A few things have been brought to my attention. I look terrible in that picture to the right here (I was camping, give me a break!) and some of you might be interested in John's smoothness those first couple of days we knew each other.

As for the first, well, like I said, I was camping and hair product and make up were no where to be found, let alone a mirror. I would have to agree that I look like poo but the pictures of me are few and far in between. I am in agree-ance with the friend that mentioned that the darker hair looks better and I am thinking about re-dying it. Anyway, those of you who are deeply concerned about my well being because of this picture-don't worry, I do, on a normal basis, have my hair done up cute with a pound and a half of hair product and my face is graced with mascara at least. I appreciate the concern and I would be deeply concerned as well if a friend of mine posted a picture of this horrific magnitude. Thank you for the concern all.

For the second subject-John. Well, like I said my friend convinced me to go on a date with him (I later found out that all she had to do was tell him that I was cute). Now keep in mind it was Thanksgiving Day, I was planning on staying home with my family. So I show up at Ashley's house and it's all commotion like it always is at her, or my house, and they introduce John and I. I think he may have said "Hi" but, other than that, he didn't say a word to me. I didn't speak to him either, but come on - he's the guy.

So we go to the movie theater (we being John, Ashley, TJ (who is now A's husband) and myself). I actually rode in the back seat with TJ. I don't remember how that worked out by the way, but I do remember them (A and TJ anyway, I don't think John knew me well enough and like I said he didn't speak to me) making fun of my because my coat smelled like Thanksgiving dinner. Actually, I think he may have said something like "I think you smell fine" so that brings the word count up to what? Six, yes, six.

Some of you might be thinking about now "So what? He didn't talk to you because he didn't know you." Well, those of you thinking this obviously don't know John. He could hold a conversation with a bush. Even if he didn't know said bush. Just not me apparently. Also, it might be crossing your minds that we were set up and he just didn't like me so he felt weird talking to me. Once again, remember the bush. On top of that, HELLO, we are married now, so obviously he had to have liked something about me. I now know that he even thought me very attractive, so I don't know. Six words? In what, an hour? Can we say suave?

Well, we made into the movie and we were very early. All four of us go in and sit down with like 45 min til the movie starts. We sit down in this order from left to right- me, Ashley, TJ then John. Ya, not only could he not speak to me but he couldn't sit next to me either. Well, given the extraordinary amount of time we had, Ashely and I start to goof off. We are running around and being silly (there is no one else in the theater, remember-it's Thanksgiving, most people are at home with their families not on a date with some guy snubbing them. I might also mention that at this point I was wishing that I had stuck to my original plans).So anyway, the movie gets ready to start and we all take our seats again, in the 'don't touch me' manner I explained, and Ashley and TJ decide to go get some food. So there we are John and I, all alone, but on opposite sides of the theater. I decided that this arrangement was a little ridiculous so I, yes I, went and sat next to him. Besides the fact that he found Monsters Inc. scary in a part or two, the rest of that evening was fine. I daresay fun.

So there's the first date for you. We went out like three more times that weekend and then he had to go back to KS (we left for college later that day). I walked him out to his car when he was leaving to say goodbye (remember, he had kissed me by this point. Bad boy!!). We are at his car and he gives me a hug and says "I will get your email address from Ashley" and he got in his car and left. Okay. Not very cool. I was pretty sure at that point that he was just a jerk and I was never going to hear from him again.

I realized that was not the case when I got to UT two whole days later (that's another story) and he had called fifty times and left like 10 return numbers. I guess he did like me. Who knew? Then a few short weeks later he tells me he loves me-shock ensues. Then a few short months later he proposes. I must have been in shock, more shock, because I did say yes!

Tagged again. . .

I know this pic was posted a while ago. I was trying to find a pic of me, just me, and I can't. Apparently, I am always the one taking the pics or I'm helping one of the kids do something for a picture of them. Anyway, this is one of the most decent and recent pictures of me. Besides, I love this picture. The search began because, my friend Emily tagged me to do a post about myself. For some reason this seems much harder than the one about John. Here goes...




