Christmas Time

What a great vacation with the kids. On Friday before Christmas we took the kids up to Temple Square to see all the lights. I love to go see it. I have never missed a year and it always stuns me on how beautiful it is. My kids love to go see the temple and visit the visitors center. On the Saturday we went sledding and made a snowman he was so cute the kids made him all by their self's. It was nice to have a nice Sunday before all the crazy week. On Monday Christmas Eve we went to Nicks Parents for are Party. It was really fun we had a huge lunch. then we had a program. Maddie played the piano, Nick and Bridger did a magic show, Kolby sang Drado, Then all the kids sang Rudolph the red nose reindeer they were all so cute I loved it. We had a nativity with all the grand kids Maddie was happy to be Mary, Bridger was a wise man, Kolby was a Shepard, and Kate was a camel. I cant believe how big they are getting. Santa came and gave them a treat. And we had a gift exchange it was fun. Then we went up to my moms and went to their ward program it was nice. Then we went and had a dinner and read Christmas stories. We came home and made cookies for Santa watched the Santa Claus and went to bed. The kids were so cute on Christmas morn they are all the perfect age I love watching their cute faces. It was a nice day. It's nice to spend the day with our kids and play with all the fun toys. I just love everything about Christmas and I'm one who gets sad when it's over. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Tag-it's Christmas

Thanks Jami I'm so excited to do this J/k. Well here it goes. The Christmas Tag
1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper definitely because I love to rip it open.
2.Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of real but I love putting my tree up with lights already on it makes it nice.
3.When do you put up the tree? Day after thanksgiving but this year I bought a new tree and I put it up 2 weeks early to check if it was all working.
4.when do you take the tree down? When Nick has a day to help me I can't do it alone or I'm a crazy person
5.Favorite gift received as a child? I got a huge doll house made of wood that my dad built. My mom put wall paper in it and they made the furniture for it too.
6.Do you have a nativity scene? Yes and I love it I got a piece every Christmas it's the Wilow tree set.
7.Hardest person to buy for? Well the only person I have left is my parents what to get.
8.Eeaiest to buy for? My kids, they make a list and they are straight to the point anything is amazing to them. I love it.
9. mail or email Christmas cards? Well mail but, this year I didn't get to it.
10. worst Christmas gift ever received? I can't remember but It's probably a few years back I bought for my self so I would get something but now if he doesn't get me anything I don't get anything. Nick is now doing better in the gifting department.
11.Favorite Christmas movie? I love Miracle on 34Th street. But I'm a sucker for all the life time shows.
12. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, if I can't use it why not let somebody else use it.
13.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas and dinner? I love all the peppermint kids of candy,turkey and ham dinner.
14.Clear or colored on tree? clear, I love how it looks with my tree
15.Favorite Christmas song? love all Christmas songs since I start listening in November.
16.travel at Christmas or stay home? well we stay at home because everyone lives close but, we lived with nicks family our first Christmas and that was fun
17.Open presents Christmas eve or morning? are P.J's on the eve and everything else in the morning.
18.Favorite ornament theme or color? well I love anything that is vintage and i love red. I have these cute little ice skates that I Love.
19.Most annoying thing about this time of year? It goes by to fast I love to sit back and enjoy it.
20. what I want for Christmas this year? a heart monitor watch to make sure I don't kill myself when i work out.
TAG...Valerie, Emmalee, Michelle, Lori, Amber, Nickie

Girls Night

First things first last night was crazy it started to snow. Then it turned to rain, then it started to freeze. The roads were black ice. I had to drive to P.G. what usually takes 7 minutes took 30 minute's. Last night I had a chance to spend time with my high school buddy's. We went out to eat at The Pizza Factory. It was so nice to see what's going on with everyone. Our lives have changed so much but when where together it seemed like yesterday. I love hearing all the crazy stories from high school. We laughed so hard at some of the stupid stuff we did. I'm glad to have such great friends. And we are going to miss Kortni when she moves in January to Pennsylvania. And very excited for Jessica's new engagement.

Snow Day

It was one of those picture perfect snow days in Utah. It snowed all day on Saturday. I love watching the snow. We drove to see the Temple it was beautiful. The kids were asking us all day to play in the snow. They were driving us nuts. Finally that evening we put on our snow cloths which took shade under a decade. Nick pulled out the four-wheeler and the sled. We went around for ever. The kids wanted Nick to try to kick them off. Lets say I never fell off. We made snow angels and snow trails . And tried to make a snow man, but the snow wouldn't pack. We had a good time together. I'm looking forward for more snow days.

