wanted, dead or alive

So, my fellow bloggers, I'm guessing by this point you have stopped even checking my blog for the lack of posts in 5 months. Well won't you all be shocked to come back and find a post!! You are welcome! I'm currently writing this from a hotel room, so I won't be able to post any pictures, but trust that I am back on the blog-wagon and will post some when I get back home! Thought I'd catch you up on the world of Tyson and Mandy since we last chatted.

Many moons ago in October, Tyson and I took a wonderful, much needed vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with some of our best friends Peter and Tara. It was amazing!! It was so nice to not have to worry about work, or anything but getting a tan and which spot on the beach had the best guacamole! We pretty much didn't do anything but relax and eat great food. Our one planned activity was a dream come true for me, we got to swim with the dolphins and sea lions. What an amazing experience that was. For those of you who don't know, I LOVE dolphins, and have since I was a little girl. I used to want to be a marine biologist just so I could study and work with dolphins, so being able to swim, touch and interact with them was a dream come true! Peter loves sea lions, so we decided while we were there to do the sea lion encounter. What a treat that was! They are fun! That activity had a lot more one on one time than the dolphins did, which was a bummer for me, but was still amazing! We were there in the rainy season, so we had to battle with the rain a lot while we were there, but it was still fun walking around in the rain and just watching it pour down.

In November we celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Unfortunately Tyson was out of town on our actual anniversary, but we had some nice dinners before and after. Its always nice to remember our wedding day, that was one of the best days of both of our lives! We had so much fun, thank you to those of you readers who helped make it that way! I will never forget that day and how much fun it was! I still can't believe how lucky of a girl I am to be married to such an amazing, talented, nurturing, loving, powerful man. Never in my life have I felt more beautiful or loved, and I feel honored to be Mrs. Clayton. We have been through a lot together, and it has only deepened our love for one another. I can't wait for the day when we are parents, and can see the little person that we created together. Enough of the sappy love story, lets move on to December shall we?

In December, the week before Christmas, Tyson was let go from his job. For those of you who don't know, both Tyson and I worked for a seminar company called National Grants Conferences. I was lucky enough to keep my job, but it has been really tough. If any of you know of anyone who is hiring or anything, let us know. I can only be a sugar momma for so long! :) We still had a wonderful Christmas spending time with our loved ones. We both have such amazing families that it is honestly hard to split the time up between the two of them. With my family we are working on starting new traditions, and with Tyson's' the traditions run deep. We always love Christmas time and giving to others.

As for this new year, nothing yet to report. But I'm sure there will be soon! Ty is just looking for a job, and I am still working on the road. When I get home I'll post pictures or a slide show (if I can figure it out.) and I'll try and refrain from using so many exclamation points!!!!!

thank you for your time and patience in reading this blog, and I apologize to you specifically little brother, and those of you smarty pants, for any and all grammatical errors. I hope you all come back soon and post comments, so I can know I didn't write this just for myself!! and you're welcome for finally updating!

This ones for you Jules!

Well friends, I know its been awhile since we've posted, and I just wanted you all to know we haven't fallen off the face of the earth! We've just been busy! I was excited to get to post about taking Ty to the Neil Diamond concert in St. Louis for an early birthday present, but we got an email 2 days before the concert saying that old man river had acute laryngitis. Needless to say, Tyson was devastated, we couldn't get refunded for our Delta tickets, (we only had to pay 180 bucks for the reward tickets, but still), we still haven't received our refund for our 4th row seats, and it almost ruined our week off for Labor Day! So to make up for it, Tyson bought himself, (us) a 57 inch HDTV. I still wish we could have seen Neil, but the TV is nice. Anyone who wants to come watch movies or a game on it, you're more than welcome! I didn't think I'd have any pictures to post, but I guess I have a couple random pictures we've taken. So don't be alarmed if they don't flow!