Four places I've lived

1. Longmont, CO

2. Topeka, KS

3. Manhattan, KS

4. Westminster, CO


Four favorite books

1. Gone with the Wind

2. Pride and Prejudice

3. Narnia Chronicles

4. Little Women


Four Favorite Movies

1. Hairspray

2. Gone with the Wind

3. Transformers

4. Pride and Prejudice (most recent with Kira Knightley)


Four embarrassing facts about me

1. I have more stripes than a zebra (thank you pregnancy)

2. I don't believe in making my bed, we're just going to mess it up again. I am working on this. It is , however, required of my children to make theirs. Strange.

3. I worry way too much about what other people think

4. I love to wear "sweats". Can we say homely house wife? They are just so comfortable when all I have to do that day is play with kids or clean.


Four dreams of mine

1. that my children turn out to be good, kind, faithful people in spite of me.

2. To do a tri-atholon next summer

3. To serve a mission with my husband someday.

4. Emily put it well-To be a good person. A kind, considerate, patient, confidant, fun, generous person. Someone I can look back at when I am a hundred years old and be happy with.


Four pet Peeves

1. Junk mail

2. Hearing "Mom" or "Mommy", or any other variation of the name, 50 times in less than a minute.

3. Toys everywhere! I hate it when I look around and feel like my kids have every toy in creation that they don't play with.

4. Unfinished projects


Four things that make me really happy

1. When, out of nowhere, one of my children gives me a hug or says I love you.

2. When John is especially sweet to me or when I make him laugh.

3. Shopping!

4. To have the knowledge of the gospel in my life, particularly the atonement.


Tag four people

1. J

2. Ashley

3. Jessica

4. Megan

Well, we made it home from Lake Powell. It was an interesting week. We made it there and my Dad's boat broke so he and John and my brother-in-law were up in Provo for a few days while the rest of us were stranded on the beach until my uncle showed up with his boat. There was a lot of talk of my dad buying a new boat. Then the boat trailer broke so he had to fix that and parked the boat. My uncle and his family are amazing. They were so willing to help and share 'boat time' since we were down to one boat that wouldn't fit everyone.

The highlights would be that John caught some fish, though too small to eat. He also went tubing and seemed to enjoy it although he claims to hate it. Abbi and Jake had a grand old time playing all day. They both really enjoyed the water and the boat. Abbi is okay with tubing as long as Mommy doesn't make it go under water. Isaac really loved just floating in the water despite the fact that the fish thought him some kind of delicacy and kept nibbling on him.

All in all. It was a good trip. Interesting and a little frustrating but good. We did some hiking and cliff jumping and played some games too which was a lot of fun. The kids all really enjoyed themselves and the food always tastes so good even with the sand in it!!

John

Well, I was 'tagged' by my sister-in-law to do a little questionnaire about John so here goes. . .



1. What is his name? John David Balsmeier

2. Who eats more? I am not really sure. He probably does, most of the time. He is always on or off some kind of crazy diet and dieting is against my religion, but I am often pregnant or nursing.

3. Who said "I love you" first? He did. I was actually in shock considering we had only known each other a couple of weeks.

4. Who is taller? Him, easy. He actually calls me a midget on occasion.

5. Who is smarter? Me, of course! No not really, we just know different stuff.

6. Who is more sensitive? Me, hands down.

7. Who does the laundry? Me!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? John

9. Who pays the bills? John. We have a great system-John goes to work and makes the money, and I spend the money so he has to figure out where to send all that hard earned income. Works for me.

10. Who cooks more? Me. I cook just about everything. Occasionally on Saturdays he will go and pick up donuts, I don't think that really counts though.

11. What meals do you cook together? None really. Once in a blue moon he will want to cook something fancy for Sunday dinner and I'll help him out.

12. Who is more stubborn? Um, that's tough. We are both pretty stubborn.

13. Who is the first to admit they were wrong? It depends on the situation. We are both are both willing to admit we were wrong, if we were wrong. I am positive I am never wrong though, so it must be John

14. Who has more siblings? John. There are 7 kids on his side and 4 on mine.

15. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Well, my first instinct is to say that I do but he is pretty definite on the things that are important to him.

