Fall 2010

I have done a miserable job blogging this year.  There just never seems to be enough time--or motivation--to sit down and get the job done.  Pregnancy and new baby just kind of put a stop to all normal activity.



I was able to help out the boys' football team by organizing their game day spaghetti dinners.  Before each varsity game a group of moms get together to make spaghetti, garlic bread, pickles, bananas and white cake for the team and cheerleaders.  On long-distance away games, we also make sandwiches and bars for to the boys to have after the game.   We had a lot of fun this year, and no one left hungry.

The Rebels had a successful season.  The Varsity team made it to the playoffs, but unfortunately lost in the first round to DNH, who is scheduled to play in the state finals this weekend.  It was one of those games that could have gone either way.  We just didn't get the job done at the right time.  

Alex was honored to be selected to the Second Team All-District Special Teams team.  He was also selected by his teammates as Special Teams MVP.  Alex played on the offensive line all season, which doesn't attract a lot of stats or attention, unless you're not doing your job.  We're very proud of him and the job he did this season.


Jackson saw some Varsity defensive and special teams playing time this season, too, and earned his Varsity letter.  

Both Jack and Chase played on the JV football team.  Jackson played linebacker, and Chase was running back.  Jack led the team in tackles, and Chase had over 1500 yards rushing.  Between the two of them, they scored over twelve touchdowns, and a myriad of PAT's.  I don't know the exact numbers, but I'm sure the boys could fill you in on the details.  You might also want to ask them about a couple hook-n-ladder plays they cooked up.  

Chase played on the Freshman team, too, as running back.  Two games on back-to-back nights made for a pretty tired boy, but he delivered and worked hard on both sides of the ball.  

Bryce debuted his football career as a lineman for the 7th grade Rebel team.  He worked hard all season, and shows great potential for the upcoming years. 

In his first month and a half of life, Macklin was able to go to 21 football games.  Colton and Katie each played four flag-football games, and Katie and Colton played soccer, as well, for a total of 12 more games on the weekend.  Add in church responsibilities, and we didn't have a whole lot of free time.

We wouldn't have it any other way.

Basketball practice has begun, and our first game is November 29th.  Go Rebels! 

EIGHTEEN

Today Alex is eighteen years old.

Really? How can that be possible?

Everyone always says that the years will pass by so quickly. In a blink of the eye the children will be gone.

Eighteen years ago, I didn't believe them.

Today, I do.

Eighteen.

A senior in high school. A man.

I am so proud of Alex and the person he has become. He is smart. He is hard-working. He is helpful. He thinks of others. He is loyal. He is dedicated. He is growing spiritually. He is willing to serve in his church. He is athletic. He is a good example to his younger brothers. When he loves, he loves completely. He is also a typical teen-aged boy at times.

Eighteen. Really.

Sometimes I feel so guilty that he had to be our 'guinea pig' in this game of parenting. But God knew what He was doing when he made Alex our oldest child. It hasn't always been an easy role for him, but he has paved the way for his siblings.

Have I mentioned how much I love Alex? I have ever since I first learned that he would be our Baby Dumplin'. When I first held him in my arms, life changed forever. He was the first one to call me Mommy. He has brought so much joy to our lives. He is an amazing blessing.

Eighteen.

I still can't comprehend the passing of time. Soon we will be hosting his graduation reception, and sending him off to college. His life is before him. My prayer is that he will continue to make wise decisions and rely on his Heavenly Father to guide him as he chooses which path he will take in life.

Happy birthday, Alex. Dad and I love you so much, and are very proud of you.

Love,

Mom

"My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5

**My computer is in the shop, so I don't have any pictures to post of Alex. You can view the proofs of Alex's senior pictures, taken by our good friend and awesome photographer Jen, at this link: http://jennymelle.zenfolio.com/p630150391

Until I Met You

Macklin Giovanni Clark
9/11/10 at 9:07 A.M.
7 pounds, 3.4 ounces
20 inches long

There was a time when I thought our family was complete.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

I used to think I had it all figured out.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

Once I thought my life was as full of joy as it could get.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

At one point, I thought I was stretched to my limit, with nothing more to give.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

I used to think that I was fine with having just eight children.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

I used to think my heart held as much love as it could.

I thought I was right. Until I met you.

I'm so glad I met you baby Macklin. You fill my heart in ways I never would have thought.


