Clawson Family Blog

The wedding

2008-11-12T17:27:00.004-06:00

Kyle and Margot got married this past Saturday. It was a fun wedding, but a bit crazy with the kids. Emma loved being a flower girl and asked at the end of the aisle if she could do that again (so Julie...). Here are a few pictures, more can be found here.

This is Emma and my cousin's daughter Evelyn dancing at the reception. They took over the dance floor as soon as the band started playing and had to be dragged off for Kyle and Margots official first dance.

Emma's New Language

2008-11-02T21:57:00.002-06:00

So Emma created a new language called burmp. She insists on counting in it, wants to know if it is taught in schools, and gets frustrated is we don't know the burmp word for something...

I've uploaded recent pictures to Facebook. I'll try to get them up here too at some point...

2008-11-01T11:44:00.000-06:00

I like to get my Christmas shopping done early and it's already November! Everyone needs to go onto Amazon and make sure that their wish list is current. If there is anything else that you would like for Christmas but isn't on Amazon just make a post here on the family blog.

~Christy~

New Kitty!

2008-10-16T13:19:00.004-06:00

So my roommate Brett and I decided to get a kitty. His name is Mr. James Joyce, or just James, and he enjoys playing, meowing, and jumping. Here are some pictures of my apartments new addition.

Oct 10 and 11

2008-10-11T21:51:00.003-06:00

At a rock climbing birthday party

Julie and Aidan at the Mediterranean Fest

Emma dancing at the Mediterranean Fest

Early October

2008-10-05T20:43:00.003-06:00

Emma and Aidan

2008-09-17T09:41:00.002-06:00

Aidan - late August

Pirate Princess Emma

Uncle Alan and Emma

At the Arboretum Cows

Aidan = 9/7/08

Moving

2008-09-17T09:29:00.003-06:00

Packing up

At the Texas state line

Ren Faire

2008-09-17T09:23:00.002-06:00

Our trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire this past summer

Summer 2008

2008-08-11T16:02:00.004-06:00

We had a great time this summer playing with Emma and getting to know Aidan. Grandpa and Grandma will miss Mike, Julie, Emma & Aidan but wish them the best in their new home. We'll be praying for an easy transition. Here are a few pictures from their week in Michigan in July.

Emma Swimming

2008-07-28T20:25:00.000-06:00

4th of July

2008-07-06T10:53:00.003-06:00

Our 4th was rather uneventful, but we still had fun. Mike took Emma to the local parade in the morning. She of course got lots of candy. She enjoyed wearing red, white and blue and even got her nails painted red (to be just like Grandma and Aunt Christy). Then they both went to get ice cream and see the fireworks that night. Aidan and mommy stayed home.

Pictures of Aidan

2008-06-18T17:01:00.004-06:00

Aidan Elessar Clawson
born: June 11, 2008, 3:15pm ~ 8 lbs, 1 oz

The Birth Story
About the Name

Julie and Lily Head to Europe

2008-06-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

All packed up and headed to the airport.

2008-05-24T15:25:00.004-06:00

Emma weekend

2008-05-24T15:25:00.003-06:00

Dad and I had a fun and memorable weekend with Emma while Mike and Julie went on a retreat with their church group. We visited the college, played at the Children's Garden there. We went to Jackson and she played at the Cascade Park playground. She especially loved playing with "Grandma's toys" (the Fisher Price toys I kept). Emma couldn't understand why the pool wasn't open yet and we she saw the rain water lying on top of the cover, she was really confused why it wasn't open. She is a delightful, sweet and energetic little girl. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and will cherish it as a special time.

