely proved me wrong about being awkward because it was very cool to watch. Next thing I knew Preston was in the outfield and I looked over and he was emptying sand from his shoes. A quick three outs happened and my husband hobbled to the bleachers asking my to get a wipe for the blood that was dripping to his socks. We cleaned hip up and he headed back out like a true baseball player. Anyway that was a really long play by play but since you didn't watch it somebody had to fill you in.
P.S. This is not as gruesome as your post Megan so I didn't need a warning and if any of you needed a warning I'm very sorry.

First day of school

2009-08-24T17:34:00.002-06:00

We survived the first day of school. Granted I didn't have to do anything, but I did stress for Preston. He started student teaching at Canyon View and teaches with a really fun teacher. Now I'm starting to regret how mean I was to all the student teachers I had when I was in school. Anyway the first day went well and he even got to teach part of a class. I'm so proud of him and it's just one step closer to the ending.

Come on down.....

2009-08-15T23:02:00.002-06:00

It was our anniversary last week. I can't believe it has been four years. Preston and I decided to head to Las Vegas for a couple nights. Preston needed to get clothes to teach and I just needed a break. We decided to go to The Price Is Right stage show. We always talk about going and we finally did. Although we didn't get called up we had so much fun. It was a great vacation. I am so glad that I am married to Preston. He is the sweetest person ever and I am so lucky!

Vacation

2009-07-28T19:11:00.005-06:00

We went on our annual trip to the zoo this month. We decided to go for a couple of days and go to Lagoon and to the dinosaur museum. My sister Amy and her son Scott went with us. My mom and dad decided to surprise us and came the last day to go to the zoo with us. It was really surprising because my dad had just had knee surgery 3 weeks earlier. We had so much fun and it was nice just to get away.
**I usually don't like boat hats but Zach picked this out because it had turtles on it and Amy bought it for him. He just loved wearing it.

Zach hated Lagoon and yes I'm one of those parents that make my child ride even when he is crying. He actually liked the log ride until we got wet then he screamed, "I WET"

My dad will kill me if he knew I posted this but I just thought it was a really good picture of him even though he is in a jazzy.

We have a picture taken in this same spot every year.

This is at the dinosaur museam at Thanksgiving Point. I thought it was boring but all the boys loved it.

Anyway sorry about the picture overload. It was a really fun trip and I'm glad we got to go before things got too crazy.

2009-06-25T16:31:00.003-06:00

So if any of you know me well you know that Footloose is one of my favorite movies. Well my sweet husband decided he would sacrifice and take me to the play at Tuachan. It had Thayne from the show "So You Think You Can Dance" from a couple of seasons ago so I was pretty excited. Any way it was a really good play and I recommend it to everyone.

Camping

2009-06-08T06:13:00.004-06:00

Zach loved the BBQ chicken

A couple of weeks ago we decided we wanted to go camping. Every year we say we want to but we never end up going. This year was the year. We were a little chicken to go stay in a real camp ground because we didn't know how Zach would do so my mom was very generous and let us camp in her back yard. It worked out great because she even has a fire pit to dutch oven. We had lots of fun and Zach was so excited and slept really well. I had worked four nights in a row and couldn't sleep so Preston kicked me out of the tent at 1 in the morning so it was a good thing we were at my mom's or I would have been sleeping outside.

Birthday, Graduation and Stitches

2009-05-12T19:43:00.004-06:00

Well time keeps flying by. We have been very busy and I just decided not to blog on Easter because it has been too long and not very interesting. Zach's birthday was on the 26th and we went to Las Vegas to pick up my dad from New Zeland. Zach missed his grandpa who is also his best friend so picking him up at the airport was a great birthday present. We went to the Shark Reef and looked at all the animals at Bass Pro. He is just getting so big and so smart that I don't even know what to do with him. He carries on full conversations all the time now. We are very blessed to have him.
We also had Preston's graduation on May 2nd. I had to be the proudest wife in the audience. It was so nice to see Preston finally accomplish what he has worked so hard for four years for. We still aren't done with school, but it was a big stepping stone for us. President Monson spoke as well as a man that was 104. It was a pretty impressive day. I must brag for moment. Preston graduated Summa Cum Laude (high honors), 3.88 GPA and his last semister which he had the most credits he has ever taken he got a 4.0.
Finally last week we were getting ready to go to Parowan and my crazy baby got too excited ran in the livingroom and fell cutting his head open. We spent a couple of hours in Beaver's ER and then 3 stitches later we were done. Well thats been our lives lately. Sorry for the long post.

