Little Boy Day

Today we decided to hang out with just the little boys. Everyone else has the opportunity to either go to church camp, a mission trip, or both this summer.

We initially planned to go to Adventureland, but then settled on going to the zoo instead.


I love Blank Park Zoo because it is close to home, and you can see the entire zoo in about three hours.


We stopped at Hickory Park in Ames on our way home. We ate here all the time when the big boys were little.


These guys thought it was pretty awesome, too.


We enjoyed our time with Hudson and Macklin. Our bellies are full, and our hearts are, too.

"Train up a child in the way he should go ,And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

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19 Games and Counting

What a way to end the soccer season!







1-2-3  The Rebels competed in the IHSAA State Soccer tournament on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines.  They were able to win two of the three games, securing a third place finish in Class 1A.  Bryce's team stayed in Des Moines, while we had the pleasure of making the trip three times.  It was a great opportunity for the boys, and an awesome way to represent our school district.



Colton, Katie, Naomi and Hudson each participated in the Cedar Valley Cup soccer tournament on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Cedar Falls.







4-5-6-7  Hudson played on a team with some friends from Grundy Center.  They won three of their four games, earning silver medals.  They are super fun to watch at his age.  They played hard and had a great time.  I suspect they will play together again some day.




8-9-10-11  Naomi's soccer team, the Hurricanes, played four really tough games this weekend.  They hustled and gave it their all, but were not able to secure a medal.  They played hard and had fun along the way.

12-13-14-15  Katie's soccer team was riddled with injuries throughout the weekend.  They earned bronze medals, and played some really close games.  Shannon takes these games and these girls very seriously, and mourns each loss.  He was proud of the girls and the way they played through their pain.  They're confident they'll bring home the gold next year.




16-17-18-19  Colton's team, the Runnin Rebels, placed third in the Cedar Valley Cup.  He had some hotly contested games, and some not so competitive ones.  They are a great group of guys, and he is looking forward to moving up to high school soccer next spring.



We appreciate all of the time and effort each of the kids' coaches puts in.  They sacrifice their time away from their families to practice and coach each week, and spend many hours on the road and on the soccer pitch.



Yesterday I packed away all of the soccer shoes and shin guards for a couple months.  We'll start up with league ball again in August.  I'm sure there will be many backyard games played in the meantime.



We love soccer, and cramming 19 games into a 3.5 day span really isn't such a bad way to pass the time. 


"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise" .Proverbs 11:30

Last Day of School

Is it just me, or did this school year go by REALLY FAST?!?

This is our first day of school picture.

And here is our last day of school picture.




Yesterday afternoon I received a call from the Middle School.  My heart usually skips a beat when I see the caller ID from the school.  I'm not sure why, because I've never gotten a call saying my kid was in trouble.  Actually, my first thought yesterday was that someone must have gotten hurt during Track/Field day.

The middle school and elementary school secretaries and I speak often.  I have them on my 'favorites' list in my cell phone.  Each day it seems someone needs to go a different direction after school for practice or to a friend's house.  I think Angie and Joan would be pretty disappointed if they didn't get to speak to me each week.

The reason I got a call yesterday was to let me know that Colton would be receiving a special award at their end of the year ceremony and we were invited to attend.  Although Shannon had to work, Grandma Shirley and Papa Ken were able to come with Macklin and I.

Both Katie and Colton were recognized for their service on Student Council and for having grade point averages over 3.5. Katie also participated in Battle of the Books.






Colton received the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship Award for the Middle School. We are very proud of him.




Naomi and Hudson also had an awards ceremony today.  Naomi received recognition for being the student who has learned by Leaps and Bounds (along with a frog beanie baby), a certificate for being 100% all Three Trimesters, and a Certificate of Participation in the IFAW Animal Action Art & Writing Contest. 




Hudson received The Baby Ruth Award for being a team leader inside the classroom and out.




Shannon and I have a bunch of pretty awesome children, and we are proud of each and every one of them!

