The Bomsta's visit

Our good friends, the Bomstas, visited us this weekend from Ohio. Brandon graduated from med school (the reason behind the visit). We met this family while living in the town homes in Johnston. At the time, they had the little girls, Evelyn and Brielle, who were the very best of friends with little Olivia and Sophie. Tanya and I became fast friends too. She taught me how to stamp (card making) and introduced me into embracing my stay at home motherhood, part time anyway. :) Brandon and Steve were two peas in a pod. We'd lose them for hours at a time. They'd be in the garage, building bunk beds, or fixing whatever might be broken, rigging up a swing somewhere, talking about and looking at guns/tools, or taking the girls on long, dangerous, off road bike rides. We also loved to camp together. We grilled out together a few nights each week and I met Tanya and our friend Tasha once a week for Desperate Housewives hour. So, when they moved, we were...sigh....sad. But we're so happy for them as a family, and very proud of Brandon (and the support Tanya has given him).


Tanya

From left to right: Olivia, Evelyn, Sophie, & Brielle

And a new little Clark baby...that's his name: Clark!

Brandon's motor bike that Steve wants now. Answer: NO.

Clark

Tanya and I wanted to throw Brandon a graduation party at a park nearby where we used to play. So I put together the food and we invited some friends and we were all set to go with beautiful weather! Wait. The clouds rolled in big and black on our way to the park. Then they dropped big fat drops slowly. Then the thunder and lightning. It'll pass.....

Or it might just pour for the entire time. Which it did. But our kids thought it was the best thing ever! They were running and jumping in puddles and laughing and screaming. They had a blast. And we...stayed in the comforts of the shelter. The rain made it difficult for the burgers and brats to cook. So we ate cake, pasta salad, and chips. But even so, the point of this party was to celebrate his Dr. hood. And we were successful in that; despite our weather and despite a minor/major injury of our dear little friend Matt, who somehow managed to break his jaw in 3 places and fracture a tooth on the play equipment. Poor little man. But I hear he is recovering well.

Steve took the girls for motor bike rides. I got one too. The guys talked about guns. Tanya and I caught up too. The girls played like old times. And we sent them off yesterday back to Ohio.

Olivia summed it up for us 5 minutes after they drove away. "Mom? I miss them already."

Me too. :)

Graduation? Beach?

A lot has been going on in just a few short days in the Clark household. For starters, little miss Sophie graduated from her 3's class to the 4's preschool class. Not sure that this is your standard graduation, but I suspect that since the 4's were graduating to the big K, they invited the younger ones to participate too. Even with validity of the event in question, we love to celebrate our children and so we dressed up, invited Grandma Jan and Uncle Dan, Aunt Amy, and Hannah baby, and we celebrated! Sophie sang several songs about what they'd do in the 4's room and was definitely the cutest kid up there. Congrats Sophie! One year closer to the Big K!




Sophie's 3's teachers. We'll miss them a lot!


Grandma Jan & Sophie in the thinking chair...thinking about their behavior. Don't they look innocent?

We've also been busy enjoying the nice Spring weather that has finally graced us with its presence. Here are a few photos of our too-cold-to-swim-sandcastle/mom-wants-a-tan expeditions. We love having Big Creek and Saylorville all within a miles radius. Polk City rocks!







Notice there are no pictures of me in my swimsuit. You're welcome.

Time

Today I haven't cried. Today I smiled more. Today I hoped more. Today I played more. Today I aspired for more. Today I believed more.

Time really is on our side. ;) Yes it is.

By your side

I was angry at God yesterday. I've never admitted it before, and as far as I know, I've never been angry with God before. But yesterday, yes. I didn't get the job. The one I really wanted. And while I know people don't get jobs all the time, I really believed I would. I believed that was the ending that God wanted for me. I thought I would just persevere through the crap at work and my reward? This new job. The better hours. The extra time with my family. I really believed that. And whether its the dumbest idea you've ever heard or not, it was my truth. The interview was perfect. They called and pretty much told me I had the job. And that was the hope I was clinging to.

