The Rust Family

WOW

2011-01-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

First off, I am impressed that all of you ladies with such busy lives are able to keep up with your blogs!! I, on the other hand, can't seem to keep up with anything. We have been crazy as usual. In November, Corby opened up a furniture store in downtown Claremore, it is a fun, older, small townish downtown, with, of course an orange storefront :) I would love to post a pic, but just posting this is troublesome at the moment with the couch gymnastics going on around me. You know how Dave always says "ALVINNNNNN!" You can imagine me as Dave saying "CLAYYYYTON!" Anyway, it is going well so far, people in Claremore are getting more and more resistant to driving to Tulsa, so we have had a lot of interest and several sales. I work the store randomly when I can, but mostly it's Corby's thing. I will still keep my nurse job for now, it's a sure thing :) Madi is still playing soccer and has taken on basketball in the off season and art classes through her school. Corby coaches soccer, football and basketball in his spare time. My mom is doing GREAT. She hosted Christmas this year and is doing so well, we are all so pleased and blessed!! She and my dad are enjoying retirement and the kiddos when they are healthy and not snot-nosed (the kids that is) Clayton is hilarious and as rough and tumble as they come. He has a new Robert Dinero face that is hysterical and enjoys running, crashing into things, climbing up the couch to blow out candles and torturing his sister and her friends. We got a go-cart for Christmas, so Corby and I FROZE as we took all of the kids on rides, it is really fun. I hardly find a minute to myself, I do really miss out on girl time, but it just seems almost impossible to get together sometimes with everything going on. We do have a girls night this Friday, hopefully I can make it!! Glad to see you are all well and someone needs to get married so we can all go to a wedding again!!! Love you all, miss you all, your children are adorable. Bye bye!! Renee

BYOP (Build your own pool)

2010-07-23T12:55:00.001-07:00

What started in April has been drug out through July, ha ha, the neverending project. But, the kids have been enjoying the pool for a while now, they don't seem to mind the mess!! We still have to put a deck around the back of the pool, add some dirt and make the side of the yard pretty, and that's about it. I am trying to talk Corby into making a place to drop in a cooler (in the deck) so it can be like a swim up bar. Who needs Can Cun when you have Claremore :) We have enjoyed a new twist with the hot weather we like to call night swimming. It is much cooler and fun to see the moon and stars when we swim. Other than the manual labor, we have had a fun summer, here are a few more pics of Summer 10.

Poor Clay Clay, scared to death of the fireworks this year.

The neighborhood gang

A very pregnant Betsy and probably the cutest diaper cake I have ever made

My camera has this cool sketch feature, I think it is so cool, so far this has been the best pic

The begining of the demolition

The kids having all kinds of fun, swimming makes them SO tired, definitely a bonus :)

Clay's 3rd & new pool

2010-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little man is 3!! We had a big Spongebob party with lots of family and friends. Clay got some really cool gifts "wheelies" or cars and trucks, a new wagon, boxing gloves, swim toys, etc. The kids had a great time. He is talking up a storm and climbing and being a rough and tumble little boy as usual.

Ok, so I was cruising Craigslist and found this fiberglass inground pool. I had a crazy idea that we could put it in ourselves for about 1/4 of the price of actually having a pool installed. One week later, there was a backhoe in my yard and the project officially started. Clay has been in heaven with the cool equipment around the house. So far we have put up a rock wall, dug the hole, put the pool in the hole (that wasn't pretty but it is in and still in one piece!), filled in most of the outside of the pool with dirt and sand and have the pump/pipes connected to the pool. I say "we" but Corby is the mastermind, his plan is really pretty with a rock wall, new wood deck, concrete patio around the pool, fire pit and 3 new landscaped areas. My contributions are digging, hauling bricks, digging and digging, good thing I am such a hoss :) Wish us luck with this incredibly huge do it yourself project, we will need it. We have done a lot of work so far, but there is much more to be go. Realistically, by the time it is really hot, the pool should be ready!!

Cowgirl

2010-03-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

Madi's grade had a spring performance "Pen Pals" and she had a speaking part. She did great, remembered every line besides looking adorable in her cowgirl gear. It was pretty impressive, several of the second graders had speaking parts and one little girl played the violin and some kids danced the waltz, etc. It was fun to see her up on the stage.
We also had an awesome time at Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City over spring break. Very geared towards kids, obviously, and lots of fun. Splash pads, hot tubs, big slides, little slides, lazy river and giant tree house. The water park was good for all ages, from barely walking to teenagers. I was in the category of barely walking after two days....worn out but had a blast.

Madi's speaking part, she was "Stephanie"

The second graders

With Papa

Yeeee Haw!

The whole Family

This is just a random photo of Clay Clay and Hanna, hands down the best picture of them that has ever been taken!

Christmas....yes, Christmas :)

2010-02-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

So better late than never!!! Here are some pics from the snow days and Christmas. We had all kinds of fun sledding and playing in the snow. The last week has been spent at the Dr.'s office, I feel your pain Ashley...Clayton had a sinus infection and Madi had strep and this awful stomach virus, twice, that has been taking down all kinds of kids at her school. Hopefully we are all done now!!!! I am tired of being tired, work all night, up with sick kids all day, then back to work... thankfully there is always an end to the sickness. My mom is home and doing wonderful, she just got her old job back and starts this month, amazing. We have finally started going to church, First United Methodist Church in Claremore. We really enjoy it and the kids like it as well. Every time we ask Clayton about church, he says "Chuch...donuts!" So he likes it for the food now, but I am sure he will get more out of it someday :)
This is funny, I put sponge rollers (remember those?) in Madi's hair the other night, she went to school with big bouncy curls and her teacher called her Taylor Swift all day, now she wants a perm :)
Please say a special prayer for my neighbors, the Orf's. I have had pics of their kiddo's now and then on the blog, Jason, the dad, is fighting colon cancer, he is my age, 33, and this has been a shock, but he is fighting hard and doing as best as can be expected. We love their family and are praying hard for them every day.
Hope you and all of your families are healthy and well.
Miss blogging!!!
Renee

Clay Clay and Hanna, she is so cute

Hanna and I trying to stay warm

The girls me, Madi, Nana, Ivy and Hanna

Clay Clay and Benson in the snow

The only time she's been an angel lately....

