The Clark Family

our life in pictures=)

2011-11-25T15:06:00.008-06:00

We went to Evansville to hang out with the cousins. It was so much fun and all the boys went on an adventure in the woods.

Jackson started Pre-K this past week. It was a good day for him and he totally loved it. I, Erin, cried off and on all day but I am hoping each day will get better!

GO CATS!

Jackson painted Frazier a frame for Christmas!

Jonathan built a fire pit! We love it!!

Peyton and Jackson. They are such good friends!

I am amazed!

2011-10-19T20:27:00.004-05:00

Today (Wednesday, October 19th) Jackson and I were making homemade laundry detergent and cooking lunch at the same time. Our microwave is above our stove and in order for Jackson to open the microwave he has to put his hand on the stove. Today since we had just made detergent, Jackson put his hand on a hot stove. Needless to say, he burned his finger tips and part of his palm. It was bad news! He cried and cried and screamed and I cried and cried right with him. I felt so bad and wanted to take it all away from him. I seem to burn myself a lot so I totally knew exactly how he felt! On top of him crying, it was time for Frazier to eat so he was crying too! I was able to get a show on for Jackson, began to feed Frazier and called Jonathan to help. Jonathan came home fast and was able to go to Walgreen's and get some medicine for Jackson's burn. During all this Jackson and I decided to pray. Once Jonathan got home Jackson said he didn't need the medicine because we had prayed. He said he had Jesus. It was really hard for me to argue with him about taking medicine when he tells me he has Jesus. I must admit my faith was small and I just wanted Jackson to take the medicine so that relief would come for him. Jackson's childlike faith in the Lord really amazes me and I am happy to report that within an hour or so he was back to normal. He still favors his fingers but he played with is friends, rode his bike and went to AWANA tonight! We serve a mighty God who is mighty to heal! I desire to be more like my 4 year old who believes when he prays!

2011-10-18T21:40:00.006-05:00

So all of our weddings are over and we had so much fun at each one. Each one was different and unique in so many ways. It was great to see old friends and watch these fun couples start their lives together. We are so proud of their commitments to each other and most of all their commitments to the Lord.

Our boys are going up way too fast! Frazier is already 2 months and Jackson is full of life! Frazier got his shots this past week which means we are free to get out and about now. This is so great because it means we can finally join our family back at church. It also means that we can join Jonathan in doing ministry. Just today we made it to story time at the library and it was so nice to be doing things in the community again! We are gearing up for Halloween! We will have have many opportunities to dress up and celebrate the holiday. We have a fall party at church, a dress up get together at the library, a BCM fall party and trick or treating with some friends. This year Jackson is going to be both a super hero and Dwight Schrute (not at the same time, however)!

We are back.. FINALLY!

2011-09-21T21:09:00.005-05:00

These past 6 weeks have been such a roller coaster ride. Frazier was born and 3 weeks later we moved. We are hoping that this is the last time we will have to move for awhile! It was a good move yet moving with a 3 week old, an almost 4 year old, and during Tropical Storm Lee was not ideal. We are thankful for our new place and thankful that our new place is slowly becoming home!

Since moving in we celebrated Jackson's 4th birthday and Frazier's one month birthday. For Jackson's birthday we went bowling and had a transformer cake and pinata. He had so much fun and it was definitely a birthday to remember!!

Frazier is now 8 weeks old (as of Wednesday, October 5th) and such a good baby. He sleeps good and eats good. He had grown 2 inches and 2 pounds at his 1 month check up! He is very alert and loves watching his big brother!! We are totally in love=)

Things we love about our new home:
We have 3 bedrooms
A really nice ice cream truck comes by often
We have really cool neighbors and neighborhood friends already
We have a back yard with a fence
We live close to Target and actually everything we need
and so much more!!!

October is going to be a busy month with weddings=)

2011-08-23T16:25:00.002-05:00

One thing that I was so worried about in the anticipation of Frazier was how would Jackson deal with a new baby. I am so proud to report that Jackson LOVES Frazier. And when I say LOVE I mean LOVES him! He is constantly kissing him and checking on him. He loves to hold him and make sure he is 100% taken care of! I praise the Lord for this transition and just hope that this trend continues!!

Pictures....

2011-08-16T13:29:00.003-05:00

Frazier is here!