I got the call yesterday while I was hurrying to get groceries before going to work. It was like the last block in the Jenga stack, and I crumbled. I tried so hard not to cry. I tried so hard not be angry. I tried so hard not to break. But I did. I couldn't even pray. I was tired of being strong. So, I ignored God for the day. I tried really hard to ignore God. I shut everything off. Then, on my way home, I heard my all time favorite song on the radio (Testify to Love). I didn't sing. I listened. But that was just to get my attention. The next song was new. I hadn't heard it before, and historically, I turn off new songs. But this one was everything God wanted me to hear. So, perhaps you are not sad, or angry at God right now. But chances are, you will be someday. So, for reference, here is what has begun the healing of my soul. And today, I'm just a little less angry. I still don't understand everything, and I'm not sure that I will. But I will listen to this song, and I will believe these words, and I'll wait.

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

(Chorus 2x)

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Tenth Avenue North

Why didn't I think of that?!

Proverbs 9:7-8

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. "

The verses just jump off the page. A lesson learned. Why didn't I think of that? I led myself down a path with no possible good end this week, attempting to correct a person who wouldn't stop mocking me behind my back. What did I get? The blame. It's so ludicrous right? Blame the person who is being made fun of? But it all makes sense here doesn't it? You can't force fairness into a mind that can't allow it. You can't convince a person of right and wrong that doesn't understand the difference, or loves to smudge the lines between the two. They lie so much that it becomes their truth. And I couldn't understand that. But I do now.

I've just been praying that this situation be out of my head. I want to feel sorry for her. I don't want to hate her. And hate for her consumes me. The unfairness is overwhelming. I come up with the best words and phrases in my head! I've got the best comeback this time...now all I need is the opportunity.....

No, that is not the way to freedom (although my comebacks are priceless). I will not waste my time correcting a mocker anymore, I've only been hated for it. So, it will go on....maybe. But, truth will prevail. Not as quickly as I would like. But it will. Until then, God, may my words and deeds win out over the words and opinion of this person. Let your light shine through. Forgive my anger, arrogance, and indignation towards this situation. My heart is now 5 TONS LIGHTER. Thank you Jesus. This is the beauty of our Lord.

For me!

Mother's Day swing

Rocks in my shoe!

Tree huggers

I was given a WONDERFUL mother's day yesterday! Steve and the girls got home around 3:30 from Sioux City. I pouted in the morning since I was spending mother's day ALONE, but then I snapped out of it and went to Target. I wanted a really good beach/lawn chair that could recline to accommodate my sunning. After a terrible time trying to get them to work in Target, I found one that I knew how to maneuver and bought it. I headed home to sun in my back yard. It was a bit windy, but comfortable. Anyway, the kids came home bearing gifts. Three big flowering plants! And six mother's day cards! Wow. I didn't expect that many. But they were adorable, with Sophie's little people with legs coming out of their heads and big alien eyes. Olivia wrote me a mother's day story, and Steve got me a gorgeous Stargazer plant and a card. But that wasn't all! They had also stopped at the store to get picnic stuff. Steak and salad and beans, complete with charcoal for the grill. We made lemonade and loaded up our bikes in the truck and were on our merry way. We had a great time! The girls climbed a tree and played at the park. I sat in my chair with my Mt. Dew and soaked it up, literally. The steak was amazing, and so is my family. I'm so very lucky.

One of my new plants

The cutest little things I put on the line

Tiny pants

Mom

I am blessed to have a fabulous mom in my life, someone who has ALWAYS been there since the beginning of me, someone who has ALWAYS loved me since the beginning of me, someone who is responsible for the beginning of me. Thank you, Mom.


You taught me most everything I know. Since I've become a mother myself, you've taught me even more. I've pulled from the stored banks of memories in my mind and I find myself repeating words I've grown up with, phrases from you and Dad that I swore I'd NEVER say, but I do...and I love it.


I want to give my girls the same fun that we had growing up. Steve and I take them camping now, hoping for the same awesome army adventures for them in the woods. I teach them songs because of you, I pray with them because of you. I love them because of you.


And I'm sitting here wondering (besides God) if anyone in the world has more influence on the future than a parent? You influence one generation (so greatly) who influences the next and then next. What an honor! What a responsibility! An honor and responsibility that my mom lived perfectly.

I'm so thankful! I'm so thankful that my mom is here by me still, the one I call when things go great or horribly wrong, the one I rely on still for comfort in sadness (like a scraped knee) or maybe something more grown up now, but not different really. We just want her to kiss it away. And through words and gentle leading, we find it through her, we get there.