New Year

2010-01-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well, we survived the holidays. Had lots of plans to travel to Missouri to see my family, but they were cut short with the weather, we got snowed in at Corby's parents which was actually nice because we got to relax and enjoy Christmas. The kids were spoiled rotten, Madi's big gift was a Nintendo DSI and pink John Deere cowboy boots, she also got books, clothes and a whoopie cushion. Clayton got a drum set with symbols and that's all he wanted to do was crash symbols during the gift opening :) He also got a ton of "wheelies" or cars to play with, clothes, books and a pair of boxing gloves which he used to tag his Papa Rusty in the head while he was sitting nicely in the recliner. We have so much to be thankful for this year. Our best gift was welcoming Mimi home right around Christmas. It has been a year since her treatment began and after many complications, everything is looking good and she should be able to begin a maintenance program. She looks and feels good and is thrilled to put all of this behind her and go on with life.
Clayton's caregiver since he was 3 months old, Diane, is starting student teaching this year so we have enrolled him in daycare. So far so good, he will go on Mon, Tues and Fridays and the first two days went well, he pee pees in the potty and plays well with the other kids. I will keep my fingers crossed that this will be an easy transition. He was so pumped up to go the first day, he had his hair spiked and his backpack on, he was however, disappointed that he was not getting on the "bool-bus."

Rule's for Madi's room

2009-12-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, I came across this list and couldn't stop laughing. I seem to remember a bossy little friend (Alyson) who also had "room rules" growing up. You will see Corby coming out in my daughter with a few of these rules. So, here they are just as she wrote them.
Rule's for Madi's room
1. I don't allow talkind about OU inleas your saying it suckx
2. Keep my room clean
3. no food in my room
4. please pick up befor leaving the room
5. If you have trash, I have a little trash can
6. you can not talk to me when I am pooping or buzzy.
knok befor coming in please
thank you

So big!

2009-11-24T11:18:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just have to see pictures of your kiddos to realize how fast they are growing up. Clay is losing his baby fat and thinning out, he actually has a neck now. We are about 89% pee pee potty trained and about 5% poo poo potty trained. Using candy "lilly" as an incentive has helped a lot. Madi has her big girl chicklets and has lost 7 teeth and reads chapter books. We are thrilled to have Mimi home for Thanksgiving, she looks great!! Hopefully she will get to come home for good in Dec. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

"A" gun rack

2009-10-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am obviously cohabitating with a man when my master bedroom has a gun rack, and yes, Corby has not "a" gun, but many guns that necessitate an entire gun rack....

But, I think the rest of the room is pretty...

Don't mind me taking this, ha ha!!

"Boobies"

2009-10-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Clayton is talking more and more, but he has some random names for certain things. Pancakes are "daytays" milk is "milshhhhh" motorcycles are "atoosh"??? and Horses are "boobies"...you can imagine his excitement and commentary at the aquarium when we visited the sea horse exhibit.

Clayton's favorite "Boobie" in our neighborhood, this is a very friendly Boobie

Rock Star

2009-10-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

One of the golfer's, Clayton, has this amazing eye and a great camera to go with it. He got some awesome pics, I am so jealous of his talent (and camera)

The real Rock Star in the background, there were plenty of wannabe's as the night went on :)

Cheers!

Madi stealing a moment with Mimi

Benson or "Rally Rag" as I call him because he is always carrying something in his mouth, I love this dog

Clay Clay making sure his "Elmo" or cell phone is safe in his pocket

I love this pic of Madi, she was rockin'!!

Little guy having fun on the bike

Golf Tournament Pics

2009-09-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our great day.
Are they cute or what?

I love that 4 Phi Mu's are in this pic...Betsy, Laura, Whitney and Jodi

Madi trying to squeeze in a solo

Kent, Kellen and Brian playing, they were great, lots of fun listening to them.

Golf Tournament

2009-09-13T19:05:00.001-07:00

Oh wow, there is so much to say. We had a fabulously successful tournament on 9/11, a much better way to remember that day in my opinion. The weather was awesome and 25 golf teams drove all the way to Verdigris to golf. My mom made it through 9 holes, took a party break, and then finished up on 18. Corby had all of the golfers wait on the 18th hole to watch her putt in the final ball. I could not make it as I was planning party central, but everyone said it was cool. Then everyone came to our house (probably about 100 people) for appetizers, a shrimp boil, a silent auction, live music and fun. We turned our back yard into a party place with tiki torches, a giant tent set with a bar with bartenders, Tyler and Zach our neighbors, and a band (my brother and his friends). Kent, Kellen and Brian were amazing as usual, I wish I could watch him play more often. Morgan made amazing signs for the hole sponsorships and flyers to help us get donations. Nana and her friend Loretta cooked and slaved with me all day in preparation and Betsy helped with all of the last minute preparations and the silent auction. Whitney, Lezly, Karen and Jodi all brought food for the masses. Many of our family, friends, etc. donated items for the auction (I think we raised over $2,000 just with the auction) Corby was the mastermind behind it all and got the tornament organized and supplied all of the chairs, ha ha! As you can see, this event could not have happened without all of our wonderful family and friends who gave their support in many different ways. My mom and dad were amazed at all of the support. We had golfers from Chicago (Mom's work friends) and family from Kansas and Washington DC in attendance. It was a perfect day we will never forget. I will get pictures posted soon (this awesome guy with a great eye and a great camera got some AMAZING pictures) and a total amount of contributions posted....we are taking a break for now and trying to get our house cleaned, that is a laugh. Thank you to all, it was an awesome day!!!!!!

