Courtney is 14!

Courtney on her 14th birthday

Courtney at 9 Months Old

Courtney actually turned fourteen last Sunday the 23rd of August, but we decided to celebrate in true Cluff style and drag it out for a whole week! This girl is the most special fourteen year old on the planet, so I think she deserved a week packed with special Courtney days.

She picked out this present and still is this excited!

The festivities started last Friday when grandpa and grandma came into town to take care of some "house business". They took Courtney out to the Brick Oven which just opened here in St. George. Delicious. On Saturday Carter and I took Courtney shopping and to a little Japanese bistro. We met up with grandma for a late night movie-Julie and Julia. Although I had to cover Courts eyes and ears a couple of times, I just need to say that I am in LOVE with the movie. It is SO up my ally and I plan on baking my way through a cookbook starting any day now. Oh and I am going to go to France too. Mark my words.

We kept the celebration rolling into Sunday(her actual birthday) with a BBQ with the grandparents and and ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. My kids are tired of my baked goods and frankly, so am I.

The rest of the week was spent preparing for the grand finale-and what a grand finale it was. We had several giggly, hyper, silly fourteen year old girls over for a carnival. Games were played, prizes were won, food was consumed and pictures were taken. It was a success and I am beat. Good thing we only do parties every other year. The next one for Courtney is the big 16!!! Lets not talk about it okay? I'm serious don't ever talk to me about it.

The Birthday Banner

The Girls

The Dart Throw (Jack liked working the booths for the ladies)

Everyone got tickets to spend


Courtney at the Fishing Pond

Homemade Fries(we had nachos, burgers and hotdogs too)

Cotton Candy and Popcorn Booth

The Photo Booth




Photo Booth Pictures

Now for a few words about the birthday girl. If you know her, I don't need to tell you. But I have too. She is the light of our world. She is happy, HILARIOUS, and good. Just plain good. i have been proud of Courtney since the day she was born. She is not perfect, but she tries and she tries hard. She looks for the underdog and she genuinely loves everyone. I haven't done a thing to make this girl so amazing, she was born good. Just plain good. With our you Courtney my life would be much harder, not so bright and who would make me laugh until my insides ache? Courtney-"You are the bread to my butter, and the breath to my life." Please bless she stays as wonderful as she is now. Why am I so blessed? Oh well, I'll take it.

On store shelves March 22,2010.

Bowen Is Baptized!

Bowen was baptized on August 2nd here in St. George. He was baptized by Carter with Grandpa Cluff and Grandpa Bowen as the witnesses. Of all my children thus far, Bowen was the MOST excited. He couldn't even sleep the night before. Bowen has always been our soft spoken, tender hearted boy. He is a peacemaker and is a stickler for the rules.

Carter and Bowen getting ready for the baptism

Handsome Bowen in his brand new suit



The Baptism day was such a fun day. Grandma and Grandpa Cluff came all the way from Texas. Grandma and Grandpa Bowen missed a golf getaway to come down from Pleasant Grove, and we were tickled that my sister Jackie and her kids came with them. In the past we have lived closer to family and so our house was always overflowing on these special occasions, but it was different this time, not many from the family could come. We were a bit sad and worried about it until Saturday when our home began to fill with our friend and neighbors, who we have grown to love like family. They loved on Bowen and made a big deal about his special day. We love them for supporting us on this special day. My heart was so full of love for the gospel that brings us together as a ward family.


Dad and Bowen

Mom and Bowen



L to R Grandpa Bowen, Grandma Bowen, Bowen, Grandma Cluff Grandpa Cluff



The Whole Cluff Family

Aunt Jackie, Kate, Cole and Bowen (check out Kate's excitement)


We ate a lovely lunch before and headed to the baptism at the Stake Center. Bowen and his dad looked so handsome all dressed in white. There is nothing comparable to seeing on of your own children baptized and choosing to follow the Savior. The spirit was strong as Carter confirmed Bowen surrounded by strong, good men whom we love. Thank you to all those who were able to be there and make Bowen's day so wonderful.

As an added bonus, Grandma and Grandpa Cluff were able so stay one more day and come to church with us. They were like celebrities. Everyone wanted to know who the people were that had raised 14 amazing children. They were very popular, until Elder Oakes walked in. He visits our ward from time to time because his wife's sister is in our ward. Carter's mom was able to snap some pictures of Bowen and Elder Oakes, which will be keepsakes forever.

Hopefully, the warm feeling and memories of this day will stay with Bowen as he continues his journey back to our loving Heavenly Father. I love Bowen with all my heart and am so privileged to share his life journey with him.

Bowen's "Par-Tee"

This summer, my boys are golf obsessed. So for Bowen's eighth birthday party he was quick to choose a golf theme. We sent out these invitations:

We made these cupcakes:

We invited these characters:



We ate pizza:

We devoured cupcakes:



We miniature golfed:



And golfed:

We rode Go-Karts:



Played Video Games:



And gave away goody bags:



Thanks everyone, who came and made Bowen's birthday so much fun.

He's Great...and he's Eight!

Happy birthday Bowen! Bowen was born 2 days after my birthday eight years ago. This is a very special birthday indeed...he is going to be baptized next week. He has been an easy going kid for sure. He is a peacemaker and a crack up. He is obedienst and has such a strong desire to be good. He is the best boy with his freckles, his long eyelashes and his thick blonde hair. We had a fun birthday party for him last night beacause we are headed up north today. I will post about his party soon! Happy Birthday Bowen...you are one of my greastest joys!! I love you!

Can't Decide Which I Want More

Bicycle Travel Trailer...pure awesomeness..especially if Carter is the peddler.



Sprinkles Mobile Cupcake Van...need I say more?

Wanna Cry?!

Read this.



I think adoption will be on the back burner for a while! I am so happy for Emily and KC..they're going to be awesome parents, parents, parents!

Favorite Craft

This is one of the most useful and fun crafts I have made. I made these towel bags about five years ago after seeing them in a Martha Stewert Magazine. I know, I know, Martha makes me gag most of the time too, but these are awesome if you swim a lot like we do. When you open these up there are pockets sewn into the bottom where my kids keep their goggles, and sunscreen and a little snack bar money. They can even put their swimsuits in a pocket if they want to change at the pool. My kids have used and abused these towels, I might even make some more this year. Go here for a tutorial.