For Me?

Have you ever gotten a gift from your spouse, one you thought he/she actually got so they could own it? Have you ever given one? I'm guilty of it. I'm sure Jeff wasn't dying for the edger/trimmer I bought him for Father's Day two years ago. However, I love how neat and clean the line where the grass meets the sidewalk looks! So, yes, there was definitely a little something in there for me.

My birthday was in October. What did I ask for? An ipod home. A portable one that could go with me wherever I was in the house. What did I get? An ipod. I already have an ipod. I was starting to suspect that this was one of those, Jeff-wants-to-own-it-so-I-get-it-for-my-birthday things. When I asked why I would need another ipod, he begins telling me all the cool new features, none of which my dinosaur (circa 2007) ipod possesses. All I use it for is to listen to music, so the features were lost on me and so I assume it's mostly for him.

However, I have to admit I have loved it. I adopted it as my own (it is pink after all) and I love all the new things about it. One of my favorites? The video camera. It's been fun taking video when I haven't done it in years. Before this ipod, we had no video of Addie. Sad, I know. So, I know the blog is video heavy these days, I just can't help it. So, I eat my words and thank my husband for a gift I love - one he's rarely used.

Addison's latest obsession is Yo Gabba Gabba. This one is for her equally obsessed cousin Marc. For you parents who are familiar with it, you'll recognize her dancing to the opening sequence. It makes me laugh every time she does it, but then again, she's my kid, so I think everything she does is cute. (Except the temper tantrums I also have on video...they're not cute, but sure are funny...)





Oh, and for those who have asked, we are not headed to Utah this Christmas. We are home through Christmas morning and then we are headed to Charlotte to see our Clark family. Addie has never been down there, so we're excited to introduce her to all things fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We're driving, which is a first for us, but I think it'll be great. I feel like traveling during the holidays is an all day ordeal anyways, so why not drive all day?

Merry Christmas!

What He Said

Spotted in the town just west of here. Jeff and I laughed until it hurt.

Plates and Napkins

When my kids went to preschool, there would be a Thanksgiving Feast every year. And then, at the end of the year, there was an "End of Year Picnic". Of course, there was always a sign-up for the parents to bring food. We could sign up to bring a main course, salad, dessert or drink. Typically I would sign up to bring a salad, and make Hillary's salad that feeds many and everyone loves.

I was always too embarrassed to bring just the drink. I never signed up to bring just the drink, because I suppose that somewhere, deep inside, I figured I loved my kid less if all I offered to bring was a drink. Or, maybe, I figured that I am blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, so I have the time to home make something to share. Or, I figure that bringing the drinks then makes someone else have to bring the more difficult, time consuming main course. And, then in turn, I feel badly about making someone else do work that I am capable of doing (like my friend Karen says, "I'll just get less sleep that night"). In any case, I always felt like bringing just the drink was a cop out.

However, I will admit I signed up to bring the drink for the picnic when I was 900 weeks pregnant with Addison. And I felt so ashamed. I had to tell all the moms that were standing around, watching me sign up for drinks, that I was only doing it because I was pregnant. I felt I had to give an excuse for taking the easy way out. But, once she was here, it was back to home made offerings.

Fast forward from preschool to earlier this year. Back in May I told the higher powers over at the elementary school that I would volunteer in any way they needed. I now have two kids there, so I figured I should put in my time. Then, in August, I took on a large responsibility in our church, which has proven to take up much of my time. So, now I find myself overextended because of church and school responsibilities, with a toddler at home. I have dried up any "favors" of babysitting. I fear my friends will soon start to screen my calls - I'm always looking for help with Addison.

Now I find myself as the room mom for Jackson's class. I've never done this before, and I figured everyone felt the same about drinks that I did. Surely everyone would be clamoring to help volunteer and donate because of that "mommy guilt" that would cause them to want to prove how together they are. But, that hasn't happened. Any time I ask for a volunteer or a donation for a party, everyone wants to bring plates and napkins. For the Halloween party, I had 8 people offer to bring plates and napkins. Aren't plates and napkins like the drinks from the preschool party? Aren't they the easy way out?

All those women have figured it out. They have figured out what they have time for in their lives, and elaborate fruit platters at the Halloween party are not one of them. They've come to realize that in the grand scheme of things, finding time to donate craft projects or cookies are not something to be prioritized.

Delaney is in Daisy scouts this year. There are three daisy scout leaders. And each time I pick her up from a Daisy meeting, I have a strong pang of guilt for making these other moms be the leaders. I feel badly that I haven't volunteered to do it myself. Here is something my daughter loves participating in, and these women give a lot of hours towards, and I feel guilty that I don't do more. Even though I really don't think I have time for one.more.thing.

