Create New Holidays Game

Although I like Thanksgiving Dinner (which I have renamed the day) I have about had it with the BS that each holiday brings; so I have decided to make up some new ones... feel free to join me. And don't give me your warm fuzzies about holidays - it is eating and hauling kids from one house to the other so blah blah blah .

Claar's Revised National Holidays:

*Stay home from work because it sucks day - mom like me... kids go to sitter

*Don't have to go to your in laws day

*Punch an idiot day

*Call someone just to let them know what you really think of them day

*Media must be positive day

*Stay home in bed with your spouse day - cohabitators must work, serves you right - singles watch the kids (doubles as national birth control day) :)

*Use profanity without guilt day

*Eat ice cream because you are fat anyway day


And although it does not fall in with my new holidays just a reminder to get your shopping done for national buy crap for the people you feel obligated to day. And yes I am on one, it is allowed every once in a while.

:) Claar

It's official - I am married to the sexiest man alive!

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/peoples-sexiest-man-alive-hugh-jackman/15572?nc

Or his look alike... even better.

Claar’s Soapbox on Homosexual Marriage

Unfortunately as humans we are tempted to do things that are contrary to our eternal progression and God’s great plan of happiness. For as much as we are certain we know ourselves he knows us and knows that wickedness will never bring us lasting happiness. Sexual sin is second in severity only to murder and denying God himself. It is not progressive, it is not a changing trend, it is a tragic and all too commonly mislabeled and justified practice.

In terms of history it was the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah, it robs those who do not overcome its allure of the Spirit of God in their life, as it is offensive to that very creator who gave us life and wants the best for us. Just as He would be saddened and still have hope for someone struggling with any sin I truly believe it is God’s desire that one who struggles with same sex attraction will overcome that temptation and choose a righteous path, the same as he would someone who seems attracted to any sin such as fornication, theft, or abuse.

When it was scientifically proven that the world was round it was accepted among scholars, but really the mainstream of people throughout the world continued to believe it was flat. It was only once that generation had all died that their children believed such a new concept. This insight on human nature and their acceptance of seemingly new ideas is why I support any action for individuals, groups, or society to disallow any practice that is morally wrong in the sight of the one true God and the eternal laws that bring lasting happiness and joy to mankind. Heaven forbid that indifference, tolerance, or acceptance make such a deviant behavior be presented to the next generation as acceptable and something that will bring them happiness.

That said I love people regardless of their decisions. I am imperfect at always showing or expressing that love, but I believe that example and love will always be the method of correcting problems. I stand strong in my opinion that I will never look favorably upon any sin, as crafty as the great deceiver may paint it, as much as he tries to depict something that brings bondage as a matter of choice or human preference all leading to the same end. Leaders, society, and individuals have a responsibility or make those difficult distinctions between what limits human rights and what steers society as a whole in a righteous direction. How chaotic and certainly frowned upon by God would be a people that open up the floodgates of choice and give people all freedom to lead themselves and others into a place far from eternal happiness. It is a hard line to draw, but I believe that living our lives within the parameters the Lord has set will bring us happiness in this life and eternally. May we all consistently improve, change, and stand strong on correct principles.

My Hubby Hugh

We always have fun dressing up for halloween, but this year was especially fun between parties and the perfect weather. Mike was Wolverine - Hugh Jackman (no relation :) ), I dressed up as another X-men character Rogue, Maximus a monkey, and Titan a chili pepper... I will work on getting a picture of the four of us. Maxx even had the "Oooo Ooo Eeee Eeeee Eeee" down. Good times!

Classic Claar Move

Now many people understand that I was not exactly born a Domestic Diva. Cooking, Cleaning, Mommy stuff... let's just say it is coming with practice.

Yesterday I decided our shower was dirty and what better to kill germs than bleach. Well if you are going to use bleach why not do it at the beginning of a shower then you can just clean it all up while you are in there. And if you really want it to work you better use a crap load of it... right?