This is Preston, Zach and Preston's brother Parker-all the boys together

He only cried for 10 min. and then ran around the ER with blood dripping down his face thinking he was funny.

ipod touch

2009-04-27T21:06:00.003-06:00

We got an iPod touch for preston's graduation and we are attempting to post this blog entry from it. It is pretty much the coolest invention ever! You can get online with any wifi connection and do pretty much anything a computer can do. Preston downloaded the scriptures onto it and it is sooo cool! Now I can blog-stalk from anywhere! We celebrated Zach's birthday over the weekend, I will post more about that later.

We're adults!

2009-04-11T02:05:00.002-06:00

Well it's 2 in the morning and I worked Thursday night and have to be at work in 3 hours so needless to say my body is screwed up. What better thing to do when you can't sleep but blog. Well Preston and I broke our long streak of not being in debt last week. We bought a new car. Preston's jetta that he bought a month before he met me had the water pump go out. They said this usually wasn't expensive but in a jetta it was. This hasn't been the first problem so just jokingly I said we should just buy a new car. I've been saying this for probably three years now but the answer is always the same except for this time he said "ya probably." After two days of stress and me signing away what felt like my life we bought a new car. I won out and got a bigger car because I hated putting Zach in the carseat in the jetta. So this is our car and we love it.

The past month

2009-03-25T18:40:00.005-06:00

I keep telling myself that I'm going to update this more than once a month, but it never happens. We have been so busy lately. I have just switched to working the night shift again and I love it. Preston has been so busy with school and even when he had spring break he kept busy doing extra stuff for me and my family. Zach has been growing up so much. He learned to climb out of his crib so we had to switch to a toddler bed. He slept really well for his first nap, but then for about a week after he would gather all of his stuffed animals, pillow, and blanket and go sleep in front of the door. I am happy to say that he sleeps all night in his bed and even has naps there too.

This is a picture of my little monkey who thought he could climb on his dresser. He fell off and hit his head. I am very surprised that this is the only blood shed we have had since he is very adventurous.

Preston and I spent the first of the month getting his bulletin board put together. This was a project for one of his education classes. I'll have to post closer up pictures to show how detailed it is. I think for the first time Preston was very glad I bought myself a cricut!

2009-02-17T09:49:00.002-07:00

We had kind of a different Valentines this year. I should start off by saying that we never have a really good Valentines day so this was a pretty good one. Anyway my cousin was getting married in the Salt Lake temple so my mom, sister, nephew, Preston and I went to Salt Lake Friday. Since Zach isn't that fun to travel with we had Preston's family watch him which we were very grateful for. We went to eat at Macaroni Grill and then went swimming Friday night. The next day we woke up and headed to the temple. It was snowing like crazy, but the wedding was really nice. We waited for them to come out and when my mom, nephew and me couldn't wait any longer we went to the Joesph Smith building and watched the movie. It was a really good movie but I was worried because I had left Preston outside in the snow with my family. He was a really good sport because he walked all around the temple in the snow helping Amy take pictures. On a side note the best part was when we were waiting for my cousin and his new wife to come out Preston was holding the door open as people went in and out of the waiting room. As Preston held the door open for a family they went through and then Preston said I think that is the Osmond boy off of American Idol. I took a second look and then I said and that's his father. I ran to check with my mom because she is an Osmond expert and she confirmed it. Then my aunt told me that my other cousin and her had had a whole discussion with him in the temple when changing shoes. Preston wouldn't go stand by him outside of the temple so I could get a picture though. Anyway, I think that is a pretty good place to meet someone famous.

