Rob Mare and The Little Gremlin

Friday, October 5, 2012

Won't You Be My Neighbor

It's a party! Where? The Clark driveway. When? Everyday!!!

I can't express to you how much I LOVE where I live. I love it. I'm obsessed. I'm so happy here.

Let me tell you why.

We have an unfinished backyard so Wes and I go out front and play everyday. He usually rides his motorcycle while I play around on my phone, paint my nails, or most often work on a craft. But the second I step out of my front door I make at least an hour commitment. I live in the most social, FUN, supportive neighborhood that has ever and ever will exist.
There's the sweetest older couple that lives across the street, Connie and Al. I love them. So does Wes. He will wander over to their house and help Al work on the yard, take him a drink, or just to chat his ear off. When he leaves, he always says "Bye Al! I luf you!" Connie comes over AT LEAST one time a day. She is the type of person I have to be super careful what I say around her. One day I mentioned I needed to go get more comfy clothes. The next day she shows up with a couple sweats, shirts, and pajamas. She plays outside with Wes to give me a break as often as I give in to her. She gave us all of her old Halloween decorations, she brings Wes a popsicle or treat daily. She comes over and knits and we talk for hours. She's just amazing. I love them. They came to Weston's Grandparent Birthday party too. I feel so lucky to have them!

^^^Connie and Al ^^^

Not only do we have the much loved Connie and Al, we have some of the BEST friends we could ask for. Weston's best friend, Jaxson lives two houses down, and has another cute little girlfriend just down the road. I love their parents. We've become such good friends. The whole neighborhood pawns their kids off on each other as often as needed. We are one big happy neighborhood family.

Around 5 everyone comes outside to socialize. They usually end up in our driveway (because our driveway is flat and the kids love riding their bikes on it). I love talking to my neighborhood friends almost daily. I love them all.
See? THAT is why I'm so happy here.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Birthday Boy

Wes turned 3. I can't believe it. I feel like I've had him in my life forever, and that he has always been 2. His Birthday was a harsh reminder that he actually IS growing up. Although I love having him grow more and more into a little man and best friend to me, I want him to stay in that innocent, sweet, mischievous, fun stage. Forever. Oh how I just love him. I love how his mind works. He's always asking about the outcome of things. Like, "What happens if... we crash into a car." or "...if he eats all of his lunch" questions. And he is a master manipulator! We'll be in the grocery store and he'll state the fact that he was so nice and that he didn't whine or cry. I thank him and he continues to praise himself. Then just at the right time he asks "Mommy? Don't you think I should get a new car since I was such a nice boy?" He has a great point. Why shouldn't he get rewarded for being so sweet and making my shopping trip enjoyable? I get him the car. It hits me as I'm walking out to my car that I just got played. Hard. Good for him. He most certainly deserves it. He can officially outsmart Mom.

Weston is obsessed with motorcycles. He thinks his tiny little tricycle is exactly like the Harleys on the road, and that he can go just as fast. Rob and I decided to get him a "big boy bike" with training wheels for his Birthday. But not only is it just a bike, it actually looks like a motorcycle. We gave it to him in the morning around 7:30 and we were outside until almost 11:00. He loved it. We met up with my mom, my sister and her kids at McDonalds for Lunch and then had the Grandparents (we missed you Bonnie!) over for cake and ice cream. He was in Heaven having all of his favorite people all to himself for the night.

I love him so much. I'm so grateful I get to spend my days with him. I guess I'm okay with him growing up... well, just a little bit. I love you, THREE year old boy of mine. I'm lucky to have you!!!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Can't wait

This sweet little thing gets a baby brother for Christmas. Although we are hoping the arrival of our baby comes right on (Dec 27) or way before Christmas, we'll be happy with whenever we get to meet our sweet boy! When Wes first found out that he was getting a brother, he insisted that we call him "Donut". He has now upgraded the baby's name to "Race Car" and will not even consider any other options. I think it's darling!

Mr Weston starts preschool at the end of the month. I totally didn't think I'd be one of THOSE moms who had a hard time or cried when their kids go to school, but just the thought of him going is too much for me to handle right now. We took him to his Back to School night and he didn't want to leave. Me and Rob could, but he wanted to stay.

I semi-finished the nursery! (I just need to paint the doors and baseboard and get curtains)
But isn't it cute!! My sister came over and helped me paint. I loved spending time with her. She's the best!

I spent waaaay too much time taping off all those stripes. I probably looked like a crazy person while pulling off the final tape. I was so excited!

I can't wait to give little Wes a brother to boss around, play baseball with, be an example to, be mischievous with, to grow up together and be each others best friend. I just can't wait!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Weston's Funny's

One day Rob and Wes was having their daily morning wrestle match on our bed, Wes totally misjudged where Rob was. He jumped full speed right through where he thought Rob was, and flew right off the bed landing on his head. Rob and I were waiting for him to convince us he was dying. Instead we saw his big grinning head pop up and he excitedly screamed "I learned to fly!!!"

