August Birthdays!!!!!

Love is in the Details

This is the divine work we mothers do, perhaps for a time, it is our vocation--taking care of the invisible. I must pay attention to my own physical and spiritual health, to the inner workings of my marriage, to the emotions security of my children, to our need for fun and play, to the quality of our relationships. When I keep my balance, I feel empowered, for I am guided then not by fear or pressure, but by the small quiet voice within that whispers "Enough".

Yoked

Good Morning! I have my strength back, how about the rest of you? It has been raining and thundering the last two nights. Dad and I have been sitting curled up in blankets thinking about our family. What joy comes from loving those who the Lord has given us as our best frieinds. Although Jamie and hers were not here, they were never far away. I wonder how many times we mentioned the Heaps, maybe a hundred? It was as if they were here. I have so many tender memories. My favoritie scripture for today is Matthew 11:28-29. It talks about being yoked to the Savior. Life is easier when we are yoked, teathered, or connected to the Savior, or to our loved ones. Look at these sweet pictures of cousins with arms around each other, yoked.

When the Clark's stayed with us, Jenny was never far from Shawn, he was always on her mind.

Check out Tyler's arm and Jace's. I felt yoked to Kim and Nicole as I was watched Kelly's kids. One of the dearest moments was when we were at Thanksgiving Point getting ready to go home. We were all tired and sun cooked. I was trying to get the Thompsons in the car, Nicole got her family in the car and then she came over and helped me. She fixed everyone's seat belt and talked softly to explained just what was coming next. Bret you are so lucky to have this calm wonderful mother organizing your home! The highlight of the entire adventure for me was the last night in the parking lot of 5 Guys. We cried and hugged and cried some more. . . little Maizie sobbed, Tyler cried just to look at the Thompsons. Emilee, Jenny,McKinnely and Madison couldn't bear the thought of separation. Kelly and I had to not look at each other during the burgers and fries. I believe we are all yoked together for a reason. Our family is going to take care of each other forever. . what a party! When we are yoked together our burdens become light. Please ask me to tend your children. . . that is one of my greatest joys! That is how I can stay close to your families. (Dad loves it too he just doesn't express it, especially if he is tired). The night I heard about little Jace's fall I wanted to crawl in his bed with him and curl him close to me. I saw The Time Travler's Wife last night and I believe we have the gift somewhere inside of us to travel where we want, but we just have to learn how to use it. I think it is going to come and then boom. . . we can be toether when ever we want. Now that will be a real party! McKinnely, thank you for your scripture!! The rest of you keep thinking. I love you all and smile all day long just thinking about you. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!

Hello cute family. What excitement I feel in the air as we get ready for the Thompsons to come. We are holding our breath. I have been reading many books about children who fall away from the church and Satin gains control of their lives. Our Family has to fight this threat head on and not allow Satin to have any part of our lives. I am longing for a family meeting. I feel like we have missed out the last few years at Lagona. I went home early because Grandpa died, then Matt was in the hospital, and then dang it this year we had to watch Lagona from afar as the Heaps were the only ones to make it there. But I am hoping we can have a family meeting this next Sunday. Jamie if you are not here we will have to call you and have you listen in. I am feeling great strength as I watch our amazing kids grow up. McKinnley has talked to me on the phone and shared thoughts from a fireside and her testimony. Max is so strong, Tyler shook the hands of an apostle in Midway this week and the list goes on. . . What I would like to do, is have everyone pick one of their favorite scriptures from The Book of Mormon, and write one sentence about what is means to them. You could put it on my comments on my blog. Then I will type them up and give everyone a copy at our meeting. This way, each of us should have 20 or more new favorite Book of Mormon scriptures. We could write in our scriptures in the margins this is Kades scripture for 2009. Kade likes this one because it reminds him of the day he was baptised. Can you imagine how fun it would be through the years to keep sharing one scripture a year. Before you know it we would have a whole book of favorites because our cousins have told us why they like a certain scripture. McKinnley, Emilee, Jenny, and Madison could you pick a scripture and share it with us at our meeting? Tyler would you tell us about shaking the hand of a apostle . Don't worry about bringing your scriptures because I have plenty. If anyone has a good story about learning from the Book of Mormon please share it. Kelly, McKinnley and Madison went to a fireside where the Young Woman General President talked. They called me and shared thoughts about keeping our youth away from Satins traps. She had three suggestions: 1. Say your prayers each day. 2. Read your scriptures 5 minutes a day. 3. Smile. Just simple steps that we can do to keep the Holy Ghost as our companion each day. There is great strength in the Clark name! Lets join forces to help each other as our youth are getting ready to enter the teenage years. I can't wait to hug you all!!!! I love-a-love-a-love you. P. S. You are going to love Grandpa's new favorite scripture!



It seems like these pictures were taken just a minute ago, and yet imagine how much they have changed. Life moves so fast!

We are going to be attending to these boys missionary farewells before we know it. I am predicting Alaska, Africa, and Amsterdam. World get ready.

