Making the Rounds

I am traveling around to be with the grandkids the next couple of weeks. Check out plans and pictures on my blog! I WILL BE BACK!

Avery's Blog Entry

Yesterday I went to the dentist because I had cavities. Dad came home early from work to watch Kyler and Zadyn was taking a nap. Me and mom waited until we could go. Then we went to the room we had to go to. I got in the chair and we waited for the dentist. They filled in my cavity. Mom thought I had three cavities, but I only had one. I got to pick out of the treasure box. I got an airplane, a purse (for Zadyn) and a game (for Kyler). We went home and we had Macaroni for dinner and I had to chew on the other side of my mouth. The End

(Alisa's version -- we thought we saw three cavities in Avery's mouth, but the dentist just said the other two were deep grooves in the tooth that were hard to clean. After they filled the cavity, they told him he could pick two prizes from the treasure chest. He said he would get one for himself and one for Kyler. They were so impressed that he would pick something for his brother, too. So, they told him he better get something for his little sister, too, and he was really excited about that. What a great kid!)

Welcome back Daddy

Well we are all waiting for dad to come back from his business trip to Kansas, Minnisota, or some wacko state like that today. I suggested to mom that we go to the airport with a whole bunch of signs and suprise him. She just rolled her eyes. Alisa said to make them anyway and put them up around the house. We shall see what happens. Mom's pretty anxious. It will be nice having him back. We weren't too good at making or deciding what's for dinner.

Check out my new Blog Spot

I have created my own new Blog Spot, check it out at: http://lindalegacy.blogspot.com/
This is way fun!

Jef's Future Bodyguards

Karate Kids MD and LJ in their true fighting stance. This terrible twosome will need all the practice they can get to take on young Cole (who already torments them endlessly).

"Man who catch fly with chopsticks accomplish anything."

-Mr. Kesuke Miyagi

Added side note...Lesson taught

When the young single adults greeted us for our weekly Family Home Evening the Monday we got home from our Hawaii trip, the first thing the skeptical boys who were at the house for the work party asked Dale was, "So...what do you really think of the color? We knew you wouldn't like it, we tried to tell them, so tell us...do YOU like it?" Dale taught a very important lesson with his reply that silenced them and let everyone in the room know what was most important to him. His reply was, "Linda likes it and so I like it."

My "While You Were Out" Experience

One thing that I have learned to enjoy is to watch my kids' cable tv channels when we go to visit and their favorite home improvement shows. It is amazing to me how people can go into a home and with sometimes minimal decorating savvy, transform the ordinary to something truly amazing. I am not a decorator, never will be, and don't have desires to become one! I have always just loved having things that people have given me or I happen to like when I see them around my house and on my walls. I am a firm believer that what makes a house a "home" is the love inside, not how fancy or up to date the decor is. But, having said that, I have watched my children with their homes create beautiful colors schemes and fashion decor that equal or go beyond any professional make-over tv show I've ever seen. And most important, the atmosphere maintains the love and comfort of a "home". My children are incredible! They must have picked up on some comments I've said here and there about how I just might like to maybe consider changing some things around and do something a little different in my living room. And I'm sure they've experienced first hand the challenging space of my kitchen when all of us get together, not to mention listening to my frustrating comments about it.