Fall, here we come!

2009-08-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

We were outside all day today and not hot!! I was actually cold tonight, we have a lot to look forward to this fall. Mom's golf tournament is coming along well, I think we will have 23 teams total, lots of cool prized donated and great hole sponsorship. She is feeling good after this last round of chemo, so I expect her to be home and able to come to the event. We are going to have a big gathering at our house, lots of people, my brother is going to play and we are having an auction and shrimp boil, thank goodness for good friends and family, we should be able to pull it off!! Madi is doing great in school, hops on the bus every day and is reading and writing so well, it is amazing the difference between 1st and 2nd graders. She is back into soccer, games start in Sept. We also got 2 season tickets to the OSU games, so we'll have to go grown-ups only or Madi and Daddy in the nosebleed section :) Termites are under control and I am going to start picking up random shifts through a staffing agency just to see what's out there and learn more about different areas of nursing. I am thinking only 1 or 2 a month for now. Clay Clay is potty training, it is hilarious. Here are some random places we have found poop: on a hair brush on the floor, on top of the toilet seat, and in his "nundies" Ha ha, we have a long way to go, but he is getting into it. He is talking more and knows some colors and body parts, eyes, nose, weiner, weiner, weiner....

Busy!

2009-08-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

It's so terrible to blog without pics. But, must fix really expensive termite issue before new camera, grown up priorities suck! We have had the best summer. Went to Houston to visit my aunt and uncle, very wonderful hostess, we got to go to Papadeux's, YUM! The kids loved the beach and went to some cool museums in downtown Houston, they have a brand new children's museum we will hit next year. We look over at Clay on the beach, he is saying "Weiner, Weiner, Weiner...." and grabbing his, well, you know for all the families at Stewart Beach to see. One word...B-O-Y!! We are also gearing up for school to start, Madi will be in second grade and got the teacher she wanted Mrs. Wright. Soccer starts soon and then the golf tourney planning is in full swing. One random day I painted my bedroom brown it is really pretty and matches the color of dirty little hands, so no worries on the stains on the wall :) I also found an awesome brown comforter, dust ruffle, 6 pillows online for $96, there are some deals to be had out there!!! Overstock.com is all I have to say. So, I will be busy this fall, but will try to get back on the blog scene....

Madi's new room

2009-07-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Nana decided to redecorate Madi's room for her birthday. The walls were looking pretty sad, it was a boy's room previously and you could see the wear and tear. We put on a new coat of green, ceilings and all in one day, that is one for the record books!!! She also got new curtains and new bedspreads, very colorful and bright. It looks so fun and cute and new, thank you Nana!!!

Camera Challenged

2009-07-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am so sad to have 2 digital cameras bite the dust after 6 months. They just stop working because the camera won't open??? Any suggestions?? I secretly want a good camera that will stand the test of time and that I can take good pictures of the kids with. This girl is not rich but I am willing to save for a few months if it means I can have a camera that lasts longer than a haircut :)

More Clay Clay pics

2009-06-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

See Ya!! One of his favorite things to say when he waves at cars and boats

Clay Clay's 2 year old pics

2009-06-26T21:03:00.001-07:00

Hello!! Here are some pics my cousin Emily took of Clayton, he is VERY hard to photograph because of his constant monkeying, but she managed to get some cute pics of his bluest eyes and blondest hair. Sorry such a slacker, Clay broke my wireless air card, so I was out of service for a while. Corby and I are also trying to put together a golf tournament for my mom, and are having a big garage sale and going to Kelsey's wedding, so we are randomly busy right now. Can't wait to see you guys this weekend!!!!

Pirate Dance and Mouse Dance

2009-06-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tap Dance to "The Pirate Song" from Peter Pan. Madi is 3rd from the right, or the tall girl :) This one is long but some of her tap moves are pretty good, she has a very enthusiastic "ARGH!" Ballet dance to "The Work Song" from Cinderella, still 3rd from the right, this one is cute, I was pretty close.

Madi's 2nd Dance Recital

2009-06-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Madi did an excellent job in "The Work Song" and "The Pirate Song" Here are some pics of the backstage preparations, I was pretty proud of the ballerina bun, she jumped and hopped around all night and that bun never moved!!1

Kent and Morgan

2009-05-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the wedding pics, they had some serious hiking to do!!! I think these are so pretty and I think this was such a cool way to get married. Again, Congrats to the new couple.

No broken bones here.....yet

2009-05-15T08:47:00.001-07:00

So, Clay Clay escaped into the rain and mud yesterday, I chased him down, he was running away from me and falling in the mud, walloring, etc. When I finally wrangled him home, he was whining and holding his left arm and not using it. I thought "here goes, first broken bone" but amazingly, the xray didn't show anything and after about 2 hrs he was back in business. The Dr. thought maybe his elbow was out of place and it went back in on its own?? Who knows, but we are watching him, he is crawling, climbing and monkeying around like usual. I have this nagging feeling that this will not be the only broken bone scare. He is lucky to have made it this far!!! Very rough and tumble boy, I am trying to soften him up with this baby, he calls her "BEBE" and is very sweet with her...sometimes....when he's not kissing/biting her ear.