I am sitting on the back porch with Dad, it is dark and we are remembering times when you have all been here. Matt is here and he is doing so good. We have our fingers crossed. He is getting a bowl of cereal and strawberries. He is working with the nicest men is Wallsburg building a house. He come home so tired and hungry and he is ready for bed early. But he likes what he is doing and he is working hard. He still loves Candice and they have started talking on the phone again. She is in Arizona and loves her job. I am reading a book that is incredible. I might just have to share a part or two with you.

The Book is called Rescuing Wayward Children. There is a part where it talks about the fact that our children proved valiant in the cause of truth and enjoyed an exalted past, they had a strong testimony in the pre-existence. We must bear testimony

often to them to help them recall the sense of having know before. Jeffery Holland calls these spiritual re collections "echoes of other earlier testimonies" It simply remains for the Awakener to do the work of awaking. God will give them weakness that will humble them and draw them to Christ. God's timing is an act of mercy. He is not going to

lose any of his children.

Is this not gorgeous!

"Nothing has so profound an effect on you as the way your children turn out. Through the sealing ordinances of the temple, special powers are given to parents that tether a child to them. Harnessing that power is the quest of a lifetime." I am so hopeful, and not afraid like I have been for so long.

Marion has been in the hospitol for two weeks, she is tired and wants to just jump over to heaven to see Don, her first husband, but it isn't going to be that easy. I have a 97 year old friend up the street that is trying to die. I look at her each morning and see the dearest angel there. What lessons life has to teach us. I love my family!

Tyler and Max's shooting gallery

Tyler and Max set up a shooting gallery. They are both hot shots. They make a mean tree hut too. What fun we had together, we can't wait for Kade to get here to really shoot.

Boys are so much fun! I love these ones especially.

This is Grandpa with his mean work crew. These kids show up almost every day to see if Granpa can play. The skinney little guy with the ten pound Hawian hat and Grandpa look like they are sleeping on the job. Lorie has several of Jamie's tank tops on. Grandpa gave Colby a can of silver spray paint and he painted his old clunker bike silver, seat and all.

Mother Earth

It is the morning of the 4th of July. I have the stomach flew. I always think better when I am sick because I am so grateful for health. I just got home from camp in the nick of time.How wonderful that I didn't have to run three block to the bathroom and sit on a cold dirty floor all night. Blessings from heaven, I crawled in bed with Dad last night, warm and dry and comfortable. Camp was so inspiring to me. I just loved being in this most amazing forest with large quakes that were bent by the wind and snow. We had a fireside where a lady talked about the earth being our mother. I remember hearing Indian Legions about mother earth, but I thought

they were just legions. But this lady took her thoughts out of Moses7:48 "And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowel thereof saying: Wo, wo is me, mother of men. . . ."

We talked about our resonsoblity as women to care for those things that surround us.

I have been walking in the yard this morning just looking closer at the beauty that surrounds me. If the earth really is our mother, she is probably trying to teach us something. . . and I want to learn. Happy summer, Happry 4th of July. I love-a love-a love ya!

Tree Hut

What fun I had with the cute little women in our family. We spent alot of time talking about when the Thompsons and Heaps were going to be here. We have to plan at least one day where we all just play at Wallsburg. Monday morning we got up and the sun was shinning. . . Ya Hooo! Everyone ate fast so we could head out to the tree and get busy. Jenny or maybe Emilee came up with the idea to put some of Grandpa's hay pallets up in the tree to make different rooms. The two older girls pretended they were on the cooking channel. . and they were pretty darn good too.

Are these two gagging at each other or the pretend food they made? I am not sure.

Abbie and Katy are crawling under a big tree limb. Aren't they darling?

We went to Heber to get some tires for swings. We ended up with three. Lucy liked to ride on the top. In all is was such a fun day. . . .I couldn't have had a happier birthday. I love all you monkeys. Tyler and Max I am ready and waiting. Thompsons and Heaps get your bones here. Kelly and Jamie love your warm weather, we have our hay cut and it has rained on it twice. We turned it over yesterday and will need to do it again. Maybe Max and Tyler can come help Grandpa drive the bailer. Thompsons I am so proud of how hard you are swimming. You keep winning all those races. Dax it is almost your Birthday. I found a little jumper frog for you. Madison your Birthday is Tuesday. I will be at camp but you have a Spectacular Day! Happy Summer everyone.

Getting Ready for Walhala Shines

I woke up this morning so excited because tomorrow my favorite little people are coming for a sleep over. We have made different little huts or hideaways through the years but this year we have a winner winner winner! From the time we bought Wallsburg I have always wanted to make a tree hut in the big old cottonwood tree just as you turn down our road, but it always seemed to be too big of a project. This morning I decided to give it a try. I worked in the warm rain for an hour and then all of a sudden in drove Matt. He retrieved the chain saw from the garage and boy did the wood chips fly. Together we worked all day and I can not wait for everyone to see. Kids get excited. We are going to get ready for a Walhala Shines party when the Heaps and the Thompsons come. Dax and Jace it is not going to be easy to beat your Mom to the tree hut, she is pretty fast. Kade we will need your help making some stairs. Millie and Maizie the tree is not too high for you. McKinnley and Madison there are big branches just waiting for you.