"My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;" Proverbs 1:8

Rebel Football Discount Card Solicitation

This is a shameless attempt to solicit Rebel Football Discount cards. Between Alex, Jackson, Chase and Bryce, we are expected to sell 75 cards. Yes, 75.

The cards cost $15.00 each. The football schedule is printed on the front for easy reference. Discounts are valid throught 7/31/2011.

Discounts include:

Casey's General Store: FREE Small Single Topping Pizza (1 time use only)
Pizza Hut: FREE Med Pizza w/purch of Lg Specialty @ reg price (1X use only) GC
Fountain on Main: FREE Vanilla Cone w/$6 Purchase (Reinbeck)
Texas Roadhouse: FREE Baby Blossom w/purch 2 entrees (Cedar Falls)
Amigos: FREE Amigos Famous Cheese Sauce w/purch of 2 dinners & 2 drinks (CF)
Morris Inn: Free Slushie or ?Soft ?Drink w/purch of a meal (Morrison)
Hair & Energy Clinic: FREE Tanning Session w/purch of five tanning sessions (Reinbeck)
Gladbrook Auto Supply: FREE Installation w/purchase of wiper blades
Gladbrook Tire Center: FREE Oil Filter w/purch of oil change
NAPA Auto: FREE Oil Change with purchase of three
Johnny Ray's: FREE Pop w/purch of entree (Grundy Center)
Nana Rosa's Pizza: FREE Order of Breadsticks w/purch of Large Pizza (Dine-in Only) RB
Gladbrook Theatre: FREE Admission w./ opne paid admission (Gladbrook)
Casey's General Store: $2 OFF Any Large Pizza (Valid at any store that sells pizza)
Pepper's: $2 OFF Any Ticket over $20 (Cedar Falls)
Cold Stone Creamery: $1 OFF Any "Love It" of Larger Ice Cream Creation (CF/Wloo)
Subway: $.50 OFF 6" Sub (Grundy Center)
Hometown Foods: $.50 OFF Sub w/purch of 2nd 6" sub (Gladbrook)
Gifts of Grace: $.50 OFF Specialty Drinks, Smoothies, Frappuccinos & Lattes (Gladbrook)
Lifetime Vision Center: 50% OFF Sunglasses Clip w/purch of any frame (Grundy Center)
Best Buy: 10% OFF Regular Priced CD's and DVD's (Waterloo)
Trunk's Country Foods: 5% OFF $60 Purchase or more (not appl w/ sale items or S-N-S)

If you are interested, let us know! Help support the Youth Sports Foundation and the Rebel Football program.

"Boast not of tomorrow for you know not what a day may bring." Proverbs 27:1

Hudson Update

There have been some big improvements on the potty training front at our house this week. Hudson has pooped in the potty four of the last six days. Up until this point, he has flat-out refused to do so. He's loving wearing his big boy underwear, and the weather is perfect for letting little boys run around without any clothes on.

Trying to get him to pose for a picture has proven more difficult. It seems to pain him to stand or sit still.

He spins.

He flips.

And he flips some more.

Or he sucks in his stomach.

At this rate, we might just get some time off from diapers before the new baby comes!

Way to go, Hudson!

"My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice--indeed, I myself;" Proverbs 23:15

Colton's 9th Birthday

Colton turned 9 on May 28th. We had a very informal birthday party for him. He even baked his own cake--not because I wouldn't, but because he wanted to.


Colton loves to play games. We got him a couple new games, and grandma and papa got him some roller blades. We have been having a lot of fun as a family playing Bananagrams lately.

Colton is growing up into a great little young man. He is helpful around the house, and is always good for a hug. He does a good job with his school work (when he decides to!), and is a pleasure to have around.

Happy Birthday Colton!!!

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart." Proverbs 3:1

Checking In

It has been quite awhile since I have posted to my blog. I think about it regularly, just don't seem to be able to get around to it. I thought about promising to post every day this week, but I'm not confident I could keep the promise. So, we'll take it day by day.

Here are some quick updates:

Soccer is over. I'll try to get some pictures and highlights posted soon.

School is over, except for a few more math lessons for Chase. He's usually one of my first ones done. Not this year. He tells me he'll be done by the end of the week. Again. Regardless, I'm done with school. Pray for us, please, as we make decisions regarding next school year.

Bryce and Colton leave for Jr. Boys Camp tomorrow morning. Still doing laundry. Still packing.

