Update: Home Edition

Since the wedding, honeymoon and all that jazz, life has gotten back to its normal state of reality; though this reality is blissful and heavenly. Brent and I have cozied in to our daily routines with work, chores, and errands, but we couldn’t be happier doing it all side by side.  However, a lot has changed at the Clark household since the big day. 

On our honeymoon, Brent and his grandpa sped the day to make us some cute wooden chairs the go out in our front yard. Along with that, we also added a patio furniture set. It’s a glass table top, and four surprisingly comfy chairs.  (The reasoning behind all of these yard additions is that we are building a deck for our front yard this summer.) Also, for the longest time, we have been without a lawn mower.  With the help of our lovely friends and family who got us Home Depot gift cards, we bought a lawnmower! So along with our patio set, chairs, and lawn mower, we added a garden!

I have been busy busy busy planting and working in our new garden.  On one side of our house we have two pretty good sized raised flower beds. I already have a gorgeous flowerbed growing on the other side of the house, and I enjoy every minute of working out there. When I told Brent’s grandmother (who is a garden extremist) that I run out of weeds to pull, she started digging up plants to bring down and expand my garden. My green thumb is growing as fast as the garden is! So, Brent and I got to work tilling up the entire flowerbed to make room for grandma’s garden visions.  In the larger of the two beds, we planted two rows of tomatoes, a row of peppers, and a row of cucumbers. For the neighboring beds, grandma brought down an assortment of flowering plants for us.  By no means will I run out of weeds ever again.

Chairs, patio set, garden…DOGGIE DOOR! I feel as though life is now complete.  With the installation of the doggie door, the boys now have complete freedom as to whom and when they go outside. Zip took to the door like he takes to water. He went in and out ten times in a row just because he could. Tank on the other hand is a little less enthused about the flap that whacks him in the face every time, but he has gotten used to it.  I’ll tell you what; it sure has made our life easier.  It was rather nice this morning not waking up at six to let them out. We even left them for a night, and came home to find the house in perfect order. My, how they are growing up!

Has anyone ever been without their own washer and dryer? Welcome to my life for the past year almost.  Not anymore!! I have this huge laundry room with no purpose until now. We finally bought a washer and dryer to fill the room! It, along with the doggie door, has been life changing! I can now do laundry as I please. That was always my excuse for having lots of clothes; the fact that I couldn’t do laundry all of the time so I needed an abundant supply. Anyway, the room had this cement wall that for some reason wasn't painted. Well, now it is. More plans for this summer: to build cabinets!

That’s it for now! I’m going to go enjoy my day outside in our beautiful yard and play with the boys (Brent included).

Honeymoon' Fun!

Well everyone, while we wait for the pictures from the big day, I'm going to work backwards and tell the story starting from the Honeymoon! Though I am please to announce that I am officially Mrs.Clark! Just a quick synopsis: the wedding was a complete success, and everything leading up to it went flawlessly...except the weather. It was overcast, but I look at is as someone else needed the rain more than I needed the sunshine. The ceremony was beautiful and we beamed as we literally danced down the isle officially as Mr. and Mrs. Brent Clark. The reception was an evening to remember to say the least, and everyone had a blast!

After our stay at Anniversary Inn, we headed home to unwind for a day, then headed off to 1 of 2 honeymoons.  While we wait for a more opportune time to go to California for the official honeymoon, we took the amazing weather with us and headed for Flaming Gorge. Being the social butterflies that we are, we loved the time we spent with Brent's grandparents that live there and his Uncle Brent and cousin Sierra that were down from California for the wedding. The week was filled with camp fires, cookouts, hiking, and fun in the sun.  I'll let the pictures tell the story! 

We loved spending time with the family, but it is nice to finally be home as the newly weds.  We are getting into the swing of everyday life and back to reality, but this is what we have been waiting for, for what seems like forever!

 A rafting trip down the Green River with Uncle Brent and his daughter Sierra 

A view of the Lucerine Marina at Flaming Gorge. 

We would walk down around the "beach" and play in the water!

Our hike around the Flaming Gorge viewing area near Red Canyon

Yes, we are sitting on the ledge. A very scary high ledge.

We went to Red Canyon Lodge for a romantic dinner, and afterwards we rented a canoe and rowed around the lake for an even more romantic evening. It was a picture perfect night with great food, warm weather, and a perfect date.

The week ended and we are back to reality! Can't wait to see what we will do next!

What we have all been waiting for!