16. What do you like to do together? We like going out to eat and to movies. We also enjoy bike riding and spending time with the kids.

17. Who eats more sweets? That would be John.

18. Guilty pleasures? Who's mine or his? Well, mine would be buying myself or my daughter the umpteenth pair of shoes I just can't resist. John's might have to be the sweets. Like I said he is always on some kind of diet but he can't resist cake!!

19. How did you meet? We actually met on a blind date. He was out here in CO visiting a friend, an old family friend that happened to be one of my best friends. Her and I were home from college in UT for the Thanksgiving break. She was gong out and didn't want John to stay home or be a third wheel. She talked me into my first and last blind date. You'll have to ask John about his suave and smooth behavior, not only on the first date, but his farewell when he left for KS.

20. Who asked who out first? Like I said, we were set up.

21. Who kissed who first? Well, that would be John kissing me on like our third date or something. Not to say I didn't kiss him back.

22. Who proposed? John asked me to marry him. We had known each other for just over two months. Are we seeing a pattern here? John moves fast! No sense in waiting if you know what you're supposed to do I guess.

23. His best features? I love his eyes and his smile. I know they're not physical, but I love his work ethic and how he teases me and plays with the kids.

24 What is his greatest quality? Hmm, it's hard to think of just one. He has a good sense of humor which makes our marriage interesting and fun. But his charitable spirit is really amazing to me.

Well, the rest of July hasn't been as exciting as the Fourth. I am, however, anxiously awaiting the arrival of August. First, we go to Lake Powell the 2nd to the 9th and then my daughter's birthday is the 21st. I get so excited for her birthday and I am not really sure why. Could it be because I get to go shopping for my little princess, or because I get to plan a party (like last year's elaborate princess bash)? Well, actually it is. That is why her b-day gets me all excited but then I think, "Oh no, she's another year older." It doesn't sadden me but gets me thinking how fast it all goes. She will be four next month, next year she starts kindergarten. That is crazy.

I know I talk about Abbi all the time but she is my princess. With my luck, and John's genetics, she might very well be the only one I get. Despite my love of little girl things, I love my boys so much. I love all my kids so much. They teach me everyday. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for sending them to me. I know that he would not send such precious cargo to me unless he had a plan and resources here to help me teach them. I am so grateful for my husband. He is a good man and a great father and husband. John is a kind, honest, generous person and I am so very glad he has always been worthy of the priesthood he has been trusted with. Sometimes, through out our marriage, he has tried to take on too much, to be there for and help everyone, and it has been a struggle for him, our marriage and our family. I am thankful that he has grown to put his family, our family, first.

I feel very blessed to have the family I have. I am grateful John and I both agree to live our lives and raise our children according to the Father's will. We are working hard to build good foundations for our children through what we teach and our example. I know I am trying so hard to do what is right but I worry so much. I worry about my daughter's self-esteem and image, I worry that my sons know the importance of the priesthood they will one day hold and that it is God's will to marry and respect and fulfill their own family. I know some of these things are far off, but I also know that what and how I teach them now will affect their future.

"Future"--that's a funny word. The future is so bright and my children's "future' seems so far away. But with how quickly four years has passed, it may not be so far after all.

Well, we had plans to stay here for the Fourth but Aaron and Jessica had their baby (yeah!!) on the 2nd. Therefore, the plans we had to go boating with my parents were shot because they were going to leave for UT on the 3rd. So John and I, after much discussion, decided to head to KS. After all, we won't be seeing John's family again until Christmas, unless plans change. Anyway, we spent the Fourth of July weekend in KS. It was a good time. The nice thing about the Fourth in KS is that you can do your own fireworks right in your back yard, which we did. The years we lived in KS for this holiday, John spent a lot of $ on fireworks. With the trip out there and all, $20 was our limit on some small one for the kids. But the day was saved when three of the younger siblings covered the show. Now, you have to understand that this family can't just do a few cool ones or a couple little ones--NO, it has to be a show. I mean the neighbors set up chairs in the street to watch the show we put on. We're talking seven people lighting fireworks consistently for over an hour. It's a production.