Celebrity Mom

2008-04-25T13:46:00.003-06:00

Hey kids, your mother is now a Hillsdale County celebrity. The local radio station has an annual phone toss event as part of Administrative Professional's Day. We get to see how far we can throw a phone. I have participated for several years now and almost one a prize last year with a throw of over 43' until I got bumped out of my spot. So I thought I'd practice and maybe win something this year. Dad and I practiced last night with firewood from the barn. Dad wanted me to throw like a baseball pitch and I said I'd do better underhand (as I previously have done). I was afraid to throw a sidearm pitch because the building is close by and for fear I might hit the window. Well this year they had different phones. My throw was good except the receiver disengaged and went flying through the announcer office window. I guess it was the first time a window was ever broken in the event so I made "BIG" news. I came back to the office to find my door and window taped up. My nickname is now Cheryl "Crash" Clawson. We're all having a good time laughing about it and I'm the brunt of everyone's jokes today. I've attached a video clip one of my coworkers made for me (and of course, it's being circulated around campus today).

White Easter!

2008-03-24T07:01:00.003-06:00

Easter was especially unusual this year. First it came so early. We had an irritating 10 - 12 inches of snow on Good Friday. Ken and Julie were working so I had to go out and shovel (or snow scoop) our driveway by myself. I was afraid they would get stuck if I didn't. There were drifts over a foot deep in spots. It took me an hour and a half to get it all done. I am really thankful for that scoop as it is a heck of a lot easier than a shovel. Raven was completely covered in the white stuff when it was time to come in. Sunday when I left for church at 8:15 am it was 11 degrees out. So this was probably the snowiest and coldest Easter I can remember (even when we lived up north where snow is common through April). Easter took on a different feel to me this year. I missed the services at church (had to teach both hours). There were no Easter baskets or eggs to dye for anyone this year. We bought a few of our favorite chocolates. We didn't have company so I decided not to cook. We joined the crowd at the college for their Easter brunch. Julie complained the whole time saying their wasn't anything she felt like eating. They had a whole variety from waffles, omelets, salad, spaghetti, pizza, burgers & fries, ham, roast beef and all the trimmings and she couldn't find anything to eat!? We tried to visit with Grandma but found her sleeping in bed so we quietly left. So we laid around the rest of the day and watched movies and TV.
The best part of the weekend was helping my sister Cathy reconcile with her son David. She hadn't talked to him in about 14 years. She found out she is a grandma of a 6 month old baby boy named Landon Patrick. I called David's dad first to get David's number and asked if it was okay to call him. David was very open to talking with his mom. They talked for over an hour Saturday night and again yesterday. I hope this will be the beginning of a renewed relationship for them. I'm going to try and get them together for Cathy's 50th birthday this May.

Baby Blog

2008-02-27T12:38:00.002-06:00

Hi all.

We've created a baby blog to post on the progress of our new family member here.

The big new of the moment - it's a boy!

Emma birthday dance

2008-01-26T18:44:00.001-06:00

Emma's 3rd Birthday

2008-01-26T18:44:00.000-06:00

Emma Movies

2008-01-26T17:54:00.000-06:00

Go Michigan!

The ABC Song (mostly)

Snowy Day

2008-01-19T14:16:00.000-06:00

Maizey Blue enjoyed her first official North Carolina snow. It isn't much but it's the most that we've seen since we've been down here. They're talking about canceling church tomorrow...all because of a half an inch of snow! The kids sure were enjoying sledding down the hill behind our apartment building. It's still snowing so maybe we'll get enough to cover up the grass!

Thanks for the Memories

2007-12-30T16:26:00.000-06:00

We have a wonderful family Christmas this year. It was nice to have everyone home. Christy and Nate left last night so the house is painfully quiet again. Julie and Dad went to work leaving me all alone after such a busy week. I passed the time watching the Gilmore Girls (no surprise there). Tomorrow I think I'll start taking down some of the Christmas decorations but will leave the snowmen up for awhile.

The Swedish dinner turned out great I thought. There was a good variety of food and something for everyone. I only wish Julie M could have felt better to enjoy more of the selection. I appreciate the sacrificing a mom makes to bring a little one into the world and in the end it will have been worth it when the baby arrives next summer. Christmas will be the last thing on our minds then. Thanks Julie for hanging in there. You are in my prayers daily. It was a blast to watch Emma and Maizey Blue run around the house together and hear the laughter.