Now I'm left wondering how to become more of a plates and napkins kind of gal. How do I let go of the guilt if I don't take on the biggest task? I realize there's a balance that needs to be struck. I don't want to be a lazy mom, but I think I need a few more plates and napkins in my life.

On another, more random topic...I saw birds flying in "V" formation today. Guess where they were going?

Due North.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's lost today.

I Don't Know

Here's an interaction that had me giggling. It's between Addison and Steven, our favorite neighbor.

Lego Master

Here's Jackson's newest Lego set. He got it for his birthday last month. It's the Star Wars Clone Wars Republic Dropship with AT-OT Walker. It's for ages 14+, with 1758 pieces. It only took him 5 days to put it together, working on it before and after school. To say he loves Legos is an understatement.

Overwhelming

Yesterday, while getting in the car after church, I was buckling Addison into her carseat. Jackson watched what I was doing for a moment and commented,

"Sometimes I think she is so cute that it overwhelms me."

Somehow I know the feeling. And sometimes my nine year old says things that are so sensitive, it overwhelms me.

Delaney Barbara

Delaney is now a big kindergartener. She's loving her independence and has been testing the waters to see what she can get away with. However, she is at that age where she is saying and thinking some funny things. Here are a few:

1. What does she want for Christmas? She wants a Barbie cruise ship, a Barbie airplane, a jewelry box she saw at Costco, and a spatula. Yes, a spatula. When she was telling me, I was in the kitchen. I turned around and picked one up and said "A spatula like this?". "Yep" was her reply.

2. She is learning to read, and learning her sounds, and can count over 100, but there are still some funny things that she mispronounces or says wrong (and it KILLS Jackson). She was so excited for her Thanksgiving Festibal she was having today. Or she'll say things like, "I cutted the paper." And Jackson is always trying to correct her, but I stop him, because there are just a few "little kid" things left about her...and I want to hang on to them as long as I can.

Delaney at the Thanksgiving Festibal.

3. My mom came and visited for 3 weeks October into November. The whole time she was here, when Delaney would say her prayers, she'd bless that Grandma would have a good time while at our house (our house being inherently not fun, and all). Well, now that Mom is gone, she's blessing that she'll have a good time in Utah.

4. She's so excited for Christmas this year. Every day she crafts paper crafts for the family, to be opened on Christmas day. There's no tree yet, so they're piling up on the fireplace mantel. I can only imagine the stack we'll have by December 25th.

5. The other day, Delaney traced two hands, cut (or cutted) them out, colored one yellow and one blue, and then stapled them together. She gave them to me, explaining, "Mom, it's your hand and Dad's hand. Just how you always hold hands."

Anyone know how to freeze time? Because as she gets a day older, and then a day older after that, my heart feels a little sad.

Howdy Pardner!

Halloween came and went at our house with a bang! (pun intended) Our kiddos picked up some cowboy boots this summer while on vacation in Utah, so the costumes were born months ago.


Poor Jackson was fighting a bout of strep throat the day before Halloween, so he didn't get to participate in the school festivities. As luck would have it, I am his room mom, so I got to go to school and run the whole show, when my kid was nowhere in sight. *Sigh* Here's Delaney all set for school.


And a shot of the pink boots.


Given the fact Addison can't even walk in her cowboy boots, she dressed up as a teddy bear. All three Clark kiddos have been this teddy bear and I am sad to retire it. It's the cutest, warmest costume. Perfect for Trick or Treatin' in the arctic Midwest. Addison was being a pistol (pun intended) all through Trick or Treating, and refused to smile or have her picture taken. Could have had something to do with the freezing temps?


Our cute little neighbor, Jack, is just a few months older than Addison, and was equally as grumpy that night. Two little grumps in their wagons.


Given the grumpy 1 year old, the freezing temperature (darn wind), and the fact Jackson thinks he old enough to go trick or treating with his friend instead of his family, we didn't get a family pic of the kiddos this year. However, we are so grateful for some great neighbors who we adore and who make the day so much more fun than if we were alone!

Here's the whole candy collectin' gang...Jack as a dragon, Jackson as a cowboy, Steven as a Camo ninga (don't ask - I didn't), Addie as a teddy bear, Delaney as a cowgirl, Olivia as a "nice" witch, and Ben as Mario. Last names have been ommited, to protect the innocent (and mostly because I don't want their parents mad at me whilst fearing internet stalkers!).

