October 21, 2015

Victoria had ballet/tap class this morning. She looks so adorable in her little leotard and tights. I can't wait to see her recital in December.

After dance class, the kids and I visited Yellowjacket park where I met my visiting teachers and the kids played. They love that park. It's great because it's enclosed and there are so many things to do for the span of ages between the 3 children. Vivian was fun and terrifying to watch as she dared to climb and play on the parts of the park that were clearly meant for older children. She would determine to climb up oversized ladders and jump over large gaps onto playthings. It was frightening and yet my heart swelled with pride to watch her make a decision and follow through. She is a force to reckon with.

For workbook time today, Clark learned how to regroup when subtracting double digits. I was amazed at how quickly he understood how to do it. And all in one lesson! There were some big numbers to work with and he did most of it in his head. That little boy continues to impress me with his ability to work out math in his head. A talent that I do not naturally possess. He has so much potential to do great things.

Today was the last soccer practice for the fall '15 season. This is Clark's second season of soccer and he's beginning to show some real improvement. I hope he will continue playing the game for a while. He has some potential to do well, especially on the defensive side and as goal keeper.

Vivian always has funny things to say but her newest vivianism is to add the word goodness to emphasize her sentence. For example:

Me: Vivian please put the brush away.
Vivian: (in a displeased voice) O-KAY! GOODNESS!

She is full of spice and keeps me on my toes. I love the way she adds so much spunk to our family.

Clark said the sweetest thing to me today. He said he was sorry that I had to work so hard (being pregnant) for Claire. He is incredibly aware of others, especially for a 6 year old boy. I'm so impressed that he came to the conclusion that it was a lot of work for me to be pregnant with Claire only to lose her in this life. He is one of the sweetest and kindest people on this earth. I do love him fiercely.

Victoria has really flourished into a little girl as of late. Gone are the days of her toddlerhood. She's lost most of her baby fat and her face has become longer and leaner. She's looking so old! And she's asking how she can help me, doing things (like chores or noticing a need to be filled) without my asking, and helping Vivian with things she can't do on her own. Victoria is extremely excited to meet Baby Sister in December. She will be such a big help when Baby Girl is born.

I have been blessed with such lovely children. I do hope they will always know how much I adore them.

September 27, 2013

This morning, on our way to dropping Clark off at preschool, we were stopped at a stoplight and Clark observed that there were two black people in the car next to us. He asked me if I knew why some people were black. I asked him what he thought. He said, "Some people are black because they drink too much coffee!" Oh, the logic of a four year old.

September 25, 2013

This morning I was holding Vivian and she was happy and looking around. Clark was standing by us and staring at Vivian with a grin on his face. As he continued to stare at his new, little sister he said, "I'm going to marry her (Vivian)." He was so pleased with his new found thought; he couldn't stop smiling. Then he said (for the 30th time since Vivian was born), "I love babies." He is the sweetest, little boy in the world. I love his pure thought and love for others.

September 11, 2013

Vivian was 5 days old and we were all feeling a little restless. So, we decided to take a last minute trip to Costco to get out of the house. It was almost 5p.m. and didn't think about rush hour. Once we were on the freeway we decided to just bite the bullet and continue on the road- even though it was stop and go traffic. The kids were doing fine with the long trip with the exception of the occasional outburst from Vivian. We were almost to our destination and Clark began to complain incessantly about a sore throat. As I turned around to tell him that we couldn't do anything about it until we got out of the car I watched him projectile vomit into his lap. My darling, little boy continued to vomit until I was convinced there couldn't be anything else in his stomach. Somehow he managed to keep it all in his lap and carseat. We pulled into a parking lot and I stripped Clark down until he was completely nude while Brent went into a restaurant and got take out bags to put Clark's clothes in. As we drove back home we all couldn't help but laugh at the situation and how Clark's little, nude bum was sitting on a cold car seat. Sweet, sweet boy was calm as can be even though he was naked for the 20 minute drive and his sisters were whining and crying.

Things calmed down after we got home, Clark and Victoria got a bath, and Vivian had been fed. While  I put Vivian down for her nap I couldn't help but cry with gratitude for all of my darling, little blessings: Claire, Clark, Victoria, and Vivian. The Spirit was so strong as it reminded me of the pure joy these beautiful babies give me. I was overwhelmed with thanks for my sweet children. I love each and every one of them. Even during chaos.

March 20, 2013

When MomMom and Aunt Savannah came to visit over St. Patty's weekend, MomMom bought Clark some darling cowboy boots. He was elated to receive such a fabulous gift. He's worn them as much as allowed. I'm pretty sure he'd wear them in the shower if he could. This picture encapsulates many of Clark's favorite things right now: His baby sister, Star Wars, and his new boots!

March 31, 2013

Clark and Victoria in their Easter best right after church. 

2012

Untitled from Holly Gardner on Vimeo.

Clark will be prepared to kill zombie scum during the Apocalypse!