"To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion—A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel," Proverbs 1:2-5

Five Left Shoes

We have five left shoes that fit Macklin. Today we have no shoes that fit his right foot. We just want to go out to the pasture and run. We don't care if they match. We just want shoes on him.




Perhaps this is God's way of telling us we have no business going out to the pasture to run.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe". Proverbs 18:10

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Papa Joe Turns 90 Years Old

On Wednesday Papa Joe turned 90 years old. We celebrated by having dinner with the family. Shannon's brother John flew in from Virginia, but the rest of his family were not able to come along.

Today we had cake and ice cream at Papa Joe's house. Several of Papa Joe's nephews and their wives visited, as well as my parents. I did not get a photo of the entire group, but did get one with the great-grandkids.










Papa Joe passed his driver's exam,so he is legal to drive for the next two years. We're trying to convince him to stay within city limits.










Jackson was in charge of cousin patrol. What could possibly go wrong?

Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. ". Proverbs 8:18


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Little Boys

If you are a little boy, and you are four years old, and it is a quiet, rainy afternoon, and your mom is lying on the sofa watching TV and ignoring you, and everyone else in the family is busy doing something else, then you can absolutely sneak downstairs to the craft room and put as many dinosaur stickers on your belly as you possibly can.










And if you are super sweet and love your mama best, you will share some of those stickers with her.

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

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COLTON IS 14!!

Today is Colton's 14th birthday.  It has been a memorable day for him...but not in a good way.

Early this morning he missed the bus.  Shannon had the honor of driving him to school.  Then he got a crappy grade on his algebra test...along with the rest of his class.

We brought him home some leftover pancakes, but Macklin ate them.

We made the MONUMENTAL decision to get him a puppy, but the one we were interested in was not available by the time we pulled the trigger and made the call.

We pulled him out of school early so we could go get his driver's permit.  Then I remembered that we do not have his birth certificate because we had to mail it in with his passport application.  There was a chance that we could get a copy of his BC at the Grundy County courthouse, but then discovered that it has to be done at the original county of birth.  So he was not able to take his permit test.

No one baked him a birthday cake.  Katie is I am now in the process of mixing up a pan of brownies. Maybe that can salvage a little bit of his day.  

We have a substate soccer game tonight for the Rebels, then we'll decide if he wants to go out for dinner after that.  He mentioned something about Hickory Park.  I'm not sure we are up to that this evening.  We'll see.  

Colton is so much fun to have around.  He is funny.  He has a great personality.  He does a great job in school (despite his algebra test).  He is great with his little brothers, and has fun hanging out with the older brothers.  He is having an awesome soccer season. 

He enjoys serving in our church, and is looking forward to the planned mission trip this summer (thus the passport application).  He's going to do great things in high school this fall!

Being stuck smack dab in the middle of our large family is not always easy, but it's not often that Colton doesn't have a smile on his face.  I know that I can depend on him to help me out when needed.  Despite his crappo birthday, I suspect if you see him yet today, he's gonna be smiling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CO-CO BEANS!!!!

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

Hudson's Wedding Letter to Alex

Several people mentioned to me that they could not hear Hudson when he read his letter to Alex Saturday at the wedding reception.  I've decided to resurrect the blog and add it here.


Dear Alex,

You have always been a special brother to me.  From the time I was a little baby and you carried me around like a football we have been best buddies.

I remember how you helped me play sports like basketball, football and soccer.  When I was really little you helped me get dressed and got me food.  I like eating pizza with you.

You used to take me places like the park and push me really high on the swings.  When I was running away from home you chased me and brought me home.  When your friends came over you let me play with you.  


When we got in our car accident you kept me safe and got me out of the van before calling the ambulance.  I know that you prayed a lot for me to get better.  You came to see me in the hospital.  We took a nap together.  


Even though you didn't choose me to be your best man, I still love you.  I'm going to miss you when you go to live with Moriah.  I hope you will let me stay sometimes. 

Be happy with Moriah and have a good life.  I love you BOTH!!!