Madi had her 1st Grade awards yesterday, she got special awards for reading at least 25 books, being an accelerated reader, also in spelling and handwriting (she obviously didn't get my handwriting, ha ha) Clay and I were in the back of the room and when he spotted her he said "Maa-i" really loud and pointed, we are so proud of her!!

I hate all the rain, but it has paid off, our yard is green and everything is blooming...

I have fallen hard off of the P90X wagon, I am going to try to do it today outside, it is windy and nice and Clayton can play while I am working out, we'll see how it goes. I love not working, I wonder if they would give me a salary and benefits even though I stayed home???

Kent and Morgan's wedding reception

2009-05-06T20:28:00.001-07:00

My brother got married in April to Morgan in Ponca, AR. They went with 4 close friends, hiked to a waterfall and got married. The pics were amazing, very beautiful part of AR, will try to post some soon... Anyway, her parents had a reception at their house, here are some pics. Welcome to the family Morgan, we love you!!!

Gigi and the new married couple

Cake in the face!

Clay Clay had lots of fun, he found a water fountain and got soaking wet, wallored in mud, took a bite of a carrot and then put the half eaten carrot into the cheese tray. Big night for a little guy, we know he is tired when he wants to snuggle...

"Spring Sing"

2009-05-01T20:03:00.001-07:00

Madi's 1st grade class had a spring sing of sorts. They sang several songs, had props and did solos. Her solo consisted of 3 words "Audios, Cinammon Toast." She was in the car on the way and said she had "butterflies in my tummy." She was a little nervous, but did great!! We were happy Mimi could be there too.

Clay's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-19T19:02:00.001-07:00

We had lots of fun at Clayton's 2nd birthday party. I couldn't get inspired for a birthday theme, so I picked this random wrestler cake and went from there. The kids had fun on riding toys, the trampoline and the zip tie express made it's annual trip around the yard (the lawn mower pulling random wagons held together by zip ties) Clayton was completely oblivious to being the center of attention, but he had a fun day. I can't believe my little man is turning 2. He is really sweet and funny, his new thing is going up to people and rifling through their pockets, he does this to strangers at cookouts randomly.

Clay's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-19T18:50:00.001-07:00

Megan about to pop, 13 days left...

New truck, he loved this!

Clay's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Mimi, Peepaw, Kent and Morgan

Mimi and I

Clayton happy with a mouthful of sugar

Nana and Papa wrangling Hanna and Clay, Kate is festive with her party hat :)

The Best Welcome Home

2009-04-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

YEAH! My mom got to come home this weekend, her lovely Dr. is giving her 6 weeks to recover. She is fighting RSV, but we hope it will get better soon and she can enjoy life again before going back in May. My brother and his wife Morgan and my family were there to welcome my mom and dad back home, it was wonderful, I look forward to having her down the road again. Madi was so excited, greeting her with a big hug. When we left, I said "Wasn't it good to see Mimi?" She said "Yes...was that real hair?" She doesn't miss much :)

New Bathroom!!

2009-03-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here is more of the new. The only thing I still want to do is add those cool bronzed fixtures that all the new houses have, I beebopped into Lowe's and found that they are $600 for 2 sinks and a bath!! I am going to try to scheme a way to take my gaudy gold fixtures and somehow make them look like the new ones, anyone know any chemists? :)

OLD Bathroom

2009-03-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Oh Boy! Here are some painful reminders of our 1997 bathroom, where maroon, hunter green and faux drapes and stripes came to die. We removed old wallpaper, retextured the walls, sanded, painted....THEN the cabinets needed a facelift, we primed, painted and antiqued the cabinets to make them look aged, it also hides dirt much better. There was a random round window that had this paper fan thing in it???? The fan went in the trash and Corby sprayed this stuff on it to make it hazy, so it lets light in but our neighbors can't see in. Then I spray painted anything that could be salvaged chocolate brown and the walls were painted silver sage (the Restoration Hardware color) Just for fun I recaulked EVERYTHING and I must say I am great at caulking, it is an art I have decided :) and painted the trim so everything looks new and clean. All in a day's work, ha ha, more like 4 months!!!!!

UGH

Make it stop!!

NEW!!!

No more stripes!!

More Animal Paradise

2009-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

More pics with animals. I attempted to get a cute pic of all of the kids in front of the barn, you can see how that went, ha ha. We also got to swim in the hotel pool, Madi is a fish as usual and Clay is getting the hang of it, he already jumps in to people in the pool and can hang on the rail and say "WEEEE."
I had a great visit with my mom after spring break. She did well with the stem cell transplant and is in the process of recovering. Medicine helps keep the side effects somewhat managable, but still very hard on the body. Our hope is that she recovers in the next couple of weeks and then gets to COME HOME for a little bit. Also, the master bath is still almost done......stay tuned for the final reveal tomorrow at 7:00/8:00 central...

Animal Paradise

2009-03-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

We also went to Springfield, Missouri to Animal Paradise. You drive around and animals come right up to your car and eat out of your hand. There were cows, a camel, zebras, deer, goats and lots of other random animals. The camel was my favorite, she was so cute and put her entire head in the car. It was scary at first but cool when we got used to the large animal teeth and slobber. Corby made friends with a cow and Clayton loved it. Madi was in another car with our neighbors and they hung out and fed animals along the way. The buffalo had the longest tongue!!!!