This is the picture of our finished work for today, and I must say the picture doesn't do it justice.

We loaded three truck loads of branches to clean out the old tree. We are going to have a big bond fire and bake potatoes.

Matt and the chain saw.

This is the tree before we started. just a mass of branches everywhere.
It rained like a tornato tonight, we sat on the porch and the lightening and the thunder boomed. But tomarrow is suppose to be warm and sunny. We are ready for summer!!!!! Let it come.

Can't wait for tomorrow. . . . see you soon.

THE THOMPSONS ARE COMING!

Ya Ba Da Ba DOOOO! I can't wait to see this face and plant a big smooch on her cheeck. August is going to be busting out all over! Millie, Maizie, Kade, Maddie,and Kinners get your dancing boots warmed up. WE ARE SOOOO EXCITED!

Jamie shares with everybody!

If there is one thing that I have learned while living in Wallsburg is to love the humble people that live up the street from me. I walk pass their houses almost every day. They are a mixture of different fathers and mothers. One father has been out of work since December and he still doesn't see anything in the future. One mother left several years ago and hasn't ever returned. One home has a grandma that is 96 and she went to the hospital today in the same trusty ambulance that Kelly traveled in. There are three generations of women trying to care for their family. I love these people. Jamie shared clothes with me when she was leaving Utah. I called my little friends the other day and they came in a flash. I laid out all the clothes on my bed and couch. They were so thrilled! The two boys Lance and Colby loved the boxers ever though they were 10 sizes too big. They picked out two of my t shirts and felt thrilled. Mary Dee loved all the tank tops, I am trying to get her to wear them under things. Alex gathered everything possible that was big enough for her two sisters, mom, and grandma. The maternity things were a hit with them. Sweet Virginia is my favorite. She is the little girl in the Secret of Bees. That is why I cry so hard every time I see the movie. She keeps getting passed around. I want her. Nicole is trying to learn to read, not an easy task for her! She was the most thrilled with the darling blue PJs. They all are waving to you Jamie to say thank you for the much appreciated stash. They all went home with one or two plastic grocery bags stuffed with clothes. The next morning they showed up on my porch with their new dudes on. So proud and feeling so fine. Thanks for the party Jamie! Won't the Millenium be wonderful when we can all be the same. . . there will be enough and to spare. When everyone will be gathered in. . . no hunger. . . no sickness just peace and plenty of love.

Stormy

We had the biggest storm in Wallsburg late this afternoon. We have been waiting for Majesty and Zanie to have their babies, every morning I get up early to check, and finally tonight we watched the whole event.

This is Stormy just about 2 minutes after she was born. She has big long legs. She looked like a giraffe trying to stand up, but she made it. Grandpa is rubbing her off with a towel so she won't be cold tonight. Birth is such a miracle! One more to come. . . .we will send pictures. Grandpa wants me to tell you all he loves you and wishes you were all here tonight!

Margie

After reading McKinnley's blog about how much her mother does for her, I have been thinking about cute Margie. She is such a dear lady and she has always been so good to me. I have always known that I was loved. Having her for my mom has been such a blessing in my life. Today we cleaned out her garage and what an adventure that was. She keep sneaking things out of the DI pile back on her shelves. I went for the first swim of the summer and then we had a smokey chicken taco. Mom I love you! Tacos always taste better with you! Four generations, Schipper, Bowden, Clark, Miller.

Abbie says she is going to get married in the Quirah Mountain Temple. Won't that be a great day! We all want to be there. Abbie you are going to be a BEAUTIFUL bride.
Abbie thank you for going to the temple with me. You know how to get in on those yummy desserts. Thanks for sneaking me a chocolate eclair, a key lime pie and a fruit tart. You are a great dancer, a fast runner, and an adorable grandchild! I love you!!!

The fish food is gone and it is time to stop for a hug and a picture. Oh I love these boys, how I am going to miss them!

Could Grandpa's life get any better, new little horses and two grandsons to show them to.

What nice smooches.

Lucy we can't believe you are riding a 2 wheeler already. Even without training wheels. Jason and Kim have been busy running beside her. Lucy you are amazing, pink cowboy boots, legs a flying, wheels a spinning. Lucy you attack life with such joy Grandpa and I love you!

Family

It is 2:00 in the morning and I can't sleep. Kelly's family beach pictures have my brain spinning. As a parent the one thing you hope for your children is that they will be loved and feel needed in life. I can't express the warmth I have felt this past week as the prayers have been flying to heaven. Thank you each for your way of loving. I feel some heavenly help coming our way. Sweet Dreams