Jackson and Chase are taking Driver's Ed this month. So far, so good. They are open enrolling through the Grundy Center school district. The instructor was kind enough to allow Chase to take the course, even though he doesn't turn 14 until July 24. Mr. Dirks agreed to drive with him after his birthday, allowing us to take next summer off. We really appreciate it.

Although we are not participating in any organized sports like baseball this summer, the three older boys are still quite busy. On top of Driver's Ed, they are expected to lift weights 4 times per week for football. They also have football drills several times a week. They have shooting practice for basketball three mornings a week, open gym one evening, and scrimmages another evening.

We have four baby kittens.

We bought a pool pass. The big boys took the little ones to the pool a couple times this past week. It was awesome. I got the house to myself, and the kids came back tired out.

My pregnancy is progressing as expected. My blood pressure began creeping up about a month ago, so my OB prescribed me some meds. They seem to be doing the job, but tend to make me irritable (or so my family says). I'm not liking that aspect. I'm counting down the weeks until I can stop the pills. Baby is healthy. That's what's important.

Papa Joe has been sick the past week. Wednesday night while he was home alone, his heart stopped, activating his defibrillator. He had been preparing for a colonoscopy which was scheduled for Thursday morning. We think perhaps he was dehydrated, or somehow had a reaction with his meds that triggered the attack. We don't have any clear answers yet. He was in the hospital until Friday, when he was discharged. Carrie and Jason, Shannon's sister and brother-in-law, took him home, but were uncomfortable leaving him, so they took him to their home in Huxley. He started acting as if he were having a stroke, so they took him to the ER in Ames. We received a call that we needed to get there as soon as possible because Shannon is his power of attorney and he was fading fast. When we arrived, he was stabilized, but in a coma. They decided to transfer him to intensive care, and by the time we were able to see him again, he was talking, moving his arms and legs, and relatively lucid. Saturday he was moved out of ICU, and basically has been just hanging out there over the weekend. Kind of like an expensive hotel room, without the amenities. Around 3:00 this afternoon, while playing cards, he became very agitated and started acting out of character. Apparently they're tweaking his meds some, so we're hoping his personality will revert back to his normal when they figure everything out. We're hoping to get some more answers when the doctors show up again Monday morning. It's been a bit frustrating trying to communicate with the hospital personnel. Please pray as we make decisions about what course to take with Papa Joe's care after he is released.

I also need to post pictures from Papa Joe's 85th Birthday Open House we hosted a few weeks ago.

This is getting plenty long, and it's time to change the laundry loads. More to come soon.



Here is a photo Alex took of a flower somewhere on our property, just because posts without photos are boring.

"By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4

Cream * A * Teen

Tonight was our church's annual AWANA Fun Fair. The church members gather together to host a carnival type celebration to reward the clubbers for their hard work.

Each year Shannon and I come up with a game for the kids to play. I would like to proudly announce that for the fourth year running we have won the 'Most Popular Game' award.

This year our game was "Cream * A * Teen. We built a catapult, and flung pie tins of whipped cream at the teens. Very fun, very messy, and the kids loved it. The teens had a pretty good time, too.






Perhaps next year we'll get some REAL competition...

"Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war." Proverbs 20:18

Prom 2010

How is it that I have a child old enough to go to prom? It just doesn't seem right. But alas, it is what it is.

Alex and Jordin went to both Grundy Center and Gladbrook-Reinbeck's proms this year. Here are a few pictures commemorating the event.





I think they make a beautiful couple.

"My son, let them not depart from your eyes--keep sound wisdom and discretion;" Proverbs 3:21

Introducing...

the newest member of the Clark family.



We are pleased to announce that Baby Boy Clark is due to arrive on September 20, 2010...or preferably sooner.

Halfway there!

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7

Thankful Thursday

~ I'm thankful I'm home.

~ I'm thankful for my family.

~ I'm thankful for the sunshine and beautiful weather. My windows are open and fresh air is circulating throughout my house. Finally.

~ I'm thankful that our annual Chinese Buffet is over. The egg rolls flopped, but everything else turned out okay. We enjoyed the fellowship, and I've had no reports of food poisoning.

~ I'm thankful Shannon got to ride his motorcycle to work this afternoon. Jack changed the oil for him this morning. It makes him happy.

~ I'm thankful Hudson has gone potty in the big potty all day. So far, so good.

~ I'm thankful for Shannon's business. He loves what he is doing, and he's good at it.