Mom, Bam, Grandma Jan: I'm so thankful for you! And I'm sure you look ravishing carrying your new purple clutch. All my love momma~

Mel

PS. Thank you for teaching me how to sew.

Wait loss

So I'm a slow loser. Is that good? :) True to my word, here is my update: This week I lost 2.2 lbs. for a total weight loss of roughly 18 lbs. I thought it was more but it turns out I am a poor mathematician. And I gained a few one week. But I'm back on track, have lost what I've gained, and am now proudly smaller than I've been in years. I have a new goal to aspire to: 8 lbs. by May 30th. My good friend Amy and I are going to Chicago to visit our newly engaged friend Katie. Amy is also losing weight and we've set this goal together. I'm really hoping to achieve this and I think I can. I've started to ride my bike more because I'm getting ready for the Firecracker 40 (a small town bike ride equaling 40 miles that spans across little towns such as Farmhamville & Gowrie). True Iowans are laughing right now. But I'm excited! I've realized that I haven't tried very hard these past couple weeks but I've still lost a few. But now I'm serious about it and back on track and I think I can achieve more. It's just such a process...such a wait. But I'll get there!

In other humorous news, a mom from Sophie's daycare called me tonight. We're pretty good friends so I didn't think it was weird. But when I answered, she said her son Jackson wanted to talk to Sophie! So I put Sophie on. She buckled down onto the stairs with phone in hand beaming ear to ear and said, "Hi Jackson!" He said something..... Then she said, "I love you. You have my heart and I have your heart. Bye!"

GASP!!!! Now I knew they had a kiddie romance going. But REALLY?!!! Ha! :)

Jackson's mom was equally thrown back. "DID YOU HEAR THAT?!!" She screamed into the phone. And I just couldn't stop laughing!!!!!!

Cheers to young love-

Mel

SAP!!!!

Yesterday, Sophie and I had the honor of taking care of Hannah baby! We had a GREAT day. We played on a blanket inside in the morning and had a snack. Then we loaded up and headed to Old Navy to check out the sales. We spent quite a while in Old Navy and both girls were really good. Hannah started to fuss at the very end during checkout and I panicked! What do I DO? So I got into the large baby bag of goods and pulled out her cup of milk. When I turned around to leave, Hannah threw it on the floor and I realized she'd downed that sucker in 5 seconds! She must take after her dad. HA HA HA!!

Then we went to the mall to meet up with my friend Jama and her little guy Kaden. Hannah and Kaden are about the same age and we knew they'd have fun. We ate tacos then went exploring. Hannah peed on my lap at the table and then I changed her clothes. I forgot about this baby business!!! But she was so good the whole day! She fell asleep in her stroller as we searched for mother's day presents. When she woke up, we took the kids to play at germ world and they had a blast. Hannah stayed in the lion tunnel the whole time but was perfectly happy there. It was her domain.

In the afternoon, I laid out blankets in the back yard and Sophie and Hannah played together putting animals in purses. The day was gorgeous, sunny with big clouds and a slight breeze. Hannah helped me hang clothes on the line and then we sat on the porch swing and she fell asleep again. She is so precious! I love being an aunt!

Olivia came home on the bus and we had snack. Then the girls played until Amy came to get Hannah. It was a great day and it made me very thankful for my children too. Aren't they awesome? While we sat out on the blanket in the yard, I wrote for a minute in my journal. Here was my entry:

PS. Don't continue if you don't want SAP.

5-5-09

It's cinco de mayo--I just noticed! Not that the "holiday" means much to me (obviously). Anyway, today has been a fabulous day so far. I'm off (from work) for three days in a row, this being the second...and I asked to watch Hannah today. She is so incredibly sweet, and I've gotten the insight into life with baby again. We went to the mall; me, Sophie, and Hannah to meet some friends. I relearned carseat and stroller technique as well as how to carry a huge bag full of all that you'd ever need for baby until you realize there's something you need that you don't actually have in that massive bag. I bought tiny dresses at Old Navy and fed the girls mall food and we played at germ world/play place. I can't help but be caught up with their childhood lately. It goes so fast! People always told me that, but I didn't necessarily believe it. Now I do- as I watch my "little" Livy jump out of the back seat of the car with a backpack on her shoulders...She's so big. She runs off to the door and I just pray! (both silently and outloud at times) "Please turn around! Please look back!" And it gets further and further away each time when she thinks of it. And I know, soon, it won't cross her mind at all. Sighhh...DEEPLY...

