My Baseball Boys!!

Baseball season has officially begun for The Clark Boys. Jacob had his first game last night and Lucas had his first practice. I love watching the boys play baseball. This is Lucas's first year playing and I think he is really going to like it. Jacob played last year, but it's definitely different this year. This is like MLB compared to last year. They can steal bases, slide into bases and they learn how to pitch. Enjoy the pictures --

Mother's Day Weekend

We went to Brightwood for Mother's Day. My parents live there and they rented a cabin for us to stay in. The cabin was built in the 20's and it was very rustic. Lucas loved it and Jacob thought it was pretty neat too. The kids really liked the swing that was out front. I actually went on the swing, but was not about to share a picture of it!!

I'll Fly Away...

I heard this song at church today. It's called "I'll Fly Away" and it is such a beautiful and peaceful song. Here is Jars of Clay singing it -- check it out :)

I'll Fly Away - Jars of Clay

The White Binder...

I have a large white binder. In it is hundreds of pieces of paper that tell a story. A story of how Lucas started his educational path and how far he has come since the summer. In this binder is Lucas's IEP's, notes from school meetings, evaluations from Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and a ten page Neuropsychological evaluation. This binder is not only to keep records in, it's also to remind me of the journey that Lucas (and the rest of us) is on for a future of learning and growing. I also have Jacob's IEP's in this binder and soon will have a Neuropsychological evaluation for him as well. My reason for sharing the story behind my white binder? Today I was at Lucas's Occupational Therapy appointment. While he was doing his obstacle course, I was sitting and watching him work so hard. While sitting there a mother and her son came into the room. Her son looked to be about 8 or 9 years old. The mom had a large tote with her and she seemed like she had a million thoughts going through her head and was trying to talk with the therapist and get her thoughts out -- I can so relate. She sat down on the floor and dug through her bag and pulled something out. I looked over and on the floor next to her was a large white binder -- just like mine. There was her son's story and journey in that binder. As she flipped through it while talking with her son's therapist, I just smiled and thought there is a club of us moms out there carrying our white binders. I'm proud of my white binder and more than that I am proud of all the children whose stories are in those binders.

Girl's Weekend!!

My friends and I had such a great time last weekend. We stayed at this great house in the Mt. Hood area and spent our time scrapping, eating and gabbing -- it doesn't get much better than that!!!!








Mary, Alice and Sue


I always enjoy our time together. I'm looking forward to our beach retreat next Spring. Thanks ladies for the great time :)

A little of this....A little of that......

I don't really have much to blog about.....so, here is some random stuff -

* I am so excited for this weekend. I am going on a scrap get-away with my girlfriends -- Mary, Sue and Alice. I can't wait! We always have so much fun scrapping, watching a ton of movies, eating, and laughing. I have known these ladies since I was 18 -- I can't believe it! I really cherish their friendship :)

* Friends really are one of the best things in my life -- I LOVE all my friends!!!!!

* Even when times are hard and only getting harder, I still feel like this is where God wants me to be. God is not turning His back on me......I've been turning my back on God -- I need to work on that. God, thank you for your Grace and Mercy!!!

* I am so proud of my mom!!! She passed her real estate/broker license test today!!! Mom -- I love you :)

* Did I mention that I can't wait for this weekend????

* I've been really enjoying Facebook -- it's a lot of fun. If you haven't tried it -- try it!

* Lucas is going to summer school this summer. I think he will like it -- I pray he does!

* Jacob starts baseball soon -- I love to go to his baseball games. I never miss one!

* Below is a picture of Lucas that was taken on his 6th birthday (April 14th). He was so tired that night that he fell a sleep with one of his birthday presents in his hand -- so sweet!

Solid Rock

Today we attended a new church called Solid Rock. I have only ever attended Sunset Presbyterian and have never really thought about going to another church. I have heard a lot of good things about Solid Rock so we decided to check it out. We went with our good friends, the Roth's. Overall I thought the church had a great vibe and I enjoyed the music very much. The staff was very welcoming and greeted us at the door with "is this your first time here?" I really appreciated that because I wasn't sure where we were going. The kid's classrooms also looked fun and inviting. I'm not sure if we will attend Solid Rock again or continue to go to Sunset, but I enjoyed the worship there.