Evidently not, nearly died! And heaven forbid I step out of the shower and risk getting bleach on the priceless old yellow bathroom mat inherited from my grandmother's house! No, no, Claar the "tough woman" stayed in the toxic shower eyes watering, coughing, certain death, breathing into a towel until it got better.


Later when I told Mike he was like, "yeah of course"... looks like he will be cleaning the shower from now on.


-Claar (who now has the black lung, an eye twitch, and drags a leg) :)

Good Big Brother

Maximus has started right out showing Titan the ropes. Tonight as we went to pray he told him "Shhhh Pwayer". We laughed and then he turned to us and told us "he kwhy (cry)".

Cracks us up!

Cute Baby, Not So Cute Mama

Titan is still tiny and fun, we are living it up. Last Sunday I lost all feeling in the left side of my face...Bell's Palsy = meds and hopfully fixed within 2 months. Meanwhile we have fun with TwoFace from Batman jokes and Mike asking if I am really laughing or mocking him. Everyone doing well. Bla Bla Bla the pictures.

Weight Loss Program :)

Before











After







Titan was born early Wed. morning. 8lbs (3 weeks early) We have been having so much fun and Maximus seems to do pretty well around him. Certainly more pictures to follow... he is very handsome.

WAHOO!
C

Like Christmas Morning

Yes, that is Maximus in the picture, not Titan, but double it and you get the idea.

Bed rest = no photo shoot.

After weeks of bed rest, being completely miserable/worried, and driving everyone crazy, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Up until yesterday it was: "hang in there for a few more weeks", "there is nothing we will do about the fact that you head is going to explode from high blood pressure just lay down", etc... I don't think I have ever prayed for the same thing more times in a row than for this all to end well and soon.

Angry and at my wits end last night I told myself I was just going to have to accept that although I 100% disagree with the medical decision of keeping me on the line of certain death for every day they possibly can now that I am full term that I was just going to have to hope to go into labor before this boy is bigger than me.

The positive thinking paid off or God just likes me and this morning the Doctor called me. He had been thinking more about my situation and feels that by Wed. we should probably bring the baby. I don't know who is more relieved me or Mike who I think keeps putting off laundry hoping I will be able to do it soon.

Wahoo!

The soon to be much thinner and hopefully feeling better Claar +1

Already Like Me

It is no secret that I am a sucker for attention so I should not be surprized that Titan (although unwilling to make an appearance yet) has landed me on bedrest. So we spend a lot of quality time together, watching/feeling his gymnastics and he gets to hear my theories on when he should come see us all.

I decided to take all the whining and swearing out of this post so don't be mistaken that this is a walk in the park... it could just be worse. And don't get me going about Big Dumb Idiot (the nurse I have chosen to blame everything on).

Thank you to those watching Maximus and me.

C

Last Pint of Beans

As Mike and I cooked up a Sunday dinner for our parents this week I pulled the last two pints of beans I was left with from my Grandma Jackman. Yes, the best home grown and bottled green beans, the staple of the best Sunday dinners throughout my life, and likely the #1 reason my husband would do anything to get into the Jackman family I held the last of in my hands.

Call it being a woman or just so so pregnant I stood in the kitchen and balled for a few minutes. It has been 6 months since my Grandma died and although I was so happy to see her move on from a body that no longer kept up with her, it is never easy to see one of the good ones go.

To a grandmother that I love,

an example I will never forget,

and a friend that I miss;

thank you once again for a great Sunday dinner.

Hurricane Maximus

Maxx is typically pretty mild when it comes to mess making... a few of his utensils here and there or a pile of 4 books stacked where they don't go. Today something else possessed this kid. He started with a basket of clean clothes all over my room, then moved on to digging the dirt out of the one plant I have managed to keep alive, then onto scattering all the receipts from last year's taxes (gosh dang opposable thumbs he can open anything), and then topped it off in his room by flipping up the mattress on his toddler bed, dumping out Mr. Potato head and all accessories, and pulling all of his clothes out of their baskets and throwing them around the room. I am tired just having typed it and I haven't even gotten to the usual fruit on the floor under his high chair. Maybe if I cry Mike will help me pick it all up, however the last time even a 10th of this happened he joked he was going to hire a babysitter while I was with him during the day. One thing is for sure, if he wants attention he sure makes it hard to ignore him. :)

Path of destruction almost as wide as I am right now.
C

The Best Form of Flattery

It is not uncommon for Maximus to sport his dad's hat or tie, but I guess he thought it only fair to copy mom too.