Maizey's adorable and a sweet little puppy. Christy and Nate are such doting parents. I thank you all for being such thoughtful children and the special gifts you chose for each other. Not having such a functional family growing up, it meant a lot to me to watch everyone get along and have fun together. You are a blessing to me. (Okay, I'm starting to get mushy). May we have a special year ahead and watch expectantly to what God is planning for each of our lives in the new year!

A Swedish Christmas?

2007-12-01T19:08:00.000-06:00

God Jul! (Good Yule, or Merry Christmas in Swedish)

So if we are doing the Swedish Christmas, here are some of the ideas that we used at out church's Swedish dinner last year. I'm posting them here because the links are all blog ready.

Swedish meatballs with ligonberry jam and cream gravy.(from IKEA of course)
Steamed new potatoes with dill.
Swedish pancakes.
gravalox - smoked salmon generally served on rye bread with cream cheese and cucumbers or some sort of baked salmon would work.
Caviar or creamy smoked fish roe on crackers or rye.
A bread like limpa/rye bread is traditional.
rice pudding.
There are tons of traditional Swedish desserts – cookies, cakes, sweetbreads. (Swedish spiced cake, or pepparkakar - ginger thins)
Ligonberry juice, and elderflower presse are common drinks. I even found a recipe for non-alcoholic glogg if anyone feels up to it.

Most of this stuff can be bought readymade at IKEA for those of us who live near one. Their meatballs and gravy are my favorite. But they also have lots of the salmon stuff, and some great pastries. Let me know how much I should just pick up.

As for traditional Christmas activities, St Lucia's day is huge in Sweden (a Protestant country at that). She represents the coming of the light. Although technically on Dec. 13, it could be fun to include in our celebration. More about her here. Even at Evangel (an old Swedish Baptist church) we celebrated St. Lucia Day.

Anyway just a few ideas for Christmas.

2007-11-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving Clawson Family!

Which way to Aunt Lynda's house?

Maizey is wishing you all a Happy Turkey Day!

She's licking her lips in anticipation for Gramsy's cheesey potatoes!

Cute Emma Picture

2007-10-29T15:35:00.000-06:00

Rockwell Lake Lodge

2007-10-28T13:15:00.000-06:00

We went up to Luther to see the site for the new Rockwell Lake Lodge that the College is building. We stayed with the Denton's and had a fun time catching up with each other. Here are some pictures.

Introducing Maizey Blue Metler

2007-10-20T09:06:00.000-06:00

Our new beagle puppy. We brought her home yesterday. She is 6 weeks old and is curious about everything. You can tell from the picture above that she is about the size of Nathan's foot. Her name is Maizey Blue Metler, and hopefully she'll help Michigan pull out a win over Illinois this weekend!

Birthday Wishes

2007-09-28T18:23:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for all my birthday greetings. I am already through the first season of Gilmore Girls much to Nate's dismay. I really enjoyed Emma singing me Happy Birthday. I was amazed at how articulate and clear she was. Can't wait to see you all at Christmas. Nate and I are heading to the ocean this weekend with some friends. It's been in the 90s all week so it should be warm! Jealous yet?

2007-09-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

Sorry we haven't posted anything in awhile. Our computer had a virus and we didn't get it back for about a month. We enjoyed playing with Emma for a few days while Mike and Julie spent some time at the cottage. Here are a few pictures my boss took when we stopped by my office.