As most moms know, when a child wants to drink out of your same cup it's basically turned into "food-water". Some moms don't mind... but I most definitely DO. I bought my very own cute red water bottle. It was MINE. I got to drink nice clean water from it all day long, until Wes decided he needed it. I explained to him it was my water bottle, but I'd get him his very own cool Lightening McQueen one. He looked at me like I was dumb and said "Mommy, we like to share." Wes: 1 Mom: 0 Dang.

After Weston's nap one day I went in and laid with him in bed. I accidently bumped his foot when he told me it hurt. I asked him why. His bottom lip came out and he said " 'cause I don't have any legs!" I tried reassuring him that he DID have legs... it took a lot of convincing though.

We were driving back in from town one day and had so much to tell me. After replying to his "guess what mom's" constantly for half an hour I regrettably answered with a little exhaustion "what Wes?" and he sweetly asked "Oh, I'm bugging you Mommy?" I felt so bad! The rest of the ride home was ME talking and telling him everything I loved about him. Including our long conversations.

We're trying to teach Wes that he can't tell me and Rob "no". It's not quite clicking because we have daily arguments over how I, his mom, can't tell HIM, the 2 foot little gremlin, "no". His argument sometimes actually make sense.

He always, I mean ALWAYS comes up to me and says "I love you Sweetheart". It melts my heart. I call this his "survival mode" because usually shortly after he's back in his mischievous mood. When I catch on to this mood he's back to buttering me up again. It's super cute. He's a smart kid.

Wes has this darling little red tricycle. He loves it. But it's NOT a bike, he calls it his "motorcycle" When we are driving and a big bad Harley drives by, Wes gets sooo excited and exclaims "OH! I HAVE ONE OF THOSE!!!"

He calls his Dad, "Rob". Refuses to call him Daddy

He thinks "Noggin" (slang for head) is a bad or embarrassing word. I love seeing him squirm when I say it.

My Sweet Wes is hilarious. My life would be so boring without him. I love you little buddy!!!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Hilton Head

The Clarks took us on a big family trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina this year. It was sooo much fun! Rob, Wes and I got to room with his Aunt and Uncle and their kids... cutest. family. ever! Seriously, I just love them. I guess now I KIND OF understand why Grandma Ruth abandons us to go and visit them (we don't like sharing Grandma. At all). Wes now talks about their youngest, Amy nonstop. They did everything together. In this video you can see Wes reaching back to hold Amy's or Olivia's (their other darling daughter) hand. He HAD to see them at all times. I loved it.

Wes and Amy on our Savannah tour. (He now talks about Amy more than he talks about his cars...and that's A LOT!)

We spent most of our time at the beach and the pools. The weather was perfect and Wes was in Heaven. I love my little family so much. While we were in Savannah Rob disappeared. He surprised me with the coolest collectible coin bracelet. It's so pretty! I've never seen anything like it. Rob spoils me. I'm so lucky to have him.

I wish we got more pictures with the sweet Gundersons. We spent all of our time with them. Aunt Chelle and Uncle Tyler spoiled Weston with new beach toys almost every day (and us with a new blender. We love it!) Sarah and Abby (their oldest daughters) helped out and played with Wes. I just love them.

As some of you know, I'M PREGNANT! But this one I'm not feeling so great. So I had to try and ignore my nauseousness and have fun! Which was a success! I'm due December 27th. Yes, poor POOR child, right? Haha, we will try to avoid a Christmas baby... but we'll see=)

Jeff and Bonnie treated us to all sorts of tours and restaurants... we got to experience it all. Bonnie baught me the cutest bracelet too. They're so nice and generous! Thanks Jeff and Bonnie for such an amazing trip!!! Next, trying to convince Rob to move there.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Ta-Da!

One of my biggest projects lately has been putting together Weston's "big boy room". It was a blast. A ton of work, but so much fun!

Before...

and...

Yay! AFTER!!!

It's not 100% done, but I'll eventually get there (when I can feel my arms again. Painting is exhausting!) There's also magnetic cars that go on the magnetic road, a ton of stars on the ceiling, and airplanes on the blue sky.

It was a complete surprise to Wes. So much excitement was bursting out of his little body when he finally got to see his new room. He sleeps like a champ and tells everyone he sees about it.

Well, onto the next project... the playroom! =)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Lots Going On...

Wes is busy acting older than he really is... or I think he should be. He tells me all the time that he's going to work (like Daddy) and I find him coloring on his ipad. He's one hard worker. I feel like since he has baby fat cheeks he should be a BABY!

We moved out of the most wonderful basement. My Dad built the cutest little apartment in the basement of his office. It was the place where surprises would be left on our steps by my dad; where we would have the best daily visits while my dad was supposed to be working; where Wes would get pushed "to the moon" on the swing by Baba every single day; where my dad built and taught me how to be the best gardener; where when all Wes had to do to see his Baba was to go to the top of the stairs and yell "Baba! Where are you!" and his Baba would drop everything and come running to him; where so many magical memories were made. Now we are gone and every time I think about not being there, I get sick to my stomach. I hold those memories so close to my heart.