Now here's the exciting part! When Dale and I were spending an unforgettable week in Hawaii when Collette graduated the end of June, my children put into action a plan they had been talking about for sometime. Keeping Dale apprised of their secret mission, they did their extraordinary magic in the house "while we were out!" that week. Sarah Nanine came and spent the week working so hard on so many projects. The young single adults from the church branch that Dale and I work with were recruited to come and spend an evening painting walls and stripping down kitchen cupboards. Some of the cynical guys kept challenging the green color that the living room was being painting, reminding Sarah frequently that Dale would definitely NOT like it! Sarah took pictures of the curtains, lamps, and wall hangings and worked with every one's opinion via the computer about what looked they liked or didn't like. She labored long hours white-washing the fireplace and stripping down and refurnishing all the kitchen cabinets. Her sister Wendy came and helped some and watched Sarah's three boys when she could. Well, to make this I-could-spend-hours-telling-this-story short...I did not have a clue as to what transpired in my home the week we were gone. When Jef, Sarah, and the boys brought our car to the airport when we arrived home in Boise, they seemed a little hesitant to talk extensively about the week and I noticed that the boys weren't really saying much either! Found out later that Sarah persuaded them strongly to not give away the fact that they were at Grandma's house for the week when asked how their week went! Sarah gave me some pillows before we left that were in a garbage bag, just casually mentioning that she found me some couch pillows. I didn't even think to look at them at the time because when we find things we know the other person likes at a thrift store, we usually just get them for each other. When we arrived home and before we entered the house, Dale just threw out the comment..."Oh, by the way, you'll notice some things different in the house." Nothing really registered yet, as I was tired with jet lag and the reality of our wonderful week in Hawaii being over. Walking in the piano room, my eye did catch all the old living room couch pillows on a chair and then I looked at the pillows that Sarah gave me as I walked up the stairs, wondering why they were all a soft lime green color.... Words still cannot describe the feelings I had when I looked at my brand new living room that had been painted, refurnished with a new couch and chairs, new accessories, etc. All I could do was cry and look around spellbound and mutter how....why....when....wow....wow! He had to steer me into the kitchen to see the cabinets and then came the flood again. So many emotions were going through my head and as Dale filled me in on the how...why...when...I was overcome with such gratitude and deep love for my children, their sacrifice, and unselfish gift to me. Details of course followed as I talked to Sarah and I hope that she will add her story and pictures on the blog. A week later, some kitchen cabinets were taken out to open up and brighten the kitchen area. It was a true defining moment...getting rid of some dishes and things.
Something worth mentioning as I close this lengthy, but so special to me, story... I still have a picture that was my Dad's, a nick knack shelf that was my Grandmother's, a clock that my brother made for me, and all the pictures of my grand kids still incorporated in my new decor because my family just knew that they were important to me and I thank them. I truly have a great and loving family!(not to mention talented, creative, and a knack for the amazing!)

BEFORE

AFTER

Finally finshed!

I have officially finished Harry Potter 7 and I must say, it was a great read! I was glad that I reread books 5 and 6 before, but have to admit I didn't understand ALL the details that put together the last connections. I am looking forward to gaining more insight as I discuss it with those who have read it, too. As an avid reader, I was amazed at a series of 7 books that could keep you guessing, speculating, and wanting more with each chapter as the last book did. And to have remarkable things brought out even in the last 2 pages of the book that shed light on the entire story. Will be hard pressed to find something now to read that will be equal to the task of keeping me reading for long periods of time. On the other hand, I SHOULD now get cracking at projects and things that have needed to be done for a while!

Pool Therapy 7/24/07

Zadyn had her second round of pool therapy today and again had a good day. She played with a boat to start, the therapist would push it to her and she would have to push it back, using her left arm. Then they got the noodles (those long foam floating things) and played with those for a while. Zadyn had to have both hands on it and she would push it out, and then pull it back to her belly, then push it back out. Then she would have to move it side to side and make it dance. After doing this for a while, Zadyn sat in the chair that they can lower into the water and the therapist felt her muscles and checked her bone positions. Then Zadyn splashed us and had fun just "playing" with the boat and pushing it around. Over all another good visit.
The therapist says that Zadyn's left arm is pretty equal to the right in terms of bone placement and structure right now. I guess a really common secondary issue is an over accentuated scapula. Fortunately, Zadyn doesn't seem to have any other concerns with her shoulder or chest muscles or bones right now -- except the left shoulder is slightly higher than the right, but we will start working on taping that down in a few months, when the larger therapeutic body suit fits.
So, good news today regarding the bone structure and the bicep is looking great, still getting stronger so that is good. She is up to about an ounce and a half in her bracelet, probably will have 2 ounces by the time the week is done. She's doing really well with that and that has been nice! She was actually pretty excited to get to swim with Holly today and didn't cry at all!