I remember my childhood memories, the ones that are carefree and awesome. I want those for my girls too. I want them to remember awesome days, in our own back yard, on our walks to and from the park, and swimming at the lake. Remember who showed them how to build the sand castle walls or the best hiding spots in hide and seek. How do I make sure this comes true?

I've decided to become more aware. Even though cliche- what if this day were my last? Or, God forbid, theirs? Would I say?: not now, no, leave me alone, get out of the kitchen!? Would I send them downstairs so I could watch a TV show?

So, for now, I smile while I fold the tiny skirts and dresses. I scrub their hair with yummy smelling bubbles. I make nice dinners and funny snacks. I tuck them in, listen to their jokes, fears, and issues. I read to them and them to me. I ride bikes with them as far as we can go and remember to teach them all that I know. I protect them from harm, but push them along slightly to venture out on their own. How do I keep these days from slipping away?

I used to think I was SO done with having babies. Now, I wonder if I might be SO wrong! Ha! There isn't much better than this out there! Not a thing in the world. I pray each morning for one more day, long lives for my girls, success in what they hope for, and safety from harm. May God continue to grant these things to us.


I snuck up on them to get this shot

Sophie refuses to look at the camera but still wants her picture taken!

Playing in the yard

Pretty Hannah baby

A happy day...

Women of faith

Women of faith

Sisters

More sisters

My mommy

Dan & Hannah came bearing gifts!


Mom treated us to a weekend getaway and tickets to Women of Faith 2009 in Des Moines last weekend. We had an awesome time!!! The Friday Feature was our favorite part of the weekend where we heard from some awesome speakers like Dr. Henry Cloud and heard music by Sandi Patti and Steven Curtis Chapman or SCC, as we like to call him. The messages were truly amazing and it was really fun to hang out with the women of our family. We stayed in the Embassy Suites, courtesy of Mom and Darrell, and were surprised when Dan & Hannah brought us a big gift basket for Mother's Day/Girls weekend! The basket had candles, bubble bath, shower gels, loofas, chocolates, champagne, popcorn, etc. We were totally spoiled!!!!

This conference was extremely inspiring. I can't wait to invite more people next year & I encourage you to go in your area if it comes around your way. A HUGE thanks to Mom who had this all in her mind to give to us. It was an awesome gift that I won't ever forget!

PS. There was a picture of the four of us in facial masks, but we just looked shiny and really gross so I omitted it with an implied permission from all involved. You can thank me later.

In other news, I didn't weigh in last week due to a scary busy schedule. Steve was working LOTS of overtime trying to finish a pool by the deadline. I was working a lot too so I missed weigh in. I'll go this week though and give a better update.

I also wanted to update you on my interview process. I didn't hear from the ICU position I interviewed for so I didn't get that one. But that's ok. I didn't want it if I wasn't supposed to have it. And I really didn't want to have to make the choice. So that one was clearly not right for me. I did however, interview today for a job I'm VERY excited about. It is for surgery at the new hospital Mercy is building in West Des Moines. It opens in September of this year. My position would be mainly pre-op, getting patients prepped for OR, starting IV's, giving pre-meds, histories, etc. and doing post-op or post-anesthesia recovery after surgery. I'd also be cross-trained into working in the OR as well. It would be better hours: four 10's, days only. No weekends, no holidays, only occasional call hours. I'd also get to work in a brand new facility, do things I've never done, and have the challenge of learning surgery. The interview went extremely well. It was another team interview (this must be the new fad) but the three women were hillarious. We pretty much laughed the whole time. They said they thought I'd really like pre & post op since I love people and they were pleased that I wanted to cross train into the OR as well. I won't hear back on the job for a while because they are interviewing the next two weeks for several positions then they are out of town for two weeks so I should hear by the first week in June. I wouldn't start until hospital opening in September so I'd have some decent time to transition out of W3 in style. I really really hope this is the one for me. So, stay tuned.

Well, I'm off to grill supper for my family. Hope all is well with you and yours too. We have so very much to be thankful for don't we?

Mel