Things to remember when your 1 year old kicks you in the face...

1. Believe it or not you asked for this.
2. Remember all those times crying when you didn't have kids... now you can cry over your fat lip instead.
3. Could have been worse, he could have been wearing cleats.
4. When all else fails consider it come-uppins for all the crap you gave your parents.

A big thank you to my mother who has had Sir Maximus for a sleep over since his royal fit allowing me a good 18 hrs. to find it humorous instead of tying him up. :)

Swimming, Scarlet Fever, and Shamu

Maximus started his second year of swimming lessons today. He was the very best in the class last year at 6 months, I swear. But now 21 months he doesn't want to be held, which would be fine if we weren't in 4 foot deep water. So the fact that we wrestle for 30 min. in the water is the first difficult thing. Then I get to chase his naked bum around the dressing room for the the next hour that should be 10 minutes, but whatever. All this is not enough however... Maximus is just getting over Scarlet Fever which means that although he is cleared by the doctor to do whatever and not spread it -the rash from head to toe makes everyone run from the crazy scabby little red head still sporting a horrible haircut. God is just however because we match; I get to chase him as Shamu.

Perhaps next time is Dad's turn.
C

Great Clips my foot

Life lesson learned: If the woman about to cut your son's hair is not cute... Leave.
Maximus now looks like a peach, an orange on a toothpick, or at least handicapped with his large head and high cut buzzed red hair. As you can tell I am a little fired up, but never fear, I fixed it- He will be wearing a hat for a while.

Dear ol Dads

We have some pretty terrific dads! So for Father's Day Maximus and I have a few things to say.

Dave Runyan - It is not a universally know fact that Mike is indeed a red-headed step child (well he was). Dave married Mike's mother when Mike was about 9, just before turning 18 Mike was adopted. Interestingly enough Dave Runyan once Dave Seymour did the same thing at 17; awesome.

So Dave (Opa) has spoiled us from day one. He is funny and always there when we need anything. Maximus says he likes to snitch his snacks when Opa falls asleep in front of the TV. Mike is eternally grateful for a righteous father that was willing to step up. And when I take a break from teasing him constantly from our impeccable hearing to matching bellies I am just thankful to have such a great example for my husband and boys. I am still not convinced they aren't blood - Mike does something to get called Dave at least weekly.

Randy Jackman - (stinks!... had to get that one in there) Some of my favorite memories of my dad include him making awesome Halloween costumes - no really awesome toothpaste tube, mermaid, outhouse, katsup & mustard, convincingly tall Frankenstein, and on and on. He also makes killer breakfasts, and everything fun. From teaching us to water ski, being willing to call me on a mission to Disneyland, and always there from weddings to grand kids he just rocks. Maximus likes to borrow his hats (which he almost fits), Mike enjoys working on projects, and I still enjoy stunning the world with the stuff my dad taught a girl. If anyone needs their furnace fixed just call Aaron (hey he made me smart too). :)

And... Micheal Runyan - I like to call this picture "Listen Conan O'Brien he is really my kid". It is always obvious that Mike loves being a dad. Maximus says his favorite thing is when they play. Titan says thanks for the ice cream. And I just count my blessings that we have such an great husband and father.

7 Little known facts about Claar

Okay, I have been tagged, I get it now. So here we go.

7 Little Known Facts About Claar

1. Gray hair... I am 24 and have gray hair. It is not that hard to figure out where I got it... let's see I got married at 19 and got my 1st gray hair at 19... proving conclusively that everything is his fault. :) Up side, I don't have nearly as much as Aaron. And yes, I dye it religiously.