Update on what I've been up to

2007-08-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

So, I recently went on a trip with some friends to Canada. We went to a Daft Punk concert in Toronto (Daft Punk are 2 French DJ's that mix the music right on stage so it's like being at a techno club) and then spent the rest of the week exploring the city. We hung out on Yonge St., went shopping, went to IKEA, and explored the Chinese market and had some very good Chinese food. After a few days in Toronto we ventured off to Niagra and saw the falls, walked along the main strip and took in the sights. It was a lot fun. The border police going into Canada were very mean and made us feel very uncomfortable. Coming back into the U.S. was better and the police were much nicer. Overall a very good trip.

Emma Sings Happy Birthday

2007-08-14T21:47:00.000-06:00

Julie's mom recently had a birthday, and we were able to capture Emma on video singing happy birthday to her. We did two versions: one with Emma blowing out a candle and another without. They're both incredibly cute. Enjoy!

Countdown

2007-08-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

12 more days until we babysit Emma!!!

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2007-07-28T19:30:00.001-06:00

Finally downloaded our cottage pictures. Here are a few

2007-07-28T19:30:00.000-06:00

VBS was a success

2007-07-27T07:08:00.000-06:00

No one has posted anything for awhile here. I know I haven't because I've been focused on VBS for the last several weeks. We started with a carnival last Saturday. We had over 300 people attend. It was great. Our theme for VBS was "Take the Plunge" so we had an inflatable water slide (the kids loved it) and a dunk tank. Along with other inflatables, we also had balloon twisters and face painting & food of course. Then Sunday started VBS. Our average attendance was 150 children, a record. I was really pleased with how all the leaders worked as a team even as they got tired at the end of the week. God provided even more than we asked for which was in keeping with the verse that I have been trusting in - Ephesian 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!"
I've actually feel like I've hit a wall today. It's a good kind of tired knowing that all the months of planning are behind me now. I haven't been home any night this week until about 9:30. Then to wind down in the evening I'd watch Gilmore Girl episodes for an hour before I went to bed. I recommend them if you want just laugh and veg for awhile.

Glad to hear Mike & Julie's conference went well too. Mike, you learned how to put together these kind of events from me I think. You were certainly dragged to enough of them through the years.

I really felt a sense of purpose (maybe moreso than ever) using my giftedness of organization as I watched the week unfold so well. It wasn't a new discovery that God wired me this way but more a reaffirmation that this is what He made me to do. When Eric Liddell (remember Chariots of Fire) said when he ran he felt God's pleasure - that's kind of what I felt watching everything come together. It's easier now to do the logistical things but harder physically on my body as I've gotten older so I'm wondering how many days it'll take before I recover.

I am going up north with my boss next week to help with two receptions (Harbor Springs & Traverse City and a President's Club dinner at a swanky 5 star restaurant in Ellsworth (near Charlevoix). I'll get to stay at some very nice B & B's and the Grand Traverse Hilton. I love it up in that area so I am so looking forward to it. We'll be meeting with donors during the week as well.

Never written this much on a blog before but that's what they are for - right? Thought I'd get something new on here.
Love to all of you,
Mom

Some Cottage Pictures

2007-07-01T18:56:00.001-06:00

Via Christus Bonfire Pictures

2007-06-22T22:08:00.000-06:00

The kids enjoying smores and music...

Food I'll bring

2007-06-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

Here's a list of lunch, breakfast and general snack stuff we'll bring. let us know if there is anything we shouldn't bring or should add to the list.

2 loaves bread
honey mustard
pita bread
hummus
baby carrots
cucumbers
chips (2 bags)
chip dip
bananas
crackers
2 cheese blocks
some lunch meat
sliced lunch cheese
coffee
coffee creamer
1 carton organic milk
1 jug juice
mixed nuts
lettuce
2 salad dressing
croutons
some lemons and limes
animal crackers & cookies
yogurt, applesauce, macncheese (for emma)

And stuff for a mexican dinner including
sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, tortilla chips,

Will these things be there or should I bring them as well?
mayonaise
coffee filters
butter
cooking oil

Cottage Food

2007-06-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

Julie Michelle,
In response to your question, if you have a list of food items you are bringing, it would help us not to duplicate. Since there is limited space in the car and at the cottage, we don't want more than we need. Mexican sounds great.
Thanks - we are looking forward to being together up north. Ken wants to bring Raven. We will keep her outside and only in if it rains and then she will be confined to the kitchen. Will this be a problem with Mike and/or Emma? If so, we'll leave her at home.