We recently purchased Rock Band and absolutely love it! (again if you want to come over and play, you are welcome too!) Here are a couple of random pictures from a BBQ/Rock Band party we had with my brother Jon, his girlfriend Ali, Tys best buddy Peter and his girlfriend Tara.

Here is Jon, Peter and Tyson rocking out to Rock band.

Me, Ali, and Tara, showing the boys how its really done!

For my birthday this year, I had the awesome pleasure of being in Toledo, OH and experience the local white trash races! Which honestly was quite fun, not how I thought I'd spend my birthday, but it was fun none the less!

My awesome co-workers I got to spend my birthday with, since I couldn't be with Ty, I'm glad it was this group of guys! Trent, Scott, Jason, Eric and Manny.

Tyson and Kevin eating ribs at Rendezvous in Memphis, TN

Jason and I enjoying the dry rub ribs at Rendezvous. Yes fellow bloggers, I'm fully aware I look as though I became possessed by the rib devil!

Jason, Kevin Ty and I fully enjoying ourselves at BB Kings on Beale Street. Eating fried pickles, listening to some Jazz, and watching the Beale Street flippers. Oh yeah, what more could you want from life?

one of the many Beale street flippers for your viewing pleasure.


Just a random picture from Ty and I visiting my awesome Grandma Shit, she is the coolest lady ever!

Well folks, I believe this post is coming to an end. I hope you've enjoyed seeing something new here. Thank you for your time. The end

I am no longer a Neil Diamond apologist!!!

For those of you who don't know a lot about me, or for those who do know me, you'll probably be surprised to know that I am a HUGE Neil Diamond fan, he is my all time favorite artist!!! There I said it, I'm out of that closet and loving it. Growingup my Mother raised me on amazing music. Chicago, Boston, BTO, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie (another great) and Neil Diamond. I used to steal her Neil tapes and listen to them in my room on my Fisher Price Karaoke tape player. (PICTURED TO THE RIGHT)

I secretly have been listening to Neil for a long time until in Highschool some of my buddies found some of his tapes in my car, needless to say they we're not impressed and the nicest name they called me for a couple weeks was fag. So I put Neil to the side for about 2 years until I attended some classes at Impact Trainings. Impact Trainings was the best thing I EVER did in my life. Here's their website www.impacttrainings.com, if you'd like to improve your life at all check it out. I knew about the Secret even before the book came out because of them. Anyways that's beside the point, the point is that they played a lot of Neil in their trainings and it was good to hear my old friend. I listened to him until ALL my cd's, about 200, were stolen out of my car about 2 yrs later.

Recently on American Idol, Neil was invited to be the featured guest artist and the contestants we're able to sing some of his classic tunes. I don't think people understand that Neil is bar none the biggest artist they've had on in their 7 seasons. He has been selling out STADIUMS for 30+ years. Needless to say I thouroughly enjoyed it and bought his new album "Home Before Dark" produced by Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Run DMC, LL Cool J, currently working with

Justin Timberlake on his next album), and The Essential Neil Diamond album as well, which is basically a greatest hits album. So we've been reunited again for a second time...and I must say, Hello again, hello.

If you get a chance give him a listen, he's amazing. I'm out of the proverbial Neil Diamond closet. If you love that or hate it, it's the way I am going to stay, his music brings me Joy.

A wedding fiesta!

This past weekend on May 30th, Tysons beautiful sister Vanessa married Eli Lopez. They were married up at Millcreek Inn which is up Millcreek Canyon, amazing scenery! Following the ceremony we had a wonderful dinner and then danced the night away to the Ken Foster Trio. If any of you are getting married or know of someone who is, or are perhaps having a special event that requires live entertainment, just know the Ken Foster Trio equals good times!! We also had them at our wedding and according to all in attendance, it was the funnest wedding of all time!!

Here are the Clayton Kids, minus the newest addition, Eli.