Polar Express

On Thursday night we were able to go on the Polar Express. This was up Provo canyon on the Heber Creeper. We went with about 32 Cluff family members. IT was so much fun the kids loved every moment. It was snowing we couldn't have asked for a better night. They thought we were really on the Polar Express which we were. It is just like the movie. We enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate, singing Christmas carols, and of course the reading of the Polar Express. We went to the North Pole and pick up Santa. He came and visited all the kids and gave them all a bell from his sleigh. It was a Christmas night to remember. The best of part of the whole night was my cute husband and his glow in the dark Dino zip up P.J'S

Viva Las Vegas

Nick and I spent the weekend down in Vegas. Nick's sister Jackie watched all of our kids, she is the best.We had a good drive down it was raining the whole way down. It's nice to sit in the car with no kids crying. We stayed at the Lexor it was all right but I wouldn't stay their again. We drove up to the Mirage and Ti. We were walking through and saw that Kevin James was there. We ran to the ticket office and got 2 tickets on the 6Th row. It was so funny. I love him. Our cheeks were so sore at the end from all the laughing. The next day we went shopping to the shops in Ceasers and the Outlet Malls. We also went to the M&M and Coke Store. We ate at the Rain Forrest Cafe,I love that place.Then we went to see Lance Burton the Magic show. We got the tickets with are hotel for only 20 bucks. It was worth 20 bucks but no more then that. We had a good time toghether. I love spending time with my hubby.

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The Ginger Bread House

Nick and I in the tree The kids in the tree

"O Christmas Tree"

I love Christmas it's my favorite time of year. I start listening to Christmas music in November. I love to decorate for the holidays. Some might say I over load it a bit. But I'm a sucker for cute decorations and the house smelling festive. We decorate the house all together. And the kids love to help they love being a part. So this year we got a new tree because our other tree's branches where getting broken. And I wanted a pre-light tree(I love it!!!). The kids always have to help decorate the tree. And I kinda like it a certain way but they want in on it. So I thought all let them do it, then I'll fix it later but they now every ornament they hung and where they put so I guess that's the way it stays this year. We always take a family night and write down the things we want to do this holiday. It's nice to put it to paper so we don't miss out on anything. I love thinking of all the fun things we can do. Im so glad it snowed it makes it even better. I hope you all have fun putting up your Christmas.

The Ginger Bread House

We have made one every year. I love this simple tradition. The kids love the whole idea of candy all over and frosting every where. I think this year was our best year. We our pretty good at it. Now we want to eat it. But that won't happen on my watch. (but we our missing a couple of gum drops) They are so proud of their house. I love watching their eyes sparkle at all the candy.

The Turkey Trot
So this Thanksgiving Amber my neighbor and I decided to put on a race. We wanted to do the Orem Thanksgiving Day race, but it is like 50 dollars. So we thought lets do it ourselves and just invite people we know our friends, family, and ward members. It was kinda crazy we had about a 100 people show up. We made up shirts that had a turkey running with an Ipod. We had a 4 mile race and a 2 mile run and walk. And we also had a kids race 1/2 mile. It was really fun. All of us did the race. Nick did the 2 mile I ran the 4 mile, Maddie ran the 2 mile she was amazing, Bridger and Kolby ran the kids race. They were so proud of their self they can't wait tell next year. It was nice to start the day of eating with fun exercise. We got to enjoy the day up at my mom's house for some good eats. It was nice to spend time with the family. We always try to bring new games and play we had a lot of fun games to play Blokus and Ticket to Ride. Then the next day we headed up the canyon to Mutual Dell for Nick's side Thanksgiving. It was so nice to spend time up in the mountains with the kids. The dinner was great. All the girls had to pick up a couple of extra dishes. Because Pam and Ben had to run to his brothers funeral. We missed them but they joined us later that night. We had a bunch of fun we played a lot of games and just visited. The kids were everywhere. They love to hang out with their cousins. I'm so thankful for a big loving family that is close.