It's late. I'm tired. But alas our amazing photographer has posted some of the wedding pics. 

Let's make this easy folks.

Check them out at sallyphotography.blogspot.com.

Keep checking her site occasionally, because there will be more to come!

Sneak Peek 

PS. Tomorrow is a blogger day...updates to come! :) 

Beautiful, Crazy, Life.

The day I left for Georgia, my best Utah friend Sadie flew in from Washington to visit me and help with the wedding preparation.  While I was down south she stayed with her family in Heber city, but the moment I walked off the plane and greeted my handsome fiancé, baby Emma, and Sadie, we have been the quad squad ever since!  Sadie threw a party for our High School posse, and no doubt it was just like old times.  It’s amazing how everyone has changed so much but yet we remain so close.  We giggled and laughed just like we were back at lunch time on the school lawn playing around.  It was great having Brent meet everyone before the big day!  The party ended around 11:00 pm and we loaded up and headed to Lyman! Sadie is staying with me from here on out until the wedding. What an amazing bestie! J

I love being an “Aunt” to Emma! Oh this girl is just the greatest thing to have around! I love her more than anything…sad part is; she favors Brent more than anything. How unfair! What can I say, he just has a way with the ladies.  After church on Sunday (and nap) we took the doggies out for a walk.  It was such a gorgeous day, so we packed up the kids (Zip, Tank, and Emma all on leashes) and headed for the canal so the boys could go swimming.

p.s.- 5 DAYS!!!

Savannah, Georgia

About Friday afternoon on the 21st of May, Hillary and I were devising plans on how I could get to Savannah, Georgia for her graduation. By the 25th, I was packed up, and ready to go! My plane left at midnight, and I landed in Savannah at 11:00 the next morning. Oh, how wonderful it was to be back (closer) to home in the heat and humidity! I miss the south!! After landing, our first, and most important thing on our agenda was the beach. It has been five long years since my toes have touch eastern sand. Savannah is about 20 minutes from Tybee Beach, which coincidently, is where the movie "Last Song" was filmed. 

After our adventures on the shore we headed inland for my tour around downtown Savannah.  It is filled with so much history, beautiful old buildings and lovely parks every mile.  Savannah was built on a "square" system, meaning every street runs into a "square" park in the middle, and the roads are treated as a giant round-about. Each square has sculptures for viewing and park benches to relax on.  Downtown is full of shops of all kinds, and some of the most amazing food ever! Hillary had class on Thursday morning, so I took that time to explore everywhere my legs could carry me. It was a lot of walking, but well worth it! One of the things I miss most about the South are Boiled Peanuts! I found the first street vendor that sold them and sat in what is now my favorite of the squares, and enjoyed my peanuts and lemonade on a beautiful Thursday afternoon.

(Pictures coming soon)

Aside from it's history, Savannah has lots of night-life going on. We went out with some of Hillary's friends, who were also graduating and had a blast! At one of the bars, it was Karaoke night. Now, I have heard about this alleged "Spoon Man" and all his glory, but he really is something that needs to be experienced first hand.  A man, roughly in his thirties, probably still living with his mom, claims his 15 minutes of fame every Thursday night by showing up in his color coordinating pajama's and air-guitars with a giant cooking spoon.  He can actually sing rather well, but it's hard to take anyone serious when they are using kitchen utensils as their accompaniment. Pretty dang funny.

 

On Friday, after her graduation practice, we set up for her Gallery, which is where all the students get to show off their hard work for their families.  Hill's mom, dad, and little brother Peter met us at the gallery later that afternoon. I missed them so much! They are literally my second family, and going that long without seeing them was hard. I won't lie; I cried. :) Later that night, there was a concert on the park. G-Love and the Special Sauce performed with two other bands, that we went to with her family.

The next morning was Hillary's big day. What she had been working so hard on for four long years was finally here.  The ceremony was motivating for all.  I am so proud of her!

After the formalities were complete, we went back to Hillary's parents hotel and hung out until dinner time.  Since Hill wasn't feeling well, Peter, mom, and I walked down to River Street, which is my new favorite place in Savannah. It's right on the water, and has tons of fun shops and vendors along the whole way. The roads are all cobble stone, and the sidewalks are brick. Every building is old and very historical as well. Aside from the wide variety of shopping, they have a GIANT candy store, with everything you could possibly imagine. You honestly feel like a little kid again from the moment you walk inside.  This is where I found some of the childhood candies Brent used to eat to bring back home to him; along with his Southern Cookbook, "CLARK" photographs, and other knick-knacks. My trip was a blast, I am so glad I was able to be there for her graduation...it meant a lot to the both of us.  Though it is good to be home and back in the arms of my husband-to-be-in-eleven-days, I can't wait to take him back there to visit!