Regan and Annie Duckworth with Ty and I. Regan is one of Tys best friends and Annie is one of my favorite cousins! Ty, being the master matchmaker that he is, set them up. Two seconds after he first met Annie he said, thats for Regan!! Now they're married with a baby girl on the way! Nice work Ty!


Tyson and his awesome lil' brosefs. Check Brennan's soccer shag out!!! Now that's dedication to the sport. He plays competition for Murray MAXX. Barrett is just the cutest little boy of all time. We love them both.

From left to right: Claire Buss, our cute cousin came into town from Houston, TX to be a flower girl, Laurel Clayton our beloved sister, boys yes she is single and the most amazing person in the world, please date with caution!!! If youre a loser dont bother with Laurel, Ty will kick your bum. Then Mandy of course. It got a tit bit nipply out there, so we have our men's jackets on.

Here we are with the Bride and Groom. She looks beautiful, she made her brother cry.
Here we are, looking awesome as usual.

Here is the wedding party.


Don't be confused, this is Tyson singing Sweet Caroline by the ONE, the ONLY, Neil Diamond. Tyson loves Neil, he was raised on Neil and Lionel Richie. DIAMOND is FOREVER!!! That's when the party got started. BAH, BAH, BAH...good times never felt so good.

Our cousin Dallin Smith rockin a little Mustang Sally action, he was AMAZING!!!

Needless to say, Dad sent Nessa off in style and is now living off food stamps and receiving SSI. J/K. It was a great time and WE LOVE Vanessa and Eli Lopez!!!! It was also great to see so many friends and family there. What a day.

*editors note* I do apologize that the pictures aren't straight and therefore not pleasing to the eye. After waiting that long for them to upload in the first place, I wasn't about to do all that again! Please accept my apologies.

Brooke White Fans

Hey folks,

Tyson here. I was on i Tunes the other day and I stumbled across a little album some may be interested in. Brooke White from American Idol has an album available on i Tunes. I know a lot of people were fans of hers, so maybe check it out. Mandy would however like everyone to know she is NOT a Brooke White fan. I however was a HUGE fan of American Idol this season and I was a huge fan of the top 7. Michael Johns-Fantastic, Archuleta-Amazing, Cook-Great, Carly Smithson-Awesome, Syesha-seen it before but good, Jason Castro-I would get his album, Brooke White-Like it.

Great season and I look forward to next year. What am I going to TiVo now?

St. George Weekend!

This past weekend, Ty, my Mom and Dad and I, all headed down to St. George for my cousin Kimmies wedding. We had a lot of fun in the short time we were down there. It was all a bit strange however for a couple reasons, A. it was freaking cold! Unacceptable when you were planning on getting a tan for another wedding this weekend. B. My Grandma used to have a place in Washington but they sold it recently, we've always had a place to go in good old St. George, but this weekend we had to stay in a hotel, it was weird. I get enough of hotels with my job, it would've been nice to stay somewhere that I had memories and that was "homey" but it was still fun.



Here is a pic of Ty and I on the ride down, for those of you who don't know, I come from a family of singers, so we love Broadway! Tyson however, HATES listening to Broadway, even though he too comes from a singing family. Needless to say, we listened to Broadway shows pretty much the whole way down there, mostly BIG the musical, because my mom had just tried out for the show at Hale Centre Theatre, so she was showing us the songs. (She got the part she wanted by the way, Mrs. Baskins, so go see her in it, It opens July 29.) Ånyway, Ty pretty much wanted to jump out of the car, and this face shows it a bit.


Here is my beautiful cousin Kim, and my cutest ever pregnant cousin Annie. I don't get to see these girls very much, with Kim living in St. George and Annie living in Kansas, and I love them both tons, so I was really excited to see them.


Ty and I with the beautiful bride. Ty was so cute, he told Kim that she had graduated from the "hot" cousin as we've called her to the beautiful cousin. Isn't he the best?


Annie Kimmie and I, full body shot. you can kind of see Annies cute belly!