This is us at the reception and yes I do know my hair is really big and wavy thanks to the snow!

This is a picture Preston took while he waited for us to come out of the movie.

We had planned that we weren't going to get each other anything for Valentines Day because all I wanted was to eat at the Melting Pot. Unfortunately the Melting Pot didn't have any reservations so I was pretty upset. Preston got these flowers for me from his mom. It wasn't a surprise but it was still very sweet.

I HATE BEING SICK!

2009-02-06T18:07:00.004-07:00

Sorry this is going to be a long and probably confusing blog. Zach and I have been really sick for the past week and a half so this is to catch up on everything. I had my birthday and it was so much fun. That is my cake up above. Preston, Zach, my nephew Scott and Preston's brother Parker picked it out (yes it is Barbi!). Preston says he told them how to spell my name, but they seem to have gotten it wrong anyway. I got a new camera so notice the better pictures even though I am still learning how to use it. Later that night I took Preston night boarding in Brian Head. It was his first time and mine since we've been married. We were going to take the new camera but I was afraid I would fall and break it. Anyway, Preston did really well and we snowboarded until my binding on my board broke (Thanks dad for fixing it).

This next picture is of the fabulous haircut that I gave Preston. We really should have taken a before and after because it had been so long since his last haircut and if any of you know him you know how thick his hair is. Well I think it turned out ok so Alisha if I did something wrong just pretend that it is the greatest haircut.

Ok last but not least ever since Zach was a baby he won't fall asleep anywhere but his crib and his carseat. For the last few weeks, probably because he hasn't felt well, he has fallen asleep in some funny places. Here are a few...

My mom's house on my birthday....

On Megan... thanks for watching him by the way

and on me.

He has been so good while he has been sick and I am so grateful for Preston putting up with Zach and me. I will try to do better with blogging now that I have a new camera.

Catching Up...

2009-01-09T21:04:00.004-07:00

Us at the Bellagio flower garden for Preston's

birthday.

This is to catch up on the last month. It has been so crazy with the holidays and Preston's birthday. We had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house and had to stay there for a couple of days because of the weather. I was really lucky and had the holidays off. Zach was so funny at Christmas. In the morning Zach, me, my sister Amy and nephew Scott went to wake my parents up. When we were in there we asked Zach if santa had came. He got so excited and yelled HO, HO, HO lets go! As soon as we walked into the livingroom he started yelling truck because of all the trucks he got. Anyway it was really fun to see how much he understood. The other pictures are of Preston and me for his birthday which in on Christmas Eve. We went to Las Vegas to celebrate and had a great time.

2008-12-15T19:16:00.003-07:00

(Sorry if the picture is too graphic)

All About Baby Tag. . . .
1.Where were you when you first found out that you were pregnant? Home.

2.Who was with you? Preston

3.How did you find out that you were pregnant? Home pregnancy test after a crappy day at work.

4.What was your first reaction to finding out you were pregnant? I was really excited we had just started trying and I thought it would take awhile.

5.Who was the first person you told? Preston was with me but then we called my family.

6.Did you plan to get pregnant? Yes, but it happened sooner than I was planning.

7.Did you tell everyone else right away? Mostly. The people we didn't tell found out because I was so sick.

8.Was everybody happy for you? Yes

9.Did you go out and celebrate? Not that I remember.

10.Did you want to find out the sex? Yes are you kidding me I couldn't wait.

11.What was the sex? Definately a boy. Preston told us wait it was before the technician said it because it was so obvious.

12.Did anyone throw you a baby shower? My mom and sister

13.Did you get any outfits at the baby shower that you just knew that you wouldnt put on your baby? No, I dont think so.

14.How much weight did you gain? well I lost 16lbs the first few months then I gained it back plus 25lbs.

15.Did you lose all of the weight that you gained? Most of it.