(Pictures coming soon)

Now that I am home, life quickly went back to normal, except I'm not allowed out of Brent, Zip, or Tank's eyesight for even a second. How great it is to be loved by them!! Wedding plans are going great. I had my final fitting and picked up my dress on my way home for the airport, and everything turned out beautiful! I can't wait to wear it on the big day.  

On a side note, I think every couple has the same debate: what to watch on TV. Well, for anyone in the same boat as I am, I have found a great solution. There is a show on WE (Women's Entertainment) called "Bridezillas". It's about crazy CRAZY ladies and their wedding planning. Now, I know it doesn't sound like something a man would want to watch, but I'm serious when I say it is literally like watching "Cops" and a bridal show at the same time; high-speed chases and all.  

Savannah Bound

Well, I'm off on my advanture! Headed for sunshine, beach, and family in Savannah, Georgia! Hillary is graduating on Saturday, and I am lucky enough to be there! I just wish I had time to take a side trip home (Florida) for a bit, but I need to hurry home for that wedding!

Ever After

      Life is grand, isn't it?! I mean, everyone one has their struggles, every day holds its own challenges and obstacles, but knowing that you are surrounded by amazing family and friends makes it all worth it.  My sister-in-law wrote a beautiful blog that really makes you realize what life should be about.  (www.katrinaandbear.blogspot.com for anyone who is interested, it's titled "Happy")  I tend to read other blogs and compare my life to those.  What really is a blog? Why do we post the things we do? Is it to impress others with our amazing perfect lives? I hope not! I like to think it's just to account for the "goin’-ons" in life, but sometimes you wonder with some people. My plans for my blog is at the end of the year have all the entries made into a book.  That way, we will have our photo album, scrapbook, and story all in one! It's so funny to read the different blogs and realize what is important to each one of us. 

      Take my BEST FRIEND of 21 years Hillary for example. She blogs about sustainability, food, pottery, business cards, and all other things “hillary” (www.theadventuresofhillaryrose.blogspot.com). She absolutely adores her life, wouldn't have it any other way. I feel the same about (the majority of) my life.  The kicker: our lives are 100% completely and totally different. But that's just how we are, we have always been different...I think that is why we are so close. We have been compared as "a hot air mass that meets a cold air mass that turned into a giant tornado" (her dad) Now either that makes for some crazy weather....or a really strong friendship. Either way, I can't help but wonder what would happen if we switched lives. Hillary is days away from graduating with a degree from Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the most prominent art schools in the Nation. After that, she heads to Alaska, then New Zealand, then who knows where! She goes out with friends, dresses up for Halloween, drives a mini-cooper, wants to save the world in one way or another, and has never judged a single soul in her life.  She has no political stand point, could care less about sports (except occasionally the Heat), and is the furthest person away from settling down with a man or a career (for now). She is tied down to absolutely nothing, completely free. Travel is on her mind, careers can come later.

       Me? Well, I'm almost done with school, I am marrying the man of my dreams, and our nights consist of cuddling on the couch in each others arms not paying attention to the TV because we like to stare at each other. I rarely go out...and if we do it's with our families.  I am career bound. I own an house, two cars, two dogs, and a cat.  I am settled in life and my adventures happen in our yard. I drive a truck, and would rather save the animals at my local animal shelter than third-world countries. I am captivated by politics and religion and study them both immensely.  Do you think we could be any more different? We both live life to the fullest of our individual wants. We spent the first 15 years of our lives living identically. Day to day activities were done side by side, but yet we grew up to be….well, I would say oil and water, but I’ll go with PB&J (without the bread for Hill) since we actually go really well together.  

      Switch us for a day and I’m sure hell would break loose.  Awhile back, I wasn’t happy with my life AT ALL! I used to compare our lives constantly! I would get so sick of hearing how much fun she was having, and how many guys liked her, and how she had all these amazing life plans. I would like to say I wasn’t jealous, but I really was…not because she was so called “free”, but because she was enjoying her life and I wasn’t. Why did she get to be the gorgeous one? Blonde, skinny, amazing personality. I couldn’t be more happy for her, I am so proud of all she has done, doing and will do. She has the world in her hands… but I think I spent just as much of my time comparing our lives as she did. Any time I call(ed) her with a problem or worry, she always responded with the most positive upbeat response telling me how amazing I am, and how perfect or beautiful, or funny, or whatever good thing she loves about me! And I honestly think she really thinks that about me, even if, at times I didn’t.  But now that I am finally incredibly, perfectly, and completely happy with my own life, I can stop comparing it to others, and just be happy for them. 