GIRLS DAY
On Saturday we had the chance to go shopping so Pam, Emmalee, Emma. Carolee, Samantha, Maddie, Valerie and I all headed to the mall. The little girls had a ton of fun. They were so glad that they didn't have to bring there younger siblings.On their shopping day with their moms. It was nice to go with Maddie she is going to be a great shopping buddy. We also decided to hit the movie, we went to Enchanted. It was a cute movie a good chick flick.

The Grateful Bug

I love this time of year. I'm truly grateful for the beautiful family I have. I'm so blessed to that I get to teach our four great kids. Even though sometimes they think I'm crazy or weird. I love that they want to hang out with their mom. I think about all the fun things we get to share together. Having a laugh about something dad did wrong or anything. they always seem to think everything is funny. I love that they can cry when Flicka Dies. Or when they fill the spirit. They our so special I'm glad that I can be a stay at home mom for them. Which brings me to my loving Husband. He is the best thing ever!!! He never stops to think of himself. I love that he can get up in the morning and go to work after I have begged him to stay and the kids drag on his leg. He is such a hard worker. He provides for his family. I'm glad he takes time out for us we always come first. I'm grateful that he is one of the best dads. He will help with the kids do homework, coach teams, change diapers, direct our kids on the right path. I'm so thankful that my family lives close. And we get to spend time together. I'm glad my kids get to have a ton of family close. I'm thankful for all of our great friends through out our lives. I'm thankful that I was raised up in the church. I'm glad that my kids get to be as well. What a blessing to have. I'm so grateful to have a Temple so close. To be able to walk to church every Sunday. To learn more about this gospel. We our truly blessed to be living in such a wonderful place. I am really thankful for everything I have in my life and my children's too.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

For a Special Friend
It is so wonderful to see a bunch of people all together. To support a friend in need. Last night I went to a fundraising dinner, to support a friend that has cancer. Our friend from High School Adam Ingersoll. It was amazing to see all the people that cared for Adam. It shows how great it is to be leaving in such a great place. He has such a great support system. It was nice to see a bunch of friends from school. To see pictures of everybody kids. It was nice to have a little visit with everyone. Adam you are in our prayers.

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The Cluff Dinner
On Saturday night just the adults went to Pam and Ben's for a Huge dinner. We all brought stuff from the Lion House Cook Book. There was Raspberry slushy, Orange slaw, Cheesy soup, Stuffed Green Peppers, Pork Chops, Rolls, Fruit Salad,And yummy Green Beans, With a great Pumpkin Cake dessert. It was a lot of food and I'm still full just talking about it. It was a nice night to be with adults and to visit with each other. I do enjoy being around Nick's family we always have a good time.

Movie to See

Nick and I went to see a movie with his Family. It was Dan in Real Life. I wasn't sure because of the title. But it was the funnest thing and it was entertaining. Lately movies our not so good and they have been a real disappointment. I'm sure we will be saying some of the lines in normal conversation.(like Nacho) So go and see this I hope you like it. If not don't blame me.

The Halloween Party
This year was so crazy. I had to help in everyone class Halloween parties. I love seeing them in their class room. Watching how they act with all the other kids. They were so cute in their costumes Maddison was Harmonie (from harry potter), Bridger was a wizard, Kolby was also a wizard, And Kate was a witch if you know Kate this is her true self. Halloween night we always have everybody come to our house and have a little get together. We have lots of soup and desserts to eat, then we have a hayride around the neighborhood. In our ward we have a family that puts on the cutest spook alley. The kids think that they our so brave. The one bad thing is we have way to much candy and I hate having it around. Nick let me dye his hair black he thought it was just a couple of days thing, but nope he has to wait tell it grows out. Nick and I like to dress up with the kids. Nick was Harry Potter and I was a witch. We kinda had a theme. This year has been so much fun. I hope you all had a Happy Halloween.

Maddison the Great
She is so talented at everything she try's, nothing like her mother. Now that soccer is over Maddison is busy with piano, we just had her recital. She did an amazing job. She was not scared and made no mistakes. Grandma, Grandpa, Jackie, and Benson came she was so happy for them to be there.I'm so proud of her and all of the hard work she puts into it. We can't believe how big she is getting. She just got baptized this fall by her dad.It was an amazing day for the famil. She is in the third grade and loves going school. She never wants to miss a day of it.(where did she come from). Now she is getting ready for her Christmas recital. I love having her playing Christmas songs it puts us all in the mood for the holidays. She is my big helper around the house here. She also wants to help babysit even if I am just go to the store. I'm pretty excited for her to be old enough to do it at night fora couple hours. Nick and I love having her around she has the sweetest spirit we love her very much.