Hudson Archer Clark

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Des Moines Regiser 1st Team All-State Football Selection

Chase has added another honor to his list of football accomplishments this year. Today The Des Moines Register announced their All-State Football team selections.  Chase was a 1st Team All-State Selection as running back.
 
He was also a Class A 1st Team All-District selection at running back, District Offensive MVP, Academic 1st Team All-District selection, and Player's Choice selection for Sportsmanship, Offensive MVP, and Overall MVP, and was selected as the Waterloo Courier's Prep of the Week in October.

Chase led Iowa's Class A football in rushing with 2,122 yards this season.  He ended the season being the 4th leading rusher in Iowa in 11-man football.

He set a new school record for single-season rushing yards, surpassing the record he set last year by over 700 yards.  He broke the school TD record, scoring 25 TD's this season (49 career).  He also set the season record for # of carries, and has unofficially set the school career rushing record with 3,950 yards.  He has led the G-R Rebels in rushing the past three seasons. 

Chase has worked incredibly hard for all of his accomplishments, and has maintained the top academic rank in his class as well.  The hours he spent in the weight room and running drills have given him the preparation needed to succeed on the field.  He has demonstrated a humble attitude throughout his success, and has been quick to point out that he is part of a team and without 11 men on the field, no one can succeed.  
 
We are proud of the honors Chase has received, but more than that, we are pleased with the manner in which he has received these accolades.  He remains humble, and not once have I had to wince on the sidelines as my son showboated on the field.  He demonstrated the self-control to simply walk away when provoked on the field, and generally just calmly handed the football to the referee after scoring a touchdown and then lined up for the next play.

Chase was a very intense kid when he was young.  He's always been super competitive, and those attributes served him well on the gridiron.  He doesn't do most things half-way, and doesn't like to settle for being second-best.  Just because he was the third Clark Boy wasn't going to mean that he wasn't going to strive to be the best.  All those years of rough-housing and wrestling in the living room paid off in tenaciousness as he hauled 3-4 potential tacklers down the football field before they brought him down.  All those backyard football games hauling his brothers and sisters around benefited him.  We have been known to set up obstacle courses around the acreage and have the boys carry the younger siblings on their backs as they executed the course.  It's kind of unconventional training, but it certainly didn't hurt anything.  


We are proud of Alex and his college soccer career.  Jackson is still working out with the Wartburg Knights football team as they continue in the postseason playoffs.  Bryce led the G-R JV football team in tackles this season, and Colton had a successful first season of middle school football.  We will likely continue to be unconventional as we continue to support our family in their extra-curricular pursuits.  After all, we're noticing a lot of similarities between Chase and Macklin.  Perhaps in 15 years he'll replace Chase's name with his own in the record books


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

This verse, I feel, sums up Chase's football season.  He plays big and bold on the field.  

During the Rebel's State Playoff Quarterfinal game vs. defending state champions Wapsie Valley, Chase suffered a pulled hamstring in the third quarter, preventing him from carrying the ball throughout the rest of the game.  He was able to play a little bit of defense, but had to come to terms with watching the game from the sidelines.  It hurt my heart as a mom to see him struggle with that, and the "unfairness" of the situation after all of the hard work he had put in.  He finished the season 50 yards shy of his career goal of 4000 yards.  He spent many series on the sidelines throughout the season while the second team players took the field.  He could easily have surpassed that goal with a few more carries.  BUT, God knew before the season began that Chase would pull his hamstring, that the Rebels would not make it to the dome, that there would be disappointments.  Stats are just stats.  What matters is the way we handle the successes and disappointments that come our way, and I think Chase did a great job demonstrating Who is in control of his life, and where his blessings come from.  

 “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17

We couldn't be more proud of the man Chase is becoming, and for the rest of our family who love and support each other in every aspect of their lives.

Thankful Thursday

After a very long absence, we're back!  Naomi, Hudson and Macklin are going to help me write today's Thankful Thursday post.

Naomi
I am thankful:
~that I get to eat apples.
~that I get to spend time with my family.