OKC Zoo

2009-03-26T06:31:00.002-07:00

Thankfully we had fabulous weather this spring break. We went to the zoo with Nana and Ivy and the kids. Madi and Clay had a great time with their cousins Zach and Hanna. They had a really cool dinosaur exhibit with moving parts. They were worn out after this day!!

When kids dress themselves

2009-03-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

I swear I am not making this up. Clayton's new thing is getting into Madi's clothes and putting on skirts. We can't decide if it is more funny that he wears skirts or that they actually fit him. Here he is waiting patiently for lunch in his kilt, his great-grandpa is Scotish...

Here are the kids enjoying a warm day. Madi is a sharp shooter with her pink BB Gun and Clayton has learned how to jump on the trampoline, look at the concentration in the tounge.

When kids dress themselves

2009-03-11T08:40:00.001-07:00

Madi picks out her own outfits for the most part, here is her goth/hip hop look. Clayton has learned to take off his pants, he put on some of Madi's shorts, both of his legs through one leg, and a random flip flop. Good new is he can't get his shirts over his big boy HEED.

Ok I'm back

2009-03-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

After a few deep breaths, I figured it out, I am SO not savvy on the internet or computer, I LOVE Cutest Blog on the Block, it IS easier to change backgrounds afterall :)

AGH!

2009-03-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

As I suspected, when I tried to get rid of LeeLou, I lost EVERYTHING.................................please be patient with me as this site is under construction. (I don't even have a layout tab anymore?? what???!!!!)

What am I doing?

2009-03-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am in some weird world of Leelou Blog and Cutest blog on the block. If I clear all the Leelou blog stuff, will I lose everything??? HELP!!

Laura's Bday

2009-03-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Laura joined the 30 year old club like a big girl. We were discussing why your 30's aren't so bad.....you finally live in a house that you love, you usually have a good job that you like and you don't hate work anymore, and best of all, you don't care what other people think about you anymore!!!! (the last one is my favorite)

Madi's Song

2009-02-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

Madi is always "journaling" writing stories in her journal. I was cleaning as usual and came across this, once again just how she wrote it....it has to be about her grandma, it was so sweet.

Title "I Miss You"
I miss you
I miss all of the lafs and gegls
come back soon owowo
come back soon
I miss you vary much
cose I need you
Just come back home soon.
Song

Clay Cardio #1

2009-02-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Clay's Cardio

2009-02-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

I don't have any problems keeping this boy active, even in the cold. He has two new death defying stunts I'd like to share with you. I'd like to preface this clip with this "No children were harmed in the production of these videos." Do not try this at home...

Gone Fishin'

2009-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

This is next on my quest to make all wallpaper in my house GO AWAY. I'm not fishin' for any compliments on this wallpaper, that's for sure!!! After this bathroom is de-fished I will only have the kitchen border to go. YEAH!! Death to fishy!!!!

P90 OUCH!

2009-02-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Did I say P90X, because P90 OUCH is more like it. Yeah, my muscles are confused, confused about why I am kicking their butt every night!! We are remaining hopeful that it will be less painful eventually. Madi wanted to participate with us the first night, then the next night she said she just wasn't up for it, and she had gym class that day...ha ha. She is hilarious, they just celebrated the 100th day of school, this is the poem she wrote, just like she wrote it.
I wish I had 100 frends at skoohl
I wish I had 100 buttrflys to
I wish I had 100 peesis of candy
But I don't wish I had 100 peesis of poop

P90X

2009-02-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so in the spirit of renovations, we have decided to renovate our bodies as well as our bathroom. We got a copy of P90X, this intense workout program that is supposed to be awesome. It is very versitile, yoga, weight training, cardio etc. and is supposed to cause "muscle confusion" and have dramatic results. We even had to install a bar to do pull ups in our upstairs room. For the record I cannot even do one pull up so this should be interesting....and I am secretly a hoss, who says that bar isn't going to fall down?? Anyway as you can see from our before pics, we have our work cut out for us. The only time we are both home consistently is at night, so the plan is to do our hour a day workout after Clay Clay goes to bed at 8:30pm, wish us luck!!

IZZY

2009-02-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

So I finally figured out how to cut little boy hair, I have made peace with the guard on the clipper and a little gel will cover up most imperfections...

This is Clay telling me he wants to go outside, he doesn't say much, but if you say outside he will get his shoes and if you say chair he runs to his highchair, happy he is about to eat.

New puppy, Isabella Maree Rust, Madi and Corby saw a "FREE PUPPY" sign and stopped, I was not too amused because pups are a lot of work, but she is really sweet and the kids love her and Clay calls her "POW-PEE"

Let the destruction begin

2009-02-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

The winter has forced us into being productive around the house...which means renovations, BOOO!! I did manage to take an old ghetto gold chandelier and paint it chocolate brown and add some beads to help it fit in with my dining room (cheap upgrade) but now the real project begins. Remember that wallpaper in my bathroom, down it comes. Corby started, I guess I have to participate and finish :) I just have to remember it has to get uglier before it gets prettier???

Wigs and Giggles

2009-01-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

So Mom decided it was time to find a wig. We went up to the cancer info floor to take a peek. Oh my, big, poofy, way too blonde wigs....the girl let her try some on and ...bring on the laughter. To be fair to me, my mom started it, she would crack up and I was quick to follow. So after 3 wigs and tears rolling down our cheeks, we left. Then we found another wig program in another hospital, alas, good, more natural, less blonde and poofy. She tried on 3 and we didn't laugh once. We found a good one that looked a lot like her old hair, plus stocking caps and a wig stand, all free of charge, there are some wonderful programs for cancer patients here. So, she has a wig to wear out now, she wore it yesterday and we didn't laugh once!!!
Two days until I am with my lovely family again, Madi told me all about playing in the snow and sledding down our neighbors hill. She said that hill was the most "poplier" place in the neighborhood and that she wasn't cold, "you wouldn't believe how much I am sweating" she claimed. She is having fun with Nana and I miss them all so much!!