2. Against all odds I love babies... never thought it would come to this and I am sure everyone I grew up with can not imagine it, but I do like babies so much even the not very cute ones.

3. Dogs and Sharks - I have been in the ocean once, well twice if you count 1 inch of my toes in. I hate sharks and basically everything that lives in the ocean... I am certain it will eat me and feel it best to keep my butt on shore in areas where I am the top of the food chain. As for dogs I am making progress - I no longer push strollers at them and run away. It may have something to do with the 9 mo. of heck I go through to get the kid here, but I am now woman enough to at least not offer up the kid. Note: when no baby is with me I will still scale my mother or any other walking/jogging partner to save me from even the smallest of dogs; they also eat people ya know.

4. Banned from Water Polo - In high school I beat up a girl my Sophomore year after a water polo game (she totally called for it) so I was on probation which I didn't find out until after I uppercut a girl during the last tournament of my Senior year (she also deserved it). Which all ends in me not being able to play water polo for that league in the United States ever again (oh well suckers I graduated). :) For the record it was way worth it and we laugh every time we watch the video.

5. I have a huge head - out of all my friends (boys and girls) I had the largest graduation cap. I like it when the doctor asks about Maximus "does his dad has a big head?"- I always say yes and smile... Big head big brain right :)

6. I am the worst liar ever. Even jokes last for about 10 seconds. I don't even try.

7. I am not allowed to have pets. It is not that I am mean to animals I am just incapable of taking care of them and don't care enough. So between my husband, friend MK, sister, mother, etc... there is an unofficial organization that makes sure some cute puppy never finds it's way to my house because they all just know that I will kick them out as soon as they are no longer cute and fun (although it is yet to happen and no that fat cat doesn't count he was totally ruining my life).

So there you go... Claar uncut. :)

Blog smog

Fine! I know nothing about blogging. Evidently there are comments and tagging and such. Emily is mandating I blog once a week so maybe I will get this eventually. To anyone wondering why I am such a unresponsive jerk, be comforted, I am just dense.

HTML good buddy over
C

Powell

This year at Powell was a little different than most. Some highlights:

-I selfishly enjoyed the cool temperatures in my pregnant state.

-We caught a lot of fish

-Ate a lot of junk

-Watched Emmy drag behind the boat because we told her not to let go when learning to ski (oops).

-And me who dispises every form of Nentendo became addicted to Wii along with the rest of the family.

-Put the prop on backward

- Watched the kids hook some fish (and hook Grandpa)

- Listen to Maddy's fish stories

YeeHaa!

Nursery Bliss

Yes the photo is from Maximus turning 1 and he is now 18months, but it's cute and I am a slacker. Maxx keeps us laughing and running, but church... I tell you what, I have renamed this child Satan Baby on Sundays. He is not only active, but loud - loud when he is happy, unhappy, excited, hungry, sick of the speaker, teasing the lady next to us... you name it he is yelling.

God is just however because Maximus is now in nursery, I am so excited; I just don't know how to deal with him being someone else's yelling challenge for 2 whole hours. We sit in class and smile and veg out. No one tell my ward how excited I am or I am sure they will stick my pregnant butt in there with him. But wow, the bliss.

Home sweet home!

Bought our 3rd home in South Jordan, but after living with/helping to care for my Grandmother since last fall it is like having our own place for the 1st time. I keep giving the diswasher hugs and bounce around like a fool everytime a piece of new furnature is delivered.

Michael you are the best husband ever for putting up with my crazy adventures.

Maximus I hope you are not going though Oreo withdrawls.

Like Rabbits

Ready for my singing...

"Start with a man and you have one,
add on a woman and then you've got two,
add on a child and what have you got?
You've got more than three,
you've got what they call a family,
oh working together......"

Okay, I'll stop, having another baby wrote the next line of the song
"add on another baby, and then you have stress"
However I am kidding and we are excited.
I say it's a girl, Mike says boy, Maximus says yeah!