How To Scar a Child for Life

A word to the wise...my kids hated this movie. It was super scary for my 9 and 5 year old. Somehow I was naively thinking that Disney meant kid friendly (evidently I forgot Disney did "Pirates of the Caribbean"). I am usually good about screening things my kids see, and we probably, no definitely, should have walked out.

I would recommend it for adults, though. The story is a classic and the movie is cool with the 3D effects, just not for kiddos. Consider yourself warned...ours have had nightmares since (well, not so much a nightmare as a I-can't-fall-asleep-because-I-keep-thinking-about-the-spooky-ghosts-mare).

Can't Blame Them

Last week, in something out of a Hitchcock movie, a million (not an exaggeration) birds invaded our neighborhood for a few minutes. There were so many of them and, boy, were they were in a hurry! Winter's coming to Chicago and we can't blame them, really...

Back With a Bang!

Addie wins for best shiner in Clark family history.

We interupt this blog...

We are having major technical problems at our house. Like, my computer is so broken, it won't do anything other than a blue screen. I know you're on pins and needles, waiting for the final installment of "Summer's Finally Here", but you'll just have to keep waiting.

However, thanks to a rare stroke of genius on my part, I talked Jeff into getting an external, back-up hard drive last month, so no pictures or files were lost. It's like I knew that computer was going to fail me!

Fall arrived today. And I think I'm sad about it.

Summer's Finally Here! - Part 2

So, with Krista here, I decided I was brave enough to do the 12 hour drive to Oklahoma to visit my (and her) Auntie Carno, Uncle Reid and several of our cousins. Jeff wimped out and only drove one way with us, then flew back home. He's definitely aware that he got the better end of that deal! I know I already posted about the Oklahoma tubing events here and here. But we did lots more than tubing. Delaney celebrated her 5th birthday, we visited a soda pop store on the historic Rt. 66, we sewed, we played games, we swam in their awesome pool, we bbq'd, we ate out, we had a seriously great time. Next summer we will be going for much longer!

How gorgeous are my cousins? In fact, my neighbor commented to me when Krista was here, "Is your whole family good looking? I've met many of them now, and they are all gorgeous!" I agree, and if I were Krista or Adrianne, I would love this picture just because I look smokin'!


Here's a cute pic of Jackson. This is one of my most favorite of him.


I had to include this pic of my cousin Taylor for two reasons. First, he was super hospitable and let us crash the weekend before he was set to take the bar exam. So, yes, he was trying to study with the Clark+1 circus in town. Second, you know you're a real man when you can pull of purple sunglasses. Even Delaney was jealous.


I think I've well documented how clingy Addison is. She will not go to anyone (well almost anyone). However, she loved my uncle Reid and Taylor. In fact, she would love it when Reid would come home. She'd go running and then he'd proceed to spoil her for the rest of the evening, carrying her from room to room, playing piano for an hour with her on his lap, etc. And, as Taylor would sit studying in his room, if the door was inadvertently left open, she'd be in there, vying for a spot on his lap. It totally cracked us up because Reid and Taylor are both 6'3" or taller, but the bigger the better for her, I suppose!


Thanks to our Nuttall family for such a fantastic 5 days! And, for the record, it was totally worth the 12 hour drive.


For Father's Day, me and the kids gave Jeff tickets to a Kane County Cougars game. They are the local minor league team and Jackson and Delaney love going to the games.

They have fireworks at the end of every game. I guess the music and fireworks were a little too loud for Delaney.

After the game and fireworks, the kids can run the bases.


A fun night, with fun kids. We wouldn't have it any other way.


Stay tuned for the final installment of the Clark family summer events. Then I will finally be caught up! Yeah!

A little blue eyed blonde

Summer's Finally Here! - Part one

Well, summer has finally arrived in the arctic Midwest. It didn't come in June, didn't come in July, didn't come in August, however, September has brought forth some beautifully warm weather. We have just experienced 6 straight days of 80*+ weather. I am not exaggerating when I say that I'm sure we didn't have 6 straight days of sunny, warm weather all summer.

So, now that summer is here, I thought I'd better catch up on our summer activities (I think this may turn into a multi-part series). Maybe my excuse for being a slacker all summer comes from the fact it never actually felt like summer? I wish that were the reason. But, no, in fact, we were just busy like everyone else, and I never found the time to sit at the computer. Time that I know our long, cold winter will surely provide!

Summer brings an increase in sports activity in our home. We started off the summer with a gymnastics performance by Delaney. She is on the pre-team at our local gymnastics place and loves every minute of the 240 that she spends there each week!