       Everyone has their own path they need to follow.  Rather you believe it is all predetermined, or if it’s consequential of your daily choices, everyone’s road is different.  I am so grateful to be walking in the shoes that are on my feet.  Because who knows, had I been living the same exact life as Hill, I could very well be miserable, searching for someone else’s’ perfect blog to indulge my self-pity.

Alas, I feel like I am indeed living my own fairy tale right now. Wedding, wedding, and more wedding.  Anyone who just looks at me can see the excitement busting out the seams.  We are T- minus 25 days and counting.  Plans are coming along perfectly.  I was once told by my former monster…mother-in-law… that if things were meant to be, then it would all work out.  Well, look how well that worked for her and her son…but I can honestly say that everything in my recent life has just been coming together great….it’s all working out, so I guess it’s meant to be!! Happily Ever After

The Then's

The Nows

Cody Fire School

     As most of you know, Brent is a Firefighter for Lyman.  And every year, the department picks certain guys to come up to one of the most reputable Firefighting schools around.  It takes place in Cody, Wyoming. Cody reminds me of Jackson Hole WY, for those of you who can compare the two.  It's a beautiful "cowboy" town FULL of history.  I wish we had more time to spend here and make a vacation out of it, because there is a lot to see.  But Brent is busy with fire school; he is taking Thermal Imaging, Off Road Driving, and Emergency Driving.  Each class is about 4-5 hours long. Departments come from all over to attend this school.  I would say there are close to 500 people here, everyone brought their best engine to show off to other departments. Lyman brought up their new Rescue engine, and it is beautiful, most definitely the nicest engine here.
     
      Interesting fact about the Fire Departments: the further away you get from Utah, every Fire Station has a bar inside the department.  Apparently they serve free beer and mixed drinks all day to any firefighter. So, some of the other firefighters had some fun!


      It's such a fun atmosphere here; everyone is fun, relaxed, and friendly.We are both having a great time and learning a lot!  As for me, while Brent is in class, I get to enjoy Cody and explore the sites! Our friends Heath (fellow firefighter) and his fiancé Stefi came up here as well, and she and I are having a blast together.  Swimming, shopping, site seeing, and eating! Ah, the joys of being a tag-along to the firemen! On Saturday, we woke up rather early and enjoyed a nice swim, then headed out to explore the town; there are some really neat old historical buildings.  We explored the town, saw the sites and hung out at the station until the boys got done.  That night, we went out with the entire department to dinner. On Sunday, Stefi and I went to the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum.  It is five different museums put into one.  It was absolutely amazing. I learned a lot about the Plains Indians, Buffalo Bill himself and his show, the West, the adaptations of the modern world, and of the Indians and their developments. The whole thing was a really great learning experience. After the boys got out of class, we packed up and headed home! What a fun weekend, but I am glad to be home! 

Downtown: The Saddle shop, and the famous Irma Hotel

DAY AT THE MUSEUM 

This was the painting section.  There were tons of paintings of the old west, and what the "ideals" western living is like.

This was the transportation used to tour Yellowstone National Park.  Guests could take week-long tours, and where allowed 25 pounds of luggage at most.  Other buggies followed carring food and supplies.  It is said that the biggest stage coach robbery took place in Yellowstone on a tour, and the robber made off with over $2,500.00.  Automobiles were not permitted in the park until 1915. The buggies shut down in 1917.

This is one of Buffalo Billl's Wild West Show posters.  The museum had a lot of actual show bills and advertisements from the shows.  My favorite part of the museum was the photo gallery of the Indians that participated in the show.  Indian tradition is that a camera steals the soul of anyone who gets there photograph taken, but Wild Bill's Indians gave permission to a famous photographer and allowed her to take pictures of them.  They were beautifully done, each one having a story to go along with the person.  Only a few of the Indians looked directly into the camera, while others were just photographed from the side.  

This reminds me of the painted moose' around Park City. I guess every town has their versions!

Heath, Stefi, Liz, Brent

All four of us out to dinner! 

On our drive home, we stopped here. It was so nice out, we just had to take pictures!