Is anybody out there......

I haven't blogged in a while. The main reason is I don't think anybody reads my blogs -- so why bother, right? Well, I almost gave it up. But, I have decided to keep going and blog even if it's just for me :) For those of you who do read what little I have to say, feel free to leave a comment. You don't have to sign in to do so!! Looking forward to hearing from you :)

Only at the Oregon Coast...

it would snow!!!

While Jacob was off in the Caribbean, Lucas and I went to Lincoln City with some good friends. We had a great time!! Although we were all very surprised to see SNOW Friday morning!!

A makeover for Lucas's room...

Lucas decided his room needed a little something more...

And they're off....

Tomorrow morning my parents and Jacob leave for a week long cruise to the Caribbean. This is a picture of the ship they will be on. They are staying in a hotel at the airport tonight because they have such an early flight tomorrow. I had dinner with them tonight at their hotel and took this picture before I left. Jacob was a bundle of nerves, excitement and exhaustion -- so he was kind of a handful. Hopefully he will calm down (for my parent's sake). I can't wait to hear all about their trip!

P.S. I never took trips like this when I was a kid.....hmmm

Yum!!!

I love these -- I mean L O V E them!!!! Every Easter time, you can find these beautiful purple bags in most of the stores. I like to buy mine at Target, because I also L O V E Target. Since I won't be jetting off to anywhere tropical -- here is the next best thing: One bag of Cadbury Chocolate Eggs, one large Diet Coke and a trip to Target --- ALONE -- priceless!!

MY VERY FIRST TAG!!

I am still very new to the Blogging World -- as a newbie, this is my first tag. Here's how it goes -

TAG!

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago:

5 Things on my To Do List today:

Snacks I Enjoy:

Things I would do if I were a Billionaire:

3 of my Bad Habits:

5 places I have lived:

5 Jobs I have had


1. What was I doing 10 years ago -- Hmmmm....I was a new mom. Jacob was only four months old and I'm sure I was still trying to figure out the whole Motherhood thing. I had just quit my job of 8 years to stay home with Jacob. I was only going to take a year off from working and well, I've never been back.

2. Five things on my To Do list today:
Mail Lucas's Birthday invitations
Go by Kinko's
Hair appt.
pay bills
Get Lucas to his OT appt.

3. Snacks I enjoy -- ok, not sure there is a snack that I don't enjoy...but if I have to pick I would say: cereal -- I LOVE CEREAL. I can eat it morning, noon and night and I usually do! I also like Triscuts with a Diet Coke.

4. Things I would do if I were a Billionaire: Charity -- St. Jude's, March of Dimes and anything that has to do with helping kids. I would also give my parents money so they could have a house here and keep their house in Brightwood too. Let's see...what else. Go on a vacation -- this girl really needs one!!! Of course, college for the kids and do some shopping.

5. Three bad habits
Eating past 7:30 p.m. -- I heard you're not supposed to do that -- WHATEVER!
Staying up too late
Raising my voice when I'm upset with my family ---ugh, I really hate that bad habit!

6. Five places I have lived:
Manhattan Beach, CA
San Jose, CA
Stockton, CA (I was born there. People tell me I shouldn't admit that)
Beaverton, OR
Tigard, OR

7. Five jobs I have had:
Baskin Robbins -- my first job
The Greenbrier Companies -- Admin. work
I'm too young to have had five jobs :)

Well, I think I've completed my first TAG!! Until next time. Oh, I don't think I know five people to pass this onto that haven't already been tagged -- I guess I'm breaking the rules.

P.S. Thanks Jocelyn! :)

Jon & Kate Plus 8

Does anyone watch this show? These people are truly amazing. It's a reality show on TLC. It's about a couple who have two sets of multiples -- twins and sextuplets -- all under the age of seven! Every week we get a glimpse into their daily lives. Tonight's episode was Jon and Kate dealing with the flu that was going around their house. They said they hadn't slept in 8 days! Last week's show was about all ten of them flying to Utah for a ski trip. I'm not sure I would be up for that with just two kids right now. They obviously didn't set out to have this many children, but I admire their willingness to lead as normal of lives as possible by going on vacations and going to church etc. You should watch an episode -- I guarantee you'll feel a lot less stressed about your own life!