16.Did you get any stretch marks? Umm...yes

17.What did you crave the most? Coke icees, fruit, Dr. Pepper (which I hated before and after pregnancy)

18.Did you crave anything crazy? No.

19.Who or what got on your nerves? People telling me I was going to go early because I was little.

20.Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? I had about a million IV's from being sick and then I would have contractions every night at 10:30 for the last two months.

21.Where and when did you go into labor? I went twice. The first time was at home two weeks before I was induced. Then I went to my mom's and finally went to the hospital. The doctor said I wasn't progressing so he gave me some stuff to knock me out and stop the contractions. Then I was finally induced a day after my due date.

22.Did your water break? No they didn't want to put the baby into more stress because I wasn't progressing.

23.Who drove you to the hospital? Preston drove me to my mom's and then I think we went with her.

24.Who was in the room when you gave birth? Dr. Melling, Dr. Oakden, nurses, Preston, my mom, and Amy was at the door looking in and taking pictures.

25.Did you go early or late? Late

26.How long were in labor for? First time was like 15 hours then when I was induced 26hours.

27.Did you have any drugs for the pain? I had a spinal before my C-section

28.Did you go natural or have a C-section? C-section

29.What was your first reaction after giving birth? I was shocked to see how much hair he had. Then I got some pain meds and I was so loopy after that. I don't remember much until that night.

30.How big was the baby? 7Lbs 8oz 19.5in.

31.Did your husband cry? No I think he was to tired to cry

32.What did you name the baby? Zachary Steven Clarke

33.Does her name have any significant meaning? Yes he is named after my dad who is currently his BFF!

34.Did you have any visitors? Yes and lets just say it is not nice to have Parker and Lynden make you laugh just after having a C-section.

35.Did the baby have any complications? His heartbeat was staying the exact same the night before the C-section so thats when we decided to have the C-section. Then he just had a little jaundice when we took him home but nothing bad thank goodness

36.How old is your baby today? 19 months-he is so big!

37.When is the next one coming? Not for a while!

38.If you could would you do it all over again? Yes even though I was so sick for 5 months it was all worth it.

39.Tag five: anyone that wants to

YIKES! Terrible parenting

2008-11-13T15:21:00.003-07:00

I probably shouldn't post this but it is kind of funny now it is over. I had appointments to cut mine and Zach's hair. Nobody was able to go with us and I knew that was going to be bad because Zach is usually a terror for haircuts (you think he should be use to it having one every month since he was 5 weeks old). Anyway the lady that cuts my hair has a kid that is 6 and he started to play with him so I thought that was an easy fix. So we heard the ladies back door open so she went to see if Zach went outside. She couldn't see Zach so we looked in the house and we still couldn't find him. Ok by now I was totally freaking out. It had been about 5 mins. and I went out to her back yard and saw my little boy running down the street about a half a block away. I yell to the lady and asked her how we could shortcut. Sorry this is kind of long just hang in there. So I ran to my baby with my cape on and my hair half up and cut. He was yelling for grandpa as he was running to a semi truck. Well I thought it was over but then this lady pulled up in her car and said she had noticed him at the top of the block walking right in the middle of the street. She didn't pick him up because she didn't want anyone to think she was stealing him so she called 911. Yikes can you believe it. Well we took Zach and ran in the house to finish the haircuts and didn't even wait to see if the cops showed up. The good thing though he was so tired from running all over Parowan he sat really good for his haircut.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T18:57:00.002-06:00

This Halloween ended up better than last year since Zach and Scott were both sick last year. This year the only problem was Zach was a little sick from getting his MMR immunization last week. Zach dressed as lion and we started off in Paragonah. We first went to Grandma D's and then we went to trunk or treat. It was the first year Paragonah had done this and the first time we had been to one. It was really fun except Zach was shy and wouldn't take candy from anyone. We wanted him to be a scary lion but he ended up being a cowardly lion. We then went to Beaver to visit my mom at work. It was the best part of the night. Zach ran around the hospital and even went into some patients rooms. Well it was a fun night and ended up with us eating all of Zach's candy (it's good to have an 18 month old that doesn't know it's his candy!)