So Kathi (my mother in law) invites a ton of people over for a BBQ. Right before people start showing up the boys leave to go buy the goods. You see, the longer you wait, the more they will discount the stuff they want to get rid of. A couple of truckloads later the BBQ is well under way. The weather was really agreeable and the food was great. Kathi added up 100 people at the house for the occasion. We eat and talk and the kids play (we also had a huge Blues Clues bouncer) and they do the small fireworks that entertain them in the daylight. Then the planning starts. You can see my brothers-in-law, John and the other helpers at the back of Kathi's massive yard setting up and talking about timing. Then the sun goes down and the firecrackers start. They think it's great to get the giant roll of black cats to have going for sound effects, I guess, while the fireworks are going off. So the noise starts, as if huge explosions in the sky weren't enough, and then the show starts. It was a wonderful show, I will admit. My kids loved it. Well, Ike slept through it all, but Jake and Abbi thought it was great.

After the show, we had some sparklers and roman candles for the kids. I was helping Abbi with a roman candle (those are the ones that you hold the tube in your hand on one end and the spark or firework shoots out the other) and I had it faced the wrong way-toward her, not away. It went off and hit her right in the chest. She starts screaming and I rip off her shirt and take her inside to get some cold water and ice on it. Now, as I am typing this I am thinking, "Clara, why are you telling the world that you shot your daughter with a firework? It might be something that will win you the elusive Worst Mother Award but not something you should announce to people."

Well, I am telling you, not because I necessarily want the world to know my momentary carelessness, but what happened afterward. Like I said I took her shirt off and brought her inside. I am actually very calm in these situations (if you know my brother you would understand I have a lot of experience with them), so I have her on the counter in the kitchen tending to her wound and her screaming. My brother in law got me some ice and my sister in law was telling me what I should and shouldn't do, mentioning the hospital and all kinds of unnecessary stuff. I have ice on her stomach and through her sobs she asks me, "Mommy, can we do another firework? And this time can we point it this way." I can not help but laugh. She hadn't even recovered from her injury, much less stopped crying, before she wants to do it again. And she had to throw in that she thought pointing it away from her body would be a good idea.

What a tough little girl!! John took her outside to do some more roman candles (Mommy is no longer allowed to assist with the fireworks for obvious reasons). She thought that they were great. We found out the next day that her wound turned out to be no real wound at all, just a little red dot on her chest.

In a nutshell, we had a great BBQ and a huge spectacular show with no injuries. Until I entered the picture. We now know that if you are to get hit with a firework, make sure that it is a roman candle. All in all, it was a good trip. Allen and Megan had their open house the following night and that was a lot of fun as well. We drove back on Monday. And given all the debate we had whether or not to go in the first place, we are glad that we did.

Patience

My brother and his wife are expecting their first child--any day now. In fact, she was due on the 25th of June. Unfortunately for her, she is still pregnant. I would be dying if I was over my due date. With Abigail the doc scheduled me to be induced the day after my due date (I came a few days early so I didn't need it). I think with Jess, my sister in law, they used the cream to try to induce labor and her and Aaron have been going on long walks, but nothing has worked. I think that her doc is actually on vaca this week so her next appointment isn't til next week anyway. I would just like to say I am sorry Jess and I hope that your little girl decides to make her debut earlier rather than later and I hope that your patience hangs in there.

My grandma has been in town visiting and it's been really great to see her. As she has been here at home with the kids and I all during the day, I am a little self consious about my parenting. You know, I want my grandma to be proud of me not thinking, "OH my gosh, what the heck is going on here." Amidst this self scrutiny, I have noticed that my patience has, in fact, decreased with each child I have had. Like the more children the less patience. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? I am so incredibly grateful for each of my children and I hope that they know I love them despite how stressed or upset I act sometimes.