A Fun Family Day...

Today was a fun day. First, Curtis went to his Grandfather's house to work on a scooter that hasn't been working for... well, probably years! Lucas and I stopped by to say hello and Lucas got a nice surprise....a ride on the scooter! I know, I know.....he isn't wearing a helmet -- it was a very short ride. Trust me, I believe in helmets!!!


Next we were off to McDonalds for lunch -- one of Grandpa Loy's favorite lunch places.






Then we met my parents for dinner in Gresham. They live in Brightwood and Jacob had spent the weekend with them. We had a fun dinner and the kids did great!




What a great day!!

My Mom...

This is my Mom with Lucas. I just wanted to say how much I love my Mom. She has been such a support to me these last few months with everything that has been going on with Lucas. I appreciate all that she does and I don't know how I would get through all these meetings without her!

Thanks Mom -- I love you!!

Books...

I actually like to read. I don't read as often as my schedule allows because of things like the computer, "American Idol", "Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant" (yes, I do watch it -- don't judge), unnecessary trips to Target and the list goes on. But, I do have a book that I am half way done with. It's called "God is in the Hard Stuff". Great book -- very helpful.



MySpace Codes


The next book that I am going to read -- I'm actually going to start it tonight is called "The Shack". My mom has read it and said it is AMAZING!!! Can't wait to start it. She gave me a copy and I think it will be one of those books that you can't put down -- Love that kind of book!!


MySpace Codes



The next book on deck is the new one by Valerie Bertinelli. I love to read about people's lives -- about their story. Those are my favorite kind of books -- I'm not much into fiction.



MySpace Codes

Until next time.....

P.S. I'd love to read your comments!!

It had been a while...

I used to volunteer in Lucas's class quite a bit. But with all of his learning issues, it became very hard for me to be in the classroom and see him struggling. I often left feeling sad for Lucas and the situation. I also felt that I was a distraction to Lucas in the classroom and the last thing he needed was another distraction. So I took a break from volunteering. Well, today I was back! A lot has changed for Lucas since the last time I was in the classroom. While he still has a long, long way to go -- he has made such improvement! I am so proud of him!! In the last few months he has been working with an incredible team of people who have taken such an interest in him and I am so thankful for that. The hard work is showing and Lucas is definitely on the right track. It will be a long journey for him, but he seems up to the task! The school brought in a volunteer to work just with Lucas in the classroom four days a week. I met her for the first time today. Her name is Jennifer. Jennifer has MS and isn't able to work anymore because of her MS. She doesn't have any children and asked if she could volunteer somewhere within the school. I got a call from the Principal and she asked if Jennifer could work with Lucas. I said that sounds great. Again, I am thankful that Lucas is getting the one-on-one help that he needs. Jennifer is an amazing lady. It made me feel so good to see this sweet woman working with Lucas and being so kind and gentle. She really is amazing. I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives that are helping with this journey. I'm glad I decided to try volunteering again -- what a HUGE difference from the last time I was there! Here is a picture from today --

Silly pics...

This is Jacob. I found him sound asleep with this hat on his head...not sure why, but glad I got a picture of it!!




Here is Lucas as Santa. This Santa suit was from when he was two -- he is almost six!! Yes, Santa is wearing capris! We all laughed and laughed when he put the suit on -- the laughing quickly ended when he told us he wanted to wear the suit to school --- hmmm, that would be no!

So Proud...

This is Lucas. He is holding his trophy that he earned. He has wanted a trophy ever since his older brother got one for playing baseball. Lucas meets with several teachers and specialists each week and has been working really hard lately. I am so proud of him! After a week of intense evaluations, I asked Lucas what he would like for a reward. Without hesitation he said "a trophy"! So, off to the trophy store we went. It was so great to see him so proud of himself as we left the store. I just love this picture!!

I didn't want to start this way, but.......

This is my first blog and I didn't want to start this way. What I mean by that is I don't have everything set-up like I want it. There are some things that I still want to add to my blog page and I can't figure out how to do it!! ARHG! I have asked my friend Stephanie if she would help me -- I hope she can. I tend to want things to be ALL done and looking the way I want it before I do any sort of unveiling. I'm probably putting way too much thought into something that no one is going to read. Oh well!! :)