October Update

2008-10-21T16:07:00.003-06:00

Well I'm finally posting another blog. Is not that I don't get on and look at everybody else's blogs but our lives haven't been to exciting to blog about. We have been really busy. Preston is taking like 18 credits and just picked up another class so he can graduate in the spring and I have been working overtime. Zach is just climbing and running all over the place. His new favorite thing to do is climb on our kitchen table (scary!). Last week I learned that he can now reach the coutertops. I was sitting on our couch and he was playing in the kitchen yes I know not a good idea, but it has never really been a problem. Anyway he came running into the livingroom yelling cookie, which is any food, and when I looked in his hand he had an open can of spagetti o's. When I said Oh no he repeated it then threw it on the carpet and started running. Thank goodness for Green Machines and Preston. Preston came home from school just in time to help clean it up. Well that was a long story sorry. We took Zach to his check up yesterday and he is in the 75% of height which is 33in and 60% for weight at 26lbs. He had six shots 3 in each leg and this morning he couldn't even walk. But he did a great job and wasn't even upset about the shots only at people touching him.
Well these pictures that are posted are ones that my sister Amy took. We went to Heritage Park in Parowan last year and took some really cute pictures so we thought we would do it again this year. It was much harder with Zach running this year. I told Amy as long as we got one picture I would call it a success because he is not the most photogenic baby. Well I think we accomplished it.

The only way I could get him to laugh was by

throwing leaves at him.

Amy and I trapped them in this giant tree.
This is the boys trying to pretend to fish in the pond. If anyone has seen this pond lately you will know why I sat there holding my breath. The water has a thin layer of something floating on the top and I could just picture Zach falling head first into it, but luckily we only got feet in it.

Sleepover!

2008-09-12T21:01:00.005-06:00

We have been having sleepovers with our nephew Scott when Amy and my mom have to work. It is fun because Zach just loves Scott. Here are a few pictures in their matching PJ's. Also, Zach loves phones so we took an old cell phone and took the battery out. Here are a few pictures of him talking (he usually talks to grandpa or Parker).

This next picture you can definately tell that it is time for bed!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-12T20:31:00.002-06:00

Well since it's about two weeks past I decided I better post about Labor Day. Sorry I'm a little slow it has been crazy around here with Preston starting school (18 credits). Well I love Labor Day Preston always makes fun of me because I wait all year and get so excited. My favorite is the fair food. Anyway, I got off of work Friday night and we went to the rodeo. I haven't been since I was a kid. Zach loved to walk on the bleachers and show off his cowboy hat and boots. The next day we went to the fair and carnival. It was a lot of fun, but right when we were standing in line to get food it started to down pour, but I wasn't going to let that stop me. My mom, Amy and I stayed to hit just about every food booth before going back to my parent's house. That night I stayed at my parent's house because it is very hard to separate Zach and Pampa (Grandpa). Preston went back home because his brother had came for the weekend and they went to the movies. Well it was a great weekend and I'll start counting down for next year!

This is all the boys in their cowboy get up. This is very rare for me to have a picture of my dad so enjoy!

Zach dancing on the bleachers.

Here is Zach on the Merry-go-round. He wasn't sure at first but then he started to wave at my family as we past them.

Husband Tag!