Hudson
I am thankful:
~Sunday is coming. I get to see my friends.
~for my friends and family.
~that we have a good time learning.

Macklin
I am thankful:
~Macklin.
~no.
~Hudson.
~Macklin.

Jodi
I am thankful:
~for the paint that is waiting to be used on my hallway.
~for my husband.
~for my family.
~that the laundry is just about done.

Gotta go!  My laptop battery is dying.  More to come later.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

~State Football Playoffs.  Our first playoff game is next Wednesday.
~my Friday Spaghetti Ladies. 
~Bryce.  He helps me.
~the beautiful weather we had Monday for Jackson's Sr. pics.
~Shannon.
~my parents for helping out with the kids.
~that Papa Joe is much improved.
~soccer season and the opportunity to see my children run and play.
~email.
~Jackson's abs.  How else could he do this?

 "There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

So Many Things...

This time of year we have so many different things going on.

Of course, it's FOOTBALL season.  Jackson and Chase play on Fridays.  Bryce plays on Mondays and Thursdays.  Colton plays on Sundays. Whatever day they're not playing, they're practicing.  I'm helping out with the Varsity Spaghetti Dinners each Friday afternoon.  The Rebels have qualified for the State Playoffs, and have one more district game this week before Playoffs begin on the 24th.  Jackson has had a short season due to knee surgery last month.  He only played in 3 games, but has done very well.  He had his first college recruiter come to his game last Friday night.  Chase has had a successful year.  He's within striking distance of the school record in rushing yards, despite a burst bursa sac in his right arm which has caused him some grief.  Bryce just played his last JV game last night.  His team won all but one game this season.  He will continue to practice with the Varsity team until the season ends.  Colton played his last game on Sunday at Wartburg College.  He did a great job as running back, too.

 It's also SOCCER season.  The girls are on separate teams this year, so we have different schedules and games for them.  They practice twice a week and play on Saturdays.  Colton also practices each week and plays on Saturdays. We will finish up games and practice within the next week.

Oh, and there's school, too.  The public school group seems to be enjoying it and they are all doing very well.  I miss my time with them, though.  My home schoolers are doing a great job this year, too.  Several people have asked me how the transition to public school has been.  I like to think of it in terms of childbirth.  I delivered two babies by c-section.  I delivered five babies naturally with no medications.  I delivered two babies with epidurals.  All of the babies were healthy, perfect little creations.  Same result, different means to the end.  The no-med deliveries, much like home schooling, is difficult and hard work, takes a lot of discipline and self-control, but is very rewarding.  My epidural deliveries, much like sending the kids to public school, is less painful, easier on the mom, a bit selfish, but still results in the desired outcome.  Clear as mud, right?

Sunday was Jackson's 18th birthday.  We celebrated with our friend Conrad.  He turned 21 on the 12th, and is an avid COD player.  The boys like to have COD marathons on the weekends and waste tons of time and miss out on their beauty sleep.  After Colton's football game and Naomi's soccer game, we finally got the opportunity to bake a cake.  It's not much for decoration, but it tasted good!  We took Jackson out for dinner Sunday evening for his birthday dinner.  We also did a quick shopping trip to get him some new clothes for his senior pictures, which he had taken on Monday.  It was a beautiful Fall day, and like Jackson says, how could they possibly turn out bad when he's in them?  I'll post some as soon as I get permission from our photographer to do so.

Alex and Moriah spent the day with us on Sunday.  Aren't they cute?  We enjoyed the time with them, and they were good sports about sitting out in the rain and cold through both Colton and Naomi's games.  It meant a lot to the littles for Alex to be there and see them play.  Alex continues to play soccer at Faith and will be competing in his conference tournament this week in Kansas City.   Regionals are next week north of Minneapolis, and if they continue on, nationals will be in Florida.  We've not been to as many of his games this year, but have still seen the majority of his home games. 