Happy Birthday to me! Oh wait, I think this was for my Mother-in-laws Birthday. She brings and pampers everyone on her Birthday. We celebrated this Holiday at Snowbird. We skied (Rob, the boys and the Birthday girl all went Heli-skiing. How cool is that?!), ate a lot of yummy food, played games, I met "the other man in my life"... let me explain. Bonnie treated us to massages and OH. MY. GOSH. My red fro, handelbared mustache, 10 handed masseuse was fantastic. I love him. I really do. Rob know's. No worries. That weekend was a blast! Good times.

My sweet Weston got sick. Why do babies have to get sick? Why can't we take the pain from them. It seems unfair. His poor eyes say it all in this one.

We moved to South Weber. I love it. I love my house. I LOVE my ward. And I LOOOOOVE my neighborhood. I didn't think that so many sincerely nice people could all live so close together.

We've been busy repainting and fixing up odds and ends.

The owner before us was a very talented architect. He made our home look like Tuscany. It's very unique. We love it.

We finally got our furniture! No more laying on the floor!

We got our Alli-Dog back from puppy school! She rocks now! Such a well behaved dog. I love having her around. So does Wes. He loves demanding her around since he doesn't have that power over anyone else.

I'm either high on Wood Stain or I'm super sleepy. But I'm out of here!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Christmas Was Sick!

Literally.

THIS year was going to be perfect! Until... poor little Weston got a nasty ear infection in both ears. Poor boy. He was so tough though! We were so excited about the 100 hotwheels cars we got him, and his reaction was better than what we hoped. He was panicking, running around, asking if they were really his, and laughing. I just love him. SO sad he was sick, but this Christmas was still amazing.

Look how sick he is! I hate having a sick kid.

So so sad

Chambers family Christmas. I wish I had a picture of the Clarks family Christmas. They were both so amazing! Yay for Christmas! Boo to sickness!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gingerbread House

Once upon a time, a family decided to make a gingerbread house for family night. They were going to take it to a cute older couple in the ward and were so excited to spread Christmas cheer.

Then One decided to eat it while the others weren't looking.

The end.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Flashing Lights, City nights, Busy Streets, I love New York.

Somehow Rob and I weaseled our way to New York for my in-laws anniversary. Yay for anniversary's! To be honest, I think they just wanted their cute grandson to be there, but we told them we are a packaged deal. Fortunately it worked!
We went to the show Memphis, out to eat at The Russian Tea Room, lots and lots of shopping, eating, and playing.

Rackafeller Center. So magical.

Wes and I hanging out.

Rob and Wes catching us a cab

We went to FAO Schwarz and Wes was in Heaven. He was chasing remote control Lightening McQueen's around, hugging all the stuffed animals, watching the magicians, it is the coolest store I have EVER been in.

Very casually Wes picked up a car race track and started walking through the crowds. Apparently he decided he was getting that toy. Who knew! Luckily his Papa and Nana love to spoil him and bought it for him. Lucky boy!

Just checking out the candy...

It was such a fun, magical weekend. I loved every second of it! Thanks Bonnie and Jeff for having an anniversary! (and letting us tag along, feeding us, entertaining us, buying us gifts) Wonder what we're doing next year... ;)

Monday, November 28, 2011

What We Do

My little man isn't so little anymore. This stage is my favorite! Although I say that with every stage he is in, I still love having Wes turn more and more into my little best friend.

Wes has a girlfriend! He loved that Sadie fed him food. He still talks about her "samwich".

Rob surprised me with Foo Fighter tickets. They put on such an amazing show! I still can't believe I saw them.

Wes and I spend A LOT of time at Kangaroo Zoo. He calls it "Tigger's House" because he gets to hop everywhere, just like T-I-double-ga-er! He loves it!

Rob and I went to Vegas with our friends the Mortensens. We had waaaaaay too much fun!

We went on a super fun hike that overlooks the strip (you can kind of see it in the background), we ate a TON of yummy food, went to a comedy show, swam, and ate some more. I loved every moment except every moment I thought of my sweet Weston.

Wes has been busy giving me heart attacks! Look at his forehead! He grew a horn right in front of our eyes. It was heartbreaking.

This was even worse. While being the busy little boy he is, he ran/fell into Rob's knee and knocked his two front teeth back. It was the worst feeling I have ever felt. But knowing how clumsy Wes is, (and don't forget the Chambers genes!)I have a feeling I better toughen up. I'm sure there's many more "way hurts", as Wes calls them, on the way.

Let's finish this post off with a boy that's not deformed. I am so obsessed with him! Even though he's growing up fast, he will always be my best LITTLE buddy!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Oh How I Love Fall

Trick or Treating was so much fun this year. Wes loved all the candy and attention he got that night. We let him eat as much candy he wanted... you could call that really bad parenting, OR really good parenting. Depends on who you ask. According to Wes, we're the best parents in the world! By the end of the night he was literally bouncing off the walls (he was running into chairs, walls, and people laughing the whole time. He couldn't quite talk right either) He was out of control. It was hilarious!

My little stinker

I love spending my days with this little guy. He definitely keeps me busy. But I love it!