2008-08-23T23:51:00.004-06:00

Well I have never been tagged (thanks Lindsey!) so I hope I do this right and it makes sense.
What is his name: Preston Scott Clarke
How long have we been married: Three years Aug 5!
Who said I love you first: For sure Preston in spanish first then in english on my mom and dad's couch.
Who is taller: Preston is way taller then me, by a head!
Who sings better: Oh well we probably both would win American Idol if we tried out haha. Probably Preston is a better singer. I just make up the words and sing really loud.
Who is smarter: That's a given definatly Preston.
Who pays the bills: I do mostly but once in awhile he will.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Preston always has and always will if I have my way
Who mows the lawn: Well we don't have a lawn just weeds but when a lawn has to be mowed he does even though he gets killer allergies.
Who cooks dinner: Depends if it is casserole I cook it if it is something fancy then he cooks it! I think he is scared of my cooking! (I don't blame him I am too.)
Who drives: Usually Preston I get road rage too bad and it makes him nervous.
Who's more stubborn: Oh we are both pretty stubborn.
Who kissed who first: Preston kissed me first after a long wait. In Jeff's basement on the red couch watching Ferris Beulers Day Off. (Sorry Megan!)
Who asked who out: Well Megan called and asked if I was going to the fireside because Preston was a big chicken, but he did ask me to movies that night and an all day date the next day.
Who proposed: Preston did of course after having asked my dad and having a conversation about green chile which ended in my dad giving permission.
His Best Feature: Everything is so great about him! I love that he can be so extremely nice to people even when I sometimes don't think it is deserved. I love how supportive he is of everyone around him and how he always hopes for the best of others.
Who has more siblings: He does. 6-2.
Who wears the pants in the family: I try to think I do sometimes but Preston really does.
What do we like doing together: We love doing anything as long as we are together. We love to watch movies and go out to eat. We love to play with Zach and watch his funny personality.
**Now I tag Megan.

The 24th (26th) of July in Tropic

2008-08-02T16:02:00.006-06:00

Preston and Zach went over to Tropic for their 24th of July celebration, which was actually on Saturday the 26th. I had to work, so the boys went over by themselves. Megan and Greg had just arrived a few days before, and Cecy and her boys were still there visiting. There was a parade that went down main street, then a big party with food and games at the park. Greg's dad came with his HUGE dog Luke, who of course Zach immediately fell in love with. The dog was really nice and let Zach climb all over him, he even let him ride for a while! It was fun for the boys to go over and see Preston's family, and they were all excited to see them as well.

The 24th of July in Paragonah

2008-08-02T15:15:00.004-06:00

We spent the day of the 24th in Paragonah. They have a little parade for the primary; all the kids dress up in pioneer clothes and then the parade goes on main street past the church. We went last year with my nephew Scott and thought we would do it again. We had left our diaper bag in Cedar and my mom had run out of diapers a couple of days before. When we got to Paragonah of course Zach had a dirty diaper, so the next best thing: Little Swimmers. Anyway, Zach was suppose to walk with a stick horse but he wouldn't so my sister decided to put him on the four wheeler which usually isn't a good idea but he rode really well and even held on. Zach finally started waving to people at the very end of the parade!

Well it's about time...

2008-07-21T15:35:00.005-06:00

Finally after so many of you yelling at us to make a blog we finally did. We enjoy reading everyone else’s blogs and seeing what all of you have been doing since we don’t get to see everyone as often as we would like so now we have made our own just in case you were wondering what we have been doing. Our lives have been crazy the last couple of months, but we are finally settled down. We have just moved into a cute little twin-home. It is small but we love it. Preston is doing workshops and tests to become a Spanish court interpreter. I am working as a RN still. Now the best part of our lives Zachy. He is a little monster but we love him. He runs all over and yells at us in several languages (some we can understand but mostly it’s just gibberish.) His favorite words right now are Scott, cookie, juice, yes, no, mama, dad, and sometimes grandpa and grandma. The picture above is of Zach and his Great Grandma Seiler who we stayed with when we went to the zoo.

HOGLE ZOO

Preston has several pictures of him and this lion drinking fountain so we thought we would pass on the tradition.

We went to Salt Lake for one of Preston's classes and the day before we went to the zoo because Zach just goes crazy for animals. He was very tired and it was about 100 degrees that day, but we had fun watching him make barking sounds at all the animals.

Well I hope this made sense since it was my first blog. I hope I got everyone caught up and we look forward to hearing from you. We will try to stay current if life doesn't get to crazy.