As our sports schedules wind down a bit, we've had the opportunity to get up on the roof and we are just about finished shingling.  Yesterday was a perfect day to be up there working.  I wish July and August had been so nice!

Yesterday was the anniversary of Alex and Hudson's car accident and subsequent air flight trip to Iowa City.  We continue to thank God for the blessings He has given us, and are thankful for the complete healing for both of our boys.   I read through the post regarding all that happened last year, and I am so humbled.  What a difference a year makes!

  

"The man's heart plans his ways, but the LORD directs his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

~my family.
~my DVR.
~pretty Fall leaves.
~football season.
~crisp Fall weather.
~Papa Joe being released from the hospital this weekend.
~bedtime.
~oatmeal for breakfast.
~the opportunity to do homework with Chase.
~children who wake themselves up for school in the mornings.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower.  The righteous run to it and are safe."  Proverbs 18:10

Gladbrook-Reinbeck rallies to beat Hudson, 29-21 - KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa |

Highlights of my boys from the local news channel.  Watch it now!

Gladbrook-Reinbeck rallies to beat Hudson, 29-21 - KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa |

Chase had two touchdowns and Jackson had one, plus a 2 pt conversion.  Of the 29 points the Rebels scored, 20 came from the Clark boys.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so." Proverbs 3:27

Thankful Thursday...Part 2

While I was typing up the first Thankful Thursday of the day, Macklin was busy doing...this.

Who wouldn't be thankful for that?!?

I love him like crazy!

"My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me."  Proverbs 27:11

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful~

~that Naomi got a perfect score on her first spelling test of the school year.
~that my bathrooms are clean...and we're not even expecting company!
~for the breeze coming in through my windows.
~for football season.  Chase had a good game last week.  Jackson will likely get to play tomorrow night, too.  His knee is healing nicely and we expect great things from him this season.
~for our youth group.  I enjoy my time with them.
~that my big boys let me help them with their homework.
~that Colton and Katie are enjoying school...even after the first week!
~that I got the lawn (weeds) completely mowed last week. 
~for Shannon and how much he enjoys our children.
~for a healthy family.
~for the food we have to eat.
~that Alex has started soccer practice at FBBC and is able to stay with Shannon's sister and her family this semester.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."  Proverbs 27:1

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...

~for my husband.  He's bringing home lunch.
~for my children.  They are quite helpful at cleaning up the messes they create.
~for my mop.  It's getting a workout today.
~for my Dyson.  It too has been busy.
~for Macklin.  Without him, who would I pull off the kitchen counters, wipe up after, and duct tape diapers to? Oh, and he's napping right now.
~for Bryce, Naomi and Hudson.  I can hear them cheerfully chatting in the other room.
~for my friends and family.
~for a good first day of school.
~for FOOTBALL!  The first game of the season is tomorrow.  We're anticipating great things from our boys.
~for cooler weather.  I love having my windows open!

Gotta go.  Macklin is awake.

"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."  Proverbs 17:1

First Day of School

Today was Jackson, Chase, Colton and Katie's first day of school.  We made the decision to send them to public school this year.  Bryce and Naomi opted to stay home with me.

Jackson is a senior

Chase is a junior

Colton is in 6th grade

Katie is in 3rd grade

Jack and Chase left home about 5:30AM so they could pick up a friend on the way and make it to the weight room by 6:00AM.  Yikes.  It was still dark.

Praying while waiting for the school bus.

 Colton and Katie get on the bus at 7:14AM.  They both ride the bus to Gladbrook, where Colton gets off, and then Katie and the other 3rd & 4th graders go to Reinbeck.

Happy to be home at the end of the day! 

 

 And a cake to celebrate their first day of public school.

Bryce, Naomi and I are not starting school until next week.  It has been such an ordeal getting the others scheduled for classes that I haven't spent any time getting their classes ready.  It's not going to be too difficult.  I have all of the curriculum I need.  

Hudson and Macklin are going to hang out while we do school.  Macklin is in a rather challenging stage of life, so pray for us!  

"A wise son makes a glad father," Provers 10:1