Bountiful Backyard

Rob and I plant some sort of a garden every year. In our five years of marriage we have never been able to harvest anything from that garden. This year we have finally succeeded. It helps that we have a nice back yard with a big garden patch and that we've set up the watering on an automatic drip system. It has been so great to head outside every night after work and see what has been growing.

The start of our Raspberries.

The one pear growing on our pear tree.

Strawberries. It is amazing that any strawberries actually turn red because Robbie's favorite thing to do is pick them - when they are nice and green.

Two tomato plants. Planted the same day. One is growing to be the biggest tomato plant I have ever seen. The other is not.

Apple tree.

There are so many peaches on our peach tree. I hope they all keep growing.

The single blueberry growing on the smallest of 4 blueberry bushes.

And...that is not all I will be growing this summer. Along with the fruits and vegetables will be a baby. Ready to pick December 2010.

Congratulations Rob

Although he completed his Bachelors Degree in Accounting in December '09 Rob walked in graduation this May. Congratulations! We were so blessed that Rob found a full time accounting job in February that he absolutely loves. It has been such good experience for him and he can continue to work full time while he attends SUU this fall to work on his Masters of Accountancy.

I miss these faces!

My sister Jenni and her kids are coming to visit me in one week! I sure miss seeing these guys all the time.




I don't miss this face. I get to see it everyday, but this is why I take so many pictures of my sisters kids.

Resolution

I've had a lot on my mind lately. I've been slipping deeper and deeper into complacency. I've been clutching to the lame excuse that I'm simply to busy to keep my life in order. I've made resolutions before to better organized and a better homemaker, but I never seem to stick it out. The difference this time is I actually WANT it for myself. Not because Rob deserves a better wife or because Robbie deserves a better mother, although both are true, but because I have noticed such a big difference in the way my life runs when I make small efforts to be a better wife and mother.
My Mom is such an example of the kind of mother that I want to be to my children. She isn't a great cook...actually, I take that back. She is an amazing cook, but she hates cooking. We didn't need elaborate dinners on the table or an immaculate house to know that she had it together. I hope that I can teach my family in the kind way that she taught me strong family values, self worth, and integrity.
My mom just had surgery on Monday morning to remove cancer tumors. Also, she ended up getting a portion of her bowel removed. She will be recovering in the hospital this week up in Salt Lake. I wish that I could be up there with her, but I know that she will be alright. I just hope she can still get all her Christmas shopping done from that hospital bed...ha ha just kidding mom!

Sofia Elizabeth Cloward

My sister Jenni had a baby last week. Since I have been with Jenni when she has given birth to her other kids, it was hard not to be right there. I really miss having her so close, but I'm sure she enjoyed the peace and quiet and didn't miss the inappropriate comments during labor. Sofia was born on November 3 and weighed 7lbs 10oz. Jenni had Sofia in the brand new Riverton hospital. Since they had only been open for three days they sent Sofia home with a very cute gift basket.

Carter the Octopus

Happy Halloween

Robbie didn't love Halloween this year. He didn't want anything to do with his cute Lion costume, but I managed to keep it on him long enough to get a few quick pictures. This year we went to the Ivins City trunk or treat. There were a lot of cute kids dressed up, but hardly any cars actually giving out candy. I will definitely be going back next year and handing out candy. We normally trick or treat with my sister Jenni and her kids. It was sad not having them around this year, but they had a great time up in Salt Lake. I made Carter an octopus costume this year. Last year Jenni forgot to plan a costume for him and he ended up being a very lame mummy. I couldn't let that happen again this year. I will post a picture of Carter as soon as I get one. I can't wait for Robbie to dress up in the Octopus costume next year.