2007-06-03T19:26:00.005-06:00

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Emma pics

2007-06-03T19:26:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from Grandpa & Grandma's weekend with Emma.

Cottage Food

2007-05-30T07:08:00.000-06:00

Hey All,
I would like to coordinate the food we are bringing to the cottage. Please let me know what meals you would like, especially dinner. Also what you don't/won't eat if anything. I know some of you are picky. Okay, all of you are picky about something! Except Dad - he'll eat anything! Perhaps we can each have a specific day we are responsible for. I can do Sunday & Wednesday, Christy on Monday and Julie M on Tuesday. We'll all be leaving Thursday. Not sure yet if Julie can come due to her new job. So please send me a list of what foods I should buy or what you will bring.
Thanks so much!~Mom
PS - I hope to have Emma pictures from our weekend with her up on the site soon.

The Metler Challenge

2007-05-12T13:11:00.000-06:00

In response to Dad's Cottage Challenge:

Nate and I recently finished reading the entire Bible in 90 days. It was quite the task but so worth the effort. Since Dad put out such a hefty physical challenge I thought I would put out a spiritual challenge. So if you're up to it I'll give you all the materials you would need to complete the task.

Oh and Dad, 1 Timothy 4:8 says "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

:)

Gramsy update

2007-05-02T19:48:00.000-06:00

I had a chance to spend the day with Gramsy and she is still in alot of pain but it is getting better. She would love to her from you all. She loves talking on the phone so if you have time give her a call. Mom will be there Thursday helping her to get some meals in the freezer as Gramps doesn't cook. Keep her in your prayers.
Love Dad

Emma and Julie in Texas

2007-05-01T17:16:00.000-06:00

I took Emma down to Texas this past week to visit her family down there since we hadn't seen most of them in over a year. Alan and Xio have just recently moved back there as well. It was a good week, full of Emma friendly activities. I posted a little already about it at my blog - here. Here are a few more pictures.

Four generations together. Emma didn't quite grasp the concept.

playing with Nana and Papa's toys.

The typical afternoon activity, playing outside with the buckets.

On UT campus with "Horns" as Emma named it.

Feeding the birds at the lake with Nana.

There were swans with babies there!

At the Austin Children's Museum. Emma's favorite part was the bug display.

Hippies in Huntington!

2007-04-29T21:06:00.000-06:00

Hello all! I just wanted to share about a very fun experience I had today in church. Odon Soterias came for the second time to my church. They are a hippie couple that is traveling around the world and supporting themselves through their music. They live in a school bus! They are both very gifted and very nice individuals. This is their site: http://www.odonsoterias.com/ They are willing to go anywhere and play for churches, coffee shops, or weddings. I suggest trying to get them to an area near you! If you want them to paly for a church they don't charge they just ask for a love offering to help support their ministry of music. They are a christian couple and Annika is from Germany. Hippydan is a very unique person too. He's very funny and loves to entertain. I have 2 of their cd's if you're interested in hearing them, but I think their site has some of their music on it too. Hope you all are doing well!

Johanna

2007-04-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

Hey gang! Is it okay if I ask Johanna to be a part of our family blog? And why did our last post show a date earlier than what we posted on? We posted it on the the 20th and it put the 13th on it?