Walmart.com

So, I pre-ordered Harry Potter on Monday, the 16th from Walmart.com and it didn't come on Saturday. No biggie, our mail here SUCKS and so I thought it would come today. It didn't. So I call Walmart.com and ask them about it because I have a confirmation number and everything, just no book. So the lady says that everyone who ordered after the 15th was supposed to get the message that they ran out of books and they would have to either buy in the store or from some other website. I never got the e-mail. So here I was anxiously awaiting a book that wasn't even shipped. So now Grant has to stop at Walmart on his way home from work today and HOPE they have some in the store. Gotta love Walmart, don't ya???

More Pictures

I put a few pictures from my China and Mongolia tour on my blog. When I say a few I really mean a few. I took close to 1500 pictures including videos. Maybe one day we will do one of those really boring slideshow presentations.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Everyone Vote on the Poll

I just finished #6 again and am anxiously waiting my for my mail on Saturday!

The Newness Wore off all ready?

Has the newness of the blog all ready worn off? I haven't heard much from anybody lately. Mom are you going to post about your version of the "While you were Out"? I will get some pics together next week to put up on the blog.

Zadyn's Physical Therapy Update (as requested by Dad)

Zadyn went to physical therapy yesterday (Tuesday) and did GREAT. She is usually not really into doing much for the therapist, so it was a good day. She did repeated repetitions of bending her left arm to her mouth, right shoulder, nose, chin, etc. She holds a small baby in her right hand that "watches" what she does. The therapist would hold a puzzle piece up and Zadyn would reach up and get it and then put in on the puzzle board. She continued to do this for about half an hour! She has never had that many reps in a row without getting tired! But, she eventually did get bored/tired/annoyed and so we switched to something else.
The PT got out a bowl of dried beans and hid small blocks in it. Zadyn had to reach into the bowl with her left hand and FEEL for the block. She couldn't do it. She had to be able to see it before she could find it. She she would "dig" the beans out and around until she could see the block and then pull it out. We are to work with her on this to develop her fine feeling (real acute feeling in her left hand is pretty nonexistent).
After cleaning up the beans from the floor, we got out the plastic slide and a heavier baby doll. Zadyn has to use both hands to put the baby on the slide and push it down. Plus she has to use both hand to climb the slide and go down herself. After the slide, we hung the swing from the ceiling and let her swing on it. The PT hold the swing just right and makes Zadyn pull herself back while holding on the swings rope, this allowing the bicep to have mini-reps.
The PT also noticed that Zadyn's bicep is getting bigger. It was quite noticeable now as she was working. It is still not as big as the right arm, but a LOT bigger than it has ever been. (When she was about 8 months old, you couldn't feel a muscle at all, only bone-- so ya, it's good.) The weight bracelets are working great. We are going to increase the weight by 1/4 ounce every other day until it becomes too hard for her to use. At this point, we'll back off 1/4 ounce and keep that weight for a week or so.
Next week we will be in the pool again, which should be fun because every time we talk about filling up our little wading pool and letting the kids swim, Zadyn says, no swim Holly (the PT). So we'll see how next week goes and swimming with Holly.

Luckiest Grandma!

Here are all of my adorable "angels"! We took many pictures the Sunday Chad got home down at Niagra Springs. Sarah Nanine worked her magic with the camera again and Collette's friend Celestia took the whole family shots.

L to R: Cole (Jef); Logan (Jef); front of Logan, Isaak (Jeremy); Zadyn (Alisa); Kyler (Alisa); Bailee (Cameron); baby Malia (Cameron); sitting, Braden (Cameron); Mason (Jef); Avery (Alisa).

It is a happy day when they come to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

DAD IS IN!

After a bit of consternation I am finally on but using the TruckMaster account. I am not sure how to invite someone yet so dale@habbytoo.com is the 'DAD' of this outfit.

Zadyn's weighted bracelets

This is the "bracelet" we made for Zadyn to weight lift. There is, right now, about an ounce of weight in it. I found some pretty pink and purple sports wrap that sticks to itself and keeps her from pulling the bracelets off. She isn't too happy with me for making her wear it, but she has no choice at this point. We are trying to build up her bicep muscle. We take her to physical therapy once a week, on Tuesday mornings. I will be checking with the therapist tomorrow to see if her muscle is growing. Last week she was able to do pool therapy and really enjoyed that. Once she got used to the idea, she did quite well.