Chainsaw Maniac and Fancy Boy

2009-01-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Clay got a chainsaw for Christmas and knew just what to do with it, holding it over his head and sometimes he moves his head around in a circle like a crazed chainsaw man!!! It is so funny...

Ok, sometimes we call him "Fancy Boy." It is this look on his face and he will tilt his head to the side and stick his hip out and carry around one of my old purses. We don't see Fancy Boy that often, amazingly, my cousin was able to capture the Fancy Boy face on film.

On a roll here in Little Rock

2009-01-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to be here with my mom for a week. I have MISSED her. She is looking good, last day of the 2nd round of chemo today, then comes the hard part when her immune system goes to the crapper. I am glad to be here to help her through this week. We are watching "Gone with the Wind" like old times and reading a lot. It is weird to have so much down time between visits to the chemo room, but that is how it goes, you just roll with it. I got to meet some other patients yesterday and I am so inspired by them, some way too young, with young families, but their spirit is what gets me, big smiles and a "bring it on" attitude, I pray for them too everyday. I miss my family back home, I called Corby yesterday and he was giving Clayton a bath at 2:00 in the afternoon. I asked why a bath now, he said something about some BBQ sauce? Ha ha!! This week will make me appreciate my little family, messes and all......

Land Shark

2009-01-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

Clayton is a biter, always has been since he was a nursing (ouch) baby. I thought it would go away, but no, it's worse. I asked my pediatrician about it, she said to use a code word every time he bites to make him stop. I am going to use "RELEASE" because that's what Steve Martin said to that scary dog on some movie and it's appropriate and a little funny. This picture would only be better if the shark was biting Madi's little neighbor friend for no good reason. Wish me luck!! (I used to rag on "biter's" because they would get hold of Madi when she was little, that really came back to bite me in the A@#, literally)

Sweet Clay

2009-01-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Clay was being so sweet to Madi, it had to be a Kodak moment....

My Sweet Bike

2009-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

Corby saw this random old bike in a warehouse. The story was that some guy had it forever, it used to be his Grandma's bike, and he used to ride around in the basket. He begged Corby to take it and fix it up to ride again. Alas, my Christmas present....It is like a geriatric Trike!! I love it, I can ride around with Madi and carry a ton of stuff in the back. No Clayton in the basket, he would put his fingers in the spokes or crawl out, maybe in a couple years?? Anyway, it is fun, it does have a gangster lean to the left, but I only ended up in the ditch once. As if my neighbors needed another reason to think I am crazy :)

Christmas

2009-01-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a whirlwind as usual, crazy but fun and we have so much to be thankful for.

Clay and Hanna

Clay more interested in breakfast

Madi pumped and shocked about her digital camera.

Opening presents can be fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Almost here, can't wait...
Madi is always excited to put the angel on top of the tree.

A little help from dad...

Telling Santa she wants 4 My little ponies...Clay wanted no part of Santa. We put him on his lap, he threw his head back, scrambled to the floor and made his escape.

New member of the family

2008-12-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

No, I am not pregnant, but yes, I have a new child. Meet Gabrielle, Baby Alive. She eats, drinks, pees, poops, talks, sits on the potty. She is a lot of work for all of us, but we are getting used to the new family member. She wet 5 diapers today and pooped on my leg this morning when I picked her up. The most important thing is that Madi loves her and she tells me I'm a good grandma :)

Clayisms

2008-12-15T18:22:00.001-08:00

Clay is hysterical. If he is quiet, he has crawled on top of the counter in the kitchen and is eating butter. If he is really quiet, he has found my lipstick and is rubbing it into his hair. We all get the biggest kick out of him.

If he is eating, it is everywhere.

If he is poopy he will bring a diaper and powder to me with this look on his face.

Ruthie Toothless at Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

Madi didn't seem to have any problem eating turkey this Thanksgiving, even with her 2 front teeth missing. We travelled to Missouri to spend time with family. My grandpa is doing great and my cousin was a saint, playing with Madi and Clay all weekend.

Soccer Dad

2008-11-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

The Dolphins soccer season has come to an end, we only lost 2 games, to the same team (they are secretly awesome) but a great season none the less. We had an after party at our house. The girls had fun on the four-wheeler and we played a game Corby invented called "egg drop." All the kids had a shot at dropping an egg on the coaches head, from the upstairs catwalk, it was hilarious.

Zoo, Zoo and more Zoo

2008-11-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

Clayton and I sneak off to the zoo everytime the weather is nice during the week. This fall has been awesome, the animals are all out for viewing. Too bad Madi has to go to school, that sounds weird, but I am just used to having her for at least half of the day, all day school is different.. she is doing very well I might add. If your kids like to play on the computer, Starfall is awesome for all levels of new readers. She has really taken off this year in reading and math, always with her nose in a book.

Clayton's first haircut

2008-11-29T12:23:00.001-08:00

Clay really needed a real haircut. My stylist was nice enough to chase him around the salon to get the job done. He looks so cute now!!

Before, when mom cut my hair...honestly mom!

After, how handsome am I?

Calling my girlfriends to tell them how cute I am with my new hair...

Weiner Roast

2008-11-13T06:24:00.001-08:00

My aunt and uncle have a cookout every fall, here are some pics of my family by the campfire....it was cold, perfect night. Clayton sat in my lap for more than 2 seconds!! That has only happened about 3 times..very exciting, he never wants to snuggle so I was eating it up.