2007-04-16T14:17:00.000-06:00

Alright, so I am looking at taking next year off from school and doing volunteer work or helping with a ministry. I think I have basically decided that I am going to do it, but I'm having trouble committing to it. It is a huge decision and I ask that you just pray for me in making this decision. However, while you are doing that if any of you have ideas or contacts of places I could go that would be great. I am looking at the West Coast right now. Obviously volunteer work doesn't pay, nor does ministry really so ideally I would need a place that would provide a place for me to live and provide for my other needs. If you have any ideas that would be great. Also, Mike and Julie..my professor told me about a community up in Oregon. I think he said the name of the town was Bent, Oregon? Maybe? Anyways, it sounded amazing and I was just wondering if you knew anything about it or any people up there. Thanks!

Clawson/Metler Olympics

2007-04-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,
During a recent doctor's appointment, I read an interesting article in the waiting room about exercise and it's effect on our intellect. It said the more we exercise, the smarter we'll be. Now, being the dumbest in the family amongst all you intellects, I thought that I would exercise myself into being a genius. So here's it is: I challenge each of our family members (Clawson's and Metlers) to a vacation fitness competition at the Pearl Lake cottage. Here are some examples of what might occur - run or walk up to the road and back, swim across Pearl Lake, climb the dunes 11 times (my old record), or walk to Lake Michigan and back across the top of Sleeping Bear, etc. You can add some of your own challenges. Emma, you can ride your new big wheel if Daddy brings it. Or maybe he'll let you ride it up to the cottage like he wanted to do when he was little. Ask him to tell you the story. At night, we can have board game challenges (bring your favorites) that challenge our intellect. The article says the more your exercise, the smarter you get. I'm suggesting this now so we all have a chance to get in shape. Mom and I have been working out since January and I'm sure you don't want us old folks to show you up. So start exercising. Keep working your mind and eat your bananas. (Gramsy would be proud)
So what do you think - are you in? Nate - If I win, you'll have to agree to name your first born after me (well only if it's a boy). Looking forward to seeing everyone in June.
Mom is worried you'll all think I'm the big "Dork" and won't want to do this. Help me prove her wrong!!

Ice Storm pics

2007-04-12T18:58:00.002-06:00

Just some pic's of the ice storm a couple weeks ago. Christy and Nate eat your heart out!

Dad

North Carolina Easter

2007-04-12T18:58:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,
This is our first time as bloggers, so be patient with us. We're trying to figure it out. Mom went to see Christy and Nate over Easter and saw Uncle Mike too. Temps were in the 50's, cool but sunny. We went to Wilmington (about 2 1/2 hour drive) to see the ocean. We took a trolley ride around the historic downtown. There also was a battleship there as well. We played minature golf at a beautiful spot. Nate only beat Mom by one stroke. HA! The azaleas and dogwood trees were in bloom. I (Mom) also got to see Christy and Nate's school where they teach and the surrounding area. Dad went to Gramsy & Gramps and took Raven too! Melissa was there for the weekend as well. They went to Aunt Lynda's & Uncle Dave's for Easter dinner.

A Snowy Easter

2007-04-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

So this is what I did on my Easter vacation. I visited my old roommate in Cleveland with my friend Noah. We had over 2 feet of snow and it felt more like Christmas vacation. We spent the day before Easter sledding and playing in the snow. In this picture are Noah, myself, Lily (my old roomie), Jimmy (Lily's brother), and Sabrina (Lily's niece). It was a grand ole time.

Emma's Goggles

2007-04-11T15:27:00.000-06:00

Emma likes to wear her toy workbench goggles (without the lenses) around for fun. She thinks her "glasses" are cool.

Emma's Easter Basket

2007-04-09T15:11:00.000-06:00

We had a busy Easter. We held church events on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Sunday morning we had a potluck brunch at church with tons of yummy food. Emma was really tired and so was very fussy the whole time. She took a nap after church and then got to open her Easter basket when she woke up. She got fun outdoor/gardening stuff. She of course had to put everything on and carry around the basket all around the living room. It was really cute.

A place to share

2007-04-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

hi all. I've created this blog as a place where we can all share stories, events, and pictures. We can stay in touch and see what's happening in each other's lives.