Recital and Graduation

Collette presented her senior vocal recital in the David O. McKay Fine Arts Auditorium on BYU-Hawaii campus. Here she is with her voice teacher, Sister Joann Ottley, wife of Gerald Ottley, former Mo-Tab director. She performed Italian, French, German, and English songs in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contempory styles, for a total of 18 songs. Dale and I felt very blessed to be able to be there and hear her sing once more!

Collette graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Studies, Saturday, June 23rd. It was a wonderful ceremony, with Elder Richard G. Scott as the keynote speaker. She was privileged to sing for Elder Scott and Elder Ralph Kerr, Commissioner of Church Education, at the Graduation Banquet Luau Thursday night. We were on the same plane home with them, too, so knew all would be well with our flight! It is fun to have her home again. She is presenting her BYU-Concert Choir Tour to China and Mongolia tonight for our Young Single Adult Branch Family Home Evening. It was like a mission for her!

Time...a matter of perspective!

Two years has come and gone since Chad left on his mission. Ironically, here he is on a turtle, a favorite picture of mine, symbolizing how slow it seemed to me! But as Dad always says when selling his hot barbeque sauce when asked how hot is it..."It's all a matter of perspective! What did the snail say as he rode on the back of the turtle as he leaned into the curve? Wheee! It's all a matter of perspective!" That's how I guess we look at a two year mission. Mostly Sslow at times for the Mom, but too fast for the elder or sister serving. We witnessed that this week. But Chad is really glad to be home now I think and beginning to adapt back to life here in America! We love having him home until he leaves for school the end of August.

Getting High Tech

Wow it seems our not so little family is getting so high tech these days.
Look at us our own little blog and every thing. How fun for us. Now all the kids at school are going to be jealous when I tell them that my family has their own blog and they don't.
Just pickin'. This is a fun and cool idea for all of us to share our happenin's and to keep in touch, maybe better than we already are.
Love you all!!!

Mom's First Blog Entry

I am so excited to be contributing to the Clark Family Blog. I didn't even know what a blog was, thought it was the name of an old horror movie...but that was "The Blob!" I have such a wonderful famiy, I have come to realize that when I mention something that I want or wish for, more than not those dreams come true, thanks to my loving and giving family. With such creative children, it will be a challenge to keep up with their entries, but one of them reminded me to take the time spent emailing Chad every Sunday on his mission and work on the blog.

So, upcoming from me will be our Hawaii trip and Collette's graduation, the "While You Were Out" surprise renovation in my home while I was gone, Chad's safe return from his mission in Uganda, a fantastic day of all my children in the temple together and then time together with all of the family.

So here is a picture of Dale and I on the beach with details to follow!!

Soo Coool!!

This is way cool. I am might actually be motivated to get my own now. Hope Cam and family are enjoying their new house. Have a great Sunday!!!

This is the Family blog eh?

Well, this is nice.......does this mean we don't have to have actual family reunions? Just all come to the blog page and post?

Um, so I guess I better make my blog post thing.........I just came back from Uganda:

one week ago. I am still trying to get used to mom's cooking and everyone making fun of my weird accent and word usage. But, I am glad to be back home and um........yeah, that's it.



Karibu mu blog page.

I tried to put a picture but it didn't work.....sorry.



Chad

Journal Slacking

Since it seems that I am the only one that ever writes in the family journal (sarcasm included for emphasis). I feel it is only fitting that I add my two scents. So go ahead, scratch your screen, lean in close, and take a wiff.

Sarah #1 mailed the picture CDs yesterday so look for them soon. What a beautiful family! Just remember our motto:

CLARK

Together we make a family

(even though we had no choice)

First post of the new blog

So, Mom mentioned how cool it would be to have a "family" blog, so here it is.

We had a great time this last weekend at the Clark house welcoming Chad home. He doesn't look much different, but sure sounds different! We were all so glad to have him home. Collette is back as well and went to the temple this last weekend. What a great experience to have all the kids in the temple!

Well, don't want to take up too much room, will let everyone else post also---

Alisa