Ready for Christmas

2008-11-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

I am already ready for Christmas, I am shopping today, it will not sneak up on me again!!!!!!!!!!! (I stress and procrastinate Christmas every year, and I am determined to not do it this year) This is my vow to now let the holidays take me down :)
PS BOOO to the time change, love it in the morning, hate it at 6pm when its dark and I want to go to bed at 7pm every night, it also cuts into the "let the kids run off of their energy outside" time, I need the sunshine as much as they do.

No more vampire for me!

2008-11-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

So Corby and I did a lot of soul searching and made an executive decision that I do not need to be working nights anymore. So, last night was my last....now I get to work days like every other living mortal being. I am excited to join the land of the living and to be SLEEPING at night with my family instead of being up at the hospital working. I will just pick up one weekend day and work 2 days during the week, which gives me more time at home for all of Madi's activities during the week. I think this will be so much better for me and all of us. No more red eyes and fangs!!!!

What I looked and felt like after a typical night shift.

More Halloween pics...

2008-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

The turtle got into some chocolate M&M's

Trick-or-treat!

Clayton riding in style.

Halloween

2008-11-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

We had a good Halloween, Madi was Snow White and Clayton a turtle. Madi was very hot and cold on the wig, it was on and off, she looked like Jan Brady with blonde hair poking out sometimes :) We went trick-or-treating, the kids liked to fight (Halloween meltdowns is what I call it) over who rang the doorbell and Madi spent half the night tattling about who didn't say thank you. The funniest thing she said was, "Let's go to this house, they are giving out FREE candy!" We laughed...

The little mouse...

Clayton getting his first taste of candy, now he points to the candy jar and screams for more, I had to hide it from him!

The lovely Snow White, that tooth is now gone, no front teeth!

Em's Shower

2008-10-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

I ventured to Lawrence to go the Emily's shower. She is a super cute pregnant girl and got about 8 million presents at her shower, I think she is good to go. Can't wait for little boy Clothier and all of the good times he will bring to Emily and Matty. It was awesome catching up with old friends too. This last pic is a relly cool building in Ottowa I think, I took it while I was driving SCARRY. I am proud to say I didn't get lost going there OR coming home...even though the scary round-a-bout tried to do me wrong. What is up with Kansas and round-a-bouts, in a not so round-a-bout way, I hate them.

Redbud Valley

2008-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

We went hiking in Catoosa at a trail in Redbud Valley, we have been outdoorsy lately!! Clayton actually cooperated for 95% of the hike, happy to be in the backpack with daddy. Daddy's back was not so happy with 30 lbs. of big ol' boy, but we had fun.

Shepherd's Cross Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

This is a pumpkin patch just north of Claremore, it is acutally someone's farm and they open it up to the public each fall. We went to a birthday party and had so much fun. They had a hayride, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay maze, story telling and face painting. Clayton had fun relocating all of the pumpkins of course :)

Zoo

2008-10-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

October is the BEST time for the zoo, the animals were all frisky (or "crispy" as Madi says) and the weather is perfect. We had a good time monkeying around with Mimi.

Neil Diamond

2008-10-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Corby and I went to see Neil at the BOK center, awesome place by the way. He was pretty good for an old dude :) We saw him about 6 years ago when Madi was in my belly. We did feel a little out of place at the concert as we do not need a walker, wheelchair or cane to get around....and yes, Corby wore a concert tee to the concert, but it was back when Neil had a hairy chest so several years old to say the least...

Big Blue Whale

2008-10-14T10:12:00.001-07:00

This is a landmark on Hwy 66, right outside of Claremore. Lots of people stop to look at this old 70's waterpark. I have lived here for most of my life, and never went to the blue whale. We went to play a few weekends ago....

LOVE FALL!!

2008-10-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of our front flower bed. All of my hard work, digging, weeding, mulching....I think Madi is trying to take all the credit :)

Brave Gore

2008-10-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Madi Moo got her ears pierced with her Nana. She looks like such a big girl..

Meow Luvin'

2008-10-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

My cat Clairice loves to give Benson a bath, it is so cute..

Soccer mom?

2008-10-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Madi had 3 goals out of 4 scored, not bragging....also scored the winning goal, ok now bragging. Her team is stepping up and doing awesome. One goal was so cool, she got tripped, and as she was falling she kicked it in, WHOOOOOO HOOOO! I have become the ultimate soccer mom, hollering and cheering and all stressed out during the game. All I need is a mini-van and a bigger butt and I would be good to go :)

Naked Boy

2008-09-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Why so many naked pics of Clay Clay?? He LOVES being naked. Poor Madi is sick, so she gets to watch whatever she wants, of course, Hanna Montana is her #1 choice. Clayton loves the theme song music and always breaks out in dance. This time he took off his diaper and we found him jammin' out naked. Here he is with Corby on the back porch watching the Hanna Montana episode, notice the little butt crack...

Carousel

2008-09-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Jude and Clay having fun going round and round....

Tulsa State Fair

2008-09-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Madi and Clay at the petting zoo

Madi feeding some random fuzzy headed animal, she tells me its a llama?

Waiting to ride the dragon roller coaster

Playing $5 carney games and winning 5 cent prizes

GO DOLPHINS!

2008-09-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Madison is doing awesome in soccer this year. She has scored a goal in every game, 5 goals total. We have a good little team the Dolphins and Corby is the coach. I will get some action shots later, but here is Madi being a team captain.