Halloween Crazy

Well if you know me it's Halloween in September. I love this time of year the changing of the season. I love to decorate and change the house into fall decorations. I love starting it off with conference it was nice to sit and watch with my family. It is getting better every year because my kids are getting better at watching it. I love to hear about the growth in the church it is amazing. When I heard that there is a church built a day. I am so glad to part of this growing church. It was fun after to take a ride with the family up American Fork canyon to see the fall colors. I love being so close to the canyon.
Another thing we have been enjoying at our house is Nick's love for baking the last 10 weeks(Sunday) he has made the yummiest breads. And the most delicious Rasp. sweet rolls. This Sunday he just made the best bread it was 12 grain wheat bread it was to die for.
The last couple of weeks have been so much fun. I went with my friend Jami and her kids to Gardner Village a must at this time of year. My kids love the witchies. And we got to help Nick's parents move into their new home. It was so nice to help out. It is a beautiful place and they Love it.
We spent time up at Nick's sister Emmalee in logan for UEA. I went to Emmalee super Saturday and helped make some of her stuff. It was nice to meet some of the sister's in her ward. Emmalee did a lot and there was a bunch of fun things to do. I couldn't believe all the choices they had. Nick had all our kids and went to our land to plant fruit tree's. He tended all eight kids all day and he said it was easy. He truly is a good man. The kids have a lot of fun things to do up there.
This week I got to go do scarecrows with Bridger at his school it was so much fun to see him in school doing his thing. Then the next day I had a chance to go read to Kolby's class. He is a spaz.
Nick took me on a date that he planned all out. He took me to PF Chang's(I don't now how to spell that) it was my first time it was delicious, then we went to The Haunted Forrest. I was scared out of my mind I haven't done that sort of thing since high school. It has been a great couple of weeks.

Ginger the dog

Well we finally broke down and got the kids a dog. We've had her for about three weeks. The kids do a good job with her. Maddie takes her every morning at 7:oo for her walk except Sunday. I can't believe she hasn't missed one day. Bridger always takes her out before he leaves to afternoon kindergarten. Kolby was so scared at first but now he can hold the leash and take her for walks. Kate attacks her and ginger doesn't even mind. She gets into her bed and her and ginger just play. I guess so far this is great for my kids. Who Knew this would be such a good growing experience for them. And I'm glad she will only be a medium sized dog. My kids want to dress her up for halloween so she is going to have to deal with that.

Latest Happenings

This is our first time blogging, and its a blogging pain in the butt!! Well were just getting back into the routine from the girls weekend.It was so nice to hang out with all the girls. I can see the start of a must every year. The van ride down was a blast to be altogether. 10 girls and 3 babies (crazy). We got there and we had the most amazing room. There was a hot tub on the balcony. we went out to eat to one of my favorite places the Olive Garden. It was so nice to eat ant visit. I didn't have to battle with the kids already worth the trip. We went back and played games. Then the die hards stayed up late (2:3o) and got in the hot tub and played more games. Of course that was me. Then val, carol and me got up at 7:oo and went running it was so nice i can actually breath down here. Then we had the girls dream day we went and got pedicures.(fabulous).Then shopped tell we dropped. Then went to My Fair Lady. What a great day. Then again the die hards stayed up tell 3:3o talking about who knows what. I was glad to come home and see my family but it was nice to get away. It was my first trip without the fam. This week is the kids last soccer games. Bridger has his games on Tuesdays. He is loving it he is at the age when the treat is the coolest thing about it. Maddie has soccer practice on Wednesday and games on Thursdays. She has Katy and Addie on her team her two best friends. the best part is Nick is her coach and the girls just love him. He does an amazing job. Kolby is loving preschool. But he doesn't love to color by him self he always want help. Kate is my side kick. She thinks she is the Queen Bee. 'O' wait she is. It was great on friday to spend the day with Jami for her birthday. On saturday I went to the church for the General Relief Society Broadcast. It was nice to listen without my kids screeming. And to have dinner that I didn' have to cook. Well that was my first blog.