Ty and my dad kissing my mom, I had to post this one, its just fun!


My other cousin Holly and I, she was back in the kitchen most of the night taking care of refreshments, so she wasn't in a lot of the pics.It was good to see her too, we lived together in St. George when we both went to Dixie 9 years ago, that was one of the best years of my life, we made a lot of great friends and had some good times! I probably had too much fun since I never went to school, but I grew up and learned a lot about myself.

All in all it was a fun weekend, I'm glad I took some pictures so that I had something to blog about! You'll even get another one after this weekend, Tys sister Vanessa is getting married! Hooray for having something to blog about!!

Utah Jazz

Folks, the Jazz on the road "argument" has become a little overplayed and not only fans but sports media will be surprised at some of the stats i'm about to share.

Now lets begin with our Win/Loss before January and the additon of Kyle Korver. In the 1st half of the season Jazz won 6 games on the road and lost 13 games on the road. Since the addition of Korver some very significant road wins have been against teams like Boston, New Orleans, Houston, Washington, Denver and Phoenix. Also since the addition of Korver our road record is 10 wins/11 losses. That is a significant improvement considering some of the teams we did beat on the road. We beat most of the teams that count on the road this year. Here is a list of teams that count that we beat on the road this year. Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Houston, Denver, Washington, Phoenix and New Orleans.

These things being said our defensive strategy against teams like the Spurs and Lakers is the only thing that makes me nervous. The key to beating either the Spurs or Lakers is DEFENSE!!! And if I may say the Jazz have been palying very good D as of late.

The Jazz have the 3rd best statistical PG in the league, D Will. D Will is the best all around PG in the league in my opinion. 1 of the top 5 best PF, Boozer. 1 of top 10 Centers in the league, Memo Okur. 3 of the best 3 pt shooters, Memo, Korver and D Will. 3 of the feistiest defenders, Harpring, Kirilenko and Brewer. 2 great slashers, Kirilenko and Brewer. Millsap, Boozer and Memo bangin the boards. WE ARE A COMPLETE PACKAGE!!! If we keep the players we have, and pick up a solid backup PG in the offseason, (we should have kept Dee Brown, FYI he's an allstar in europe right now, the Utah Jazz could be the next Lakers, the next Bulls and get some repeat RINGS baby!!!

We all know we're always good at home. Here's some significant home losses we should be aware of. At home this year we lost to Houston, Boston and Lakers, among a few others that at this point in the season we don't need to worry about.

The KEY to the RING for the Jazz this year is DEFENSE. Especially against the Spurs and or the Lakers. They do that, they can win a ring. We have the best fans in the league and Energy Solutions Arena was crowned as the hardest arena to play at in the NBA. The Jazz CAN win on the road and have been since January. Keep in mind we have beaten most of the best teams on the road. FEAR the UTAH JAZZ!!!

Boycott?

Friends, please don't boycott our blog because we haven't yet posted a video post! We have been very busy with work, for those of you that don't know, I recently started working with the same company Ty works for. So we are both gone 4-5 days a week, so when we're home we're doing laundry, visiting family and friends and playing with daisy. But we will make time this next week to at least answer a couple of your questions! I promise! thanks for checking up and we'll have a new post soon!

Questions?

Dear friends,

I have decided that Mandy and I will give a once a week video post, but heres the catch, you people get to submit the questions to us.  All questions will be answered honestly and done in video form...mostly because I don't know what to blog about and am ultimately lazy.  So if you have any questions for us please submit them via comment and they will be included in next weeks video blog.  This way I don't bore people who don't think Star Wars is cool...losers!!!  Regan, I know you can come up with some good ones.

Tyson

HELP

Alright fellow bloggers, clearly St. Patricks day is over and I need to change my background. However, last time I changed my background it got rid of all of my extras on the side ie fellow bloggers, and jack handy, How do I change the background this time and keep those on?