Clayton's new game

2008-09-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Clayton has taken the "I drop it, you pick it up" game to a whole new level, literally. He drops toys from the catwalk into the living room. Corby is usually the target...

The Barrett's going away party

2008-09-17T14:00:00.004-07:00

Our beloved friends Shannon, Katie, Avery and Jack Barrett are moving to Denver soon :( We have all been friends since college and have spent the last few years sharing new children, new houses, new jobs and unfortunately this new job of Shannon's takes them to Denver. I am so excited for them starting their new life, but they will be missed!!!! Here are some pics from the party we had at Ritchie's ranch, it was an Urban Cowboy theme, with everyone wearing pearl snap shirts. Yes, we secretly still have theme "date parties." This one was too fun, my brother and his roomate Kellen played AWESOME music, there was a Dolly Parton look-a-like contest and I was the only contestant, so I won!! Corby and Sam "Santa Fe" really classed the party up with WT pearl snaps with the sleeves cut off. This is a family website, so I spared the details of the beer bong, which we all mastered, ha ha. Thank goodness for overnight babysitters and an overnight sleepover at the ranch.
Best wishes to the Barrett's, don't think we won't be visiting you in Denver!!!!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Kellen and Angie, the guitarist and his wife or groupie :)

Anyone have tickets to the gun show?

Ritchie and Amber, this is a cute pic of these two...

The cowgirls...

Kent and Morgan, he played the upright bass and she is an awesome groupie as well...

Barrett's going away party...

2008-09-17T14:00:00.003-07:00

Mandi, Dolly and Katie, the guest of honor

Megan, Katie and Sam in his sweet Santa Fe pearl snap

Barrett's going away party...

2008-09-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

Kim and Blake, another cute pic

Sam, Ritchie and Shannon double-fisting early in the evening

POWDER EVERYWHERE!!

2008-09-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

It was awfully quiet in my house, that should have been my first clue....I went into the bathroom to find the following.....those of you that lived with me in college know how much I love baby powder, ha ha!

Here are the footprints at the scene of the crime.

I witnessed this man fleeing the scene....

However, he was unavailable for questioning, he was making an important phone call.

Wallpaper from HE*%^&

2008-09-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is the terrible wallpaper in my master bath. It has really been on my mind lately, who picked it out, Why? When was it ever cool to have faux draping?? I'll tell you when 1997, when people were wallpapering fools! I am taking it down to Chinatown, say goodbye to this travesty....I'll keep you updated as the Trading Spaces demolition begins.
PS I have already dewallpapered my powder room and dining room (MORE terrible stips and faux mauve sponge paint, agh!) it was a lot of hard work, but worth it. I will need something to motivate me because home remodels are much more trying with a 16 month old. As I took down wallpaper in the dining room, Clayton ate it like a goat...it took about 4 months to complete....

Blue Grass Festival

2008-09-07T15:11:00.001-07:00

We went to the Blue Grass and Chili Festival with our neighbors this weekend, taking in the local flavor.....

Madi and Lundyn in the caboose, the conductor told Madi she may have to pedal, he said the pedals were by the TV, she actually spent about 2 minutes looking for the TV and the pedals

Zander in the train...

Daddy and Clayton enjoying some ice cream.

Can somebody put a fork in him? He's done.

OSU and Grand Lake weekend

2008-09-07T14:29:00.001-07:00

We had an OSU watch party on Labor Day weekend and then went to the lake, wearing ourselves out as usual :) Here are some pics from the weekend...

Booties and bellies, how cute are they? I look similar to this naked, but it's not so cute when you are 31 :)

Madi, Zach and Zander paddleboating at the lake

I told her if I hit her back her face would stay like this....

"The Firestarters" Does this not look like an EMO album cover?? They were proud of helping by gathering wood for the fire. PS they really were not that close, it's just the angle of the pic I swear!!

Gigi turned 86!!

2008-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

My grammy (Gigi) turned 86! She still amazes the family with how well she is doing, and how good she looks :) We celebrated at the lake with the family. Madi tried to ski, but water up her nose got the best of her. She is an excellent tuber though. My brother and his girlfriend Morgan are engaged, Madi took some great engagement photos. Clayton worried me to death, the lake is not very little dude friendly but we still had a good time.

Oldies but goodies

2008-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Some pics of Clayton's birthday, he was 9 lbs, 11 oz so he was more like a Bubba than a baby....

Ride, Ride, Ride, Ride Zebra

2008-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Clay going to town on his zebra, look at all of the toothers!!

Hanna Montana and a High Five

2008-08-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Madi hopped on the bus this morning to go to 1st grade. She put on her Hanna Montana backpack, gave the bus driver a high five and waved good-bye. What a big girl!! I wore an outfit like this for a 6th grade dance, funny how the fashion trends always come back around....

What is he feeding him?

2008-08-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Clayton made that face for wedding cake?? I don't know how he can be my child :)

Madi, Clay and the Hay

2008-08-13T09:02:00.001-07:00

Behind our house, amongst the deer, coyotes and cows :)

Phi Mu Reunion continued

2008-08-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

More pics from the reunion, Jodi and I decided we look a lot less sweaty in black and white :)

Madi & Clairice the Cat

2008-08-04T13:43:00.001-07:00

This is our new meow, my Christmas present, she is a sweetie.

2008-08-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ice Cream anyone?

2008-07-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Clay is learning to use a spoon, and to love Sonic......always a good idea right after bath time :)

Grand Canyon

2008-07-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

We went to Phoenix and the Grand Canyon this summer. We visited friends, Smothers and Holly and Ashley and Mike and their new baby Kate, she is a CUTIE.