Balance Beam is her favorite event. Here she is with her Coach Jordan.

*all the pictures are blurry because no flash was allowed, as to not disturb the athletes*

Baseball started for Jackson. It's his favorite sport to play and he really took a liking to pitching. In the early summer he was on the Yankees team. Here he is in action. A little boy on his team said, "When Jackson's pitching, he's in the zone!"

Of course, summer in the Clark household means Krista's coming to visit. We had a blast while she was here. However, we realized that we'd never taken her into Chicago to visit, so we took a Saturday and headed down.

Here's Delaney and Krista on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.


At Navy Pier, there are lots of kiddie rides to go on. Delaney chose the Lighthouse ride. She was too little for the swings, so this was her big event!


My favorite ride when I was a kid was the swings. Jackson doesn't quite share the same love for this ride that I do. However, Krista and I managed to get him on it (white knuckles and all). "I think I may have enjoyed it by the very end" was his comment once we were off.


Not to be forgotten, Delaney and I took Addie on the carousel. She loved it!


Here's where the day got interesting. Don't the clouds look nice? See, I'm not exaggerating about our lousy summer (however, many are probably sick of hearing about it). Our kiddos favorite thing to do in the summer is head to Millennium Park and run through the fountains. The day was maybe 65* and those clouds didn't look promising.


Our kids were not to be deterred! They didn't care how cold it was. Here's a picture of these funny fountains. The people pictured on the fountsins sit strait faced for about 3 minutes, then they pucker up, and away they blow. The kids think it's hilarious.


Last year, when we went downtown, Addie was just a fresh little chick. She just dipped her toes in. This year, she got to run and play in the water.


This picture is just a reminder of how crazy we were. Do you see everyone in the background in jeans and sweatshirts? I'm sure they thought the parents who were letting their kids in the water were crazy (or neglectful?).


After the fountains, we went to the "bean" in Millennium Park. It's a huge, silver kidney bean that's fun to take pictures next to.


Last, but not least, we ended the day at Buckingham Fountain. It's been closed for quite a while for re-furbishing so it was fun to see it again. Note that Addie is not in the picture. That's what happens when you take a 12 month old into the city, all day, with no nap.



In wrapping up part one of our summer, I have to include this photo. Jeff and I joke that we have two left green thumbs. We are terrible at keeping any plant alive and therefore have decided to stop wasting money on landscaping, and just worry about what is already in place. However, some front bushes had to come out this year. And, I love hydrangeas. So, a "Better Homes and Gardens" article convinced me I could do it. Back from Home Depot we came with three bushes and look what's happened! It's not only alive, but blooming. Its a good day in the Clark house.

3rd and K

How did we get here again? It seems near impossible that another year has gone by. But, alas, back to school we go.

Chicago has given us the coldest, rainiest, cloudiest summer on record. That's right, since they started recording weather, back in 1895 or so, they've never recorded a summer colder than this past one. Aren't we lucky? You'll remember how thrilled I was with last winter. In any case, back to school 2009 wouldn't have been complete without a cold, rainy day to start it off.

It was so humid, my lens was fogging up.


Delaney is in afternoon kindergarten, so she didn't get on the bus with Jackson in the morning.


Jackson and our neighbor (and fellow 3rd grader), Tyler.


Delaney, all ready for afternoon kindergarten. She asked 10 times that morning if it was time. When I told her she would leave after lunch (when she asked at 10 am), she responded, "Can I just eat lunch now, then?"


The Kindy bus picks Delaney up right at our driveway. She's seen here climbing on without a care in the world. Mr. Bus Driver was really cute, too. Right when the door opened, he said, "Hi Delaney". Made this sad mama's heart not seem as heavy, to know she has a nice bus driver.


And, as any normal, Kindy mom would do, I put her on the bus and drove straight to the school to make sure she got there okay, knew where she was going, didn't get molested or kidnapped on the way, etc. It was drizzling when she got on the bus, but in the 10 minutes it took to finish the stops and get to school, it had started pouring! Fun thing for Delaney is that she is in class with several girls she already knew. Here she is in a dead run for cover, with two friends from preschool, Reece and Madelyn.


Another year gone, another begins. Does anyone else feel like there must only be 20 hours in a day now? I am sure the days are shorter now...I can't get everything done, that I need to get done, in a day anymore. I'm not keeping up like I should, with PTO, church responsibilities, housework...not to mention my favorite jobs--like being a wife and mom. And it feels like being back in school has only amplified my lack of time management skills. My mom used to say every September how glad she was to be back in a routine. Hopefully a routine will help me find those 4 hours I've been missing?