I hope to finish downloading pictures from my vacation soon. It doesn't seem like it's been nearly a week since I've been home. We've had a dinner party, church activites, flat tires, and all kinds of other fun stuff going on.

"He who speaks truth declares righteousness..." Proverbs 12:17a

Thankful Thursday

I'm going home. I miss my family. My flight gets into Des Moines at 11:50p.m.

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

Charleston, Day 2

Today was tour day. We booked a combo tour of the historic district of Charleston and also the Magnolia Plantation. I took a ton of pictures, but I'm not really in the mood to post many of them tonight. It has been taking forever for them to upload. So, I have chosen to only post the ones I think the kids will like the best.








Tomorrow we plan to tour Fort Sumter. The weather was sunny and in the 60's today. It was breezy, and tended to be cool at times. Tomorrow is expected to be in the 70's and sunny.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25

March Madness 2010

I just wanted to let the world know that after the first two rounds...

Jodi is leading in the Clark March Madness Bracket Mania!!

But that's not really much of a surprise.

"A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel," Proverbs 1:5

Myrtle Beach, SC

We left Atlantic Beach this morning and headed for Myrtle Beach, SC. It wasn't a very long drive, but the traveling was rather slow due to many towns along the way.



We toured up and down Ocean Blvd. and spent a little time on the beach. Here's a picture of Grandma Shirley playing in the ocean. It was COLD!!!

Papa Ken and Grandma Shirley

Just to prove I was here...

And the picture of the day for Colton...palm trees!

We checked into our hotel in Charleston, SC and plan to stay here for the next three nights. We're taking some tours tomorrow, so I should have lots of pictures to post. We've traveled nearly 2000 miles since Thursday. It will be kind of nice to sleep in the same bed for more than one night.

I'm missing my babies...and Shannon, too.

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD." Proverbs 18:22

Nag's Head, NC

Here are a few pictures from our hotel balcony of the sunrise Sunday morning.





We attended church at Nag's Head Church this morning. The service was a little more rockin' than I'm used to, but they preached the Word of God and had a great message. We checked out of our hotel, grabbed some lunch (I ate grits), then headed out of town.






Our first stop was at Kitty Hawk to the Wright Brothers' National Memorial.






Around the base of the monument was the saying, "In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright conceived by genius achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith".

We were hoping to take a route south via a succession of ferry rides along the coast, but were unable because the ferry was booked and they were running limited departure times. We ended up going back inland and retracing our steps from yesterday a bit, then heading south to Atlantic
Beach, where we're staying tonight.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and they are safe." Proverbs 18:3

Sunday, March 21, 2010

The biggest news of the day:

IT'S BRYCE'S 12TH BIRTHDAY!!!



He's smart.

He's funny.

He's easy-going.

He's agreeable.

He likes video games.

He likes writing songs.

He likes music.

He smiles a lot.

He is great at memorizing bible verses.

He makes awesome cookie dough.

He'll always be my little Boo.

WE LOVE YOU, BRYCE!!!!!


"My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands;" Proverbs 3:1

Saturday

Blogger isn't playing nicely and won't upload any of my photos from today. I'll try again tomorrow.

Way to go PANTHERS!!!!

Smoky Mountain National Park

Saturday we started out the day by driving through Smoky Mountain National Park. We entered the park at Gatlinburg, TN.



I'm not a big fan of mountains. To me, if you've seen one mountain, you've seen 'em all. I get scared looking over the edge of the road into the great abyss below. I'd just as soon drive through Iowa.




I did enjoy the tour through the national park. The roads were wide enough. There were guardrails along the scary parts. They had a lot of pull outs to stop and take pictures.




The thing is, though, that the mountains are ...well...smoky. There's a haze that hangs over them. It doesn't make for great pictures, especially when the photographer isn't great at taking pictures.


We also saw some elk.


We drove the rest of the day, and made it to Nags Head, NC about 7:10 p.m. By the time we got to our hotel room, there were about six minutes to go in the UNI vs. Kansas game. We were busy watching the game, but during a TV time-out I ran out the to balcony and snapped a couple pictures. The sun had already set. I'm looking forward to getting some better shots tomorow morning.

Can you believe those Panthers?!? I bet you could hear Dad and I hollering all the way to Iowa. The harley guys partying in the paking lot below our room sure wondered what all the noise was about. I think we converted them into UNI fans. For the record, I picked UNI to win this game.

"As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable." Proverbs 25:3