2011-08-13T21:41:00.002-05:00

This past Wednesday we arrived at the hospital around 4:30am and the process began. Frazier was finally born by c-section at 8:57. I had some issues with my epidural which caused the section to happen later than expected. We spent Thursday in the hospital and came home on Friday. We are so thankful for how the Lord took care of us and how incredibly awesome Frazier is. We are also so thankful for family and friends who came to visit and were a huge support. Pictures soon!!

2 more weeks

2011-07-26T15:54:00.008-05:00

So, Frazier will be here in TWO WEEKS!! I can't believe that is almost that time! It seems like just yesterday I was in complete denial that I was actually even pregnant. I can't wait to see his sweet face and have another boy in the house! I am nervous about the delivery and just how it is going to be once we get home. I am nervous that I will not be able to handle it all! I am trusting that the Lord knows what He is doing and I trust that He will provide down to each intimate detail!

Here are a few pictures of life lately=)

My sweet Silas came to visit! We had a great time and it made me really really miss him!

The BCM threw us a shower. It was so much fun and we got LOADS of things that we needed!

I have been pretty crafty here lately! These are a few things that I have gotten ready for Frazier!

Jackson and I went to a Tea Room with Grace and Bonnie. It was so much fun and Jackson had a BLAST learning to drink tea!!

Jackson just being silly!!!

Mom, Dad, Aimee, and Lelia came to visit! It was a very great visit and so nice to have them here to help me feel ready for Frazier. We went shopping, ate out, and just hung out! I miss them a lot!!

I took a picture

2011-07-07T21:54:00.002-05:00

We went to the doctor this past week and everything is looking good. I am 34 weeks and we planned our section for August 10th. That means 5 more weeks!! Time to really get ready for sweet Frazier!!

DFR, pregnancy, and Father's Day

2011-06-26T21:09:00.006-05:00

This past weekend we went to Tall Timbers and had a retreat with all the BCM families in the state. It was an amazing weekend to connect with other families who do the exact same thing we do. I loved watching the kids play together as well as talking to the wives who love the Lord, ministry, and their families just as I do! I always look forward to these retreats!!

I wanted to update on Frazier. I am officially 33 weeks pregnant. I am going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. This pregnancy has been much the same as when I was pregnant with Jackson as well as some differences. The things that seem to be the same are: heartburn, tiredness, and gallbladder issues. The things that are different are: leg cramps, stomach pains and issues all the time, and just not being able to get around!(I think this part has a lot to do with my age=() Overall, I am falling more and more in love with this very active little guys daily. I can't wait to see his sweet face and watch Jackson love on him!
(I know I am only 28 weeks in this picture.. I need to take more.)

We also celebrated Father's Day. This year we had a lazy weekend where Jonathan worked hard finishing some furniture for Frazier. I know, what a great Father's Day. But I also cooked 2 of his favorite meals got him some gifts and just encouraged him all weekend! He really is a great dad! He is great at making us feel loved, wanted, and needed. He puts the Lord first and that is what makes him the best husband, father, and minister in the world!! We love you Jonathan!!

Half of the IN Clark's come to visit...

2011-06-17T22:06:00.007-05:00

This past week Jonathan's brother, Billy, and 3 of his 5 children came to visit. They are from Indiana so it was a long trip for them. We had a great time going on adventures, playing the Wii, and just catching up! Here are just a few pictures of our time together.

Life lately!!

2011-06-07T22:14:00.010-05:00

So we got home from the mission trip and students had one week of regular classes then finals. It was crazy to spend so much time with them and then they all left!! It is nice to have our schedule slow down some, yet I miss all the students being around!!=)

Since that trip we dyed eggs
and celebrated Mother's Day,
had a senior dinner and leadership fellowship,
Jackson had his Awana program, we went to Ruston for Dennis and Kara Lee's wedding,

and celebrated my sister's 40th birthday.

It has been such a crazy yet so fun past few weeks!! We have also worked really hard on our adoption. To learn more about what is going on with that visit our adoption blog.

Mission Arlington/ 50's Fellowship

2011-05-02T18:55:00.003-05:00

We are home from our AMAZING mission trip and being very busy getting these last few weeks of school over with. We had a 50's fellowship last night to end the school year and have one last fun time before finals. I am happy to report that Frazier made it through the mission trip and is still very active. I was so nervous going into the trip because the last time we went to Mission Arlington I miscarried. But the Lord heard our prayers and next week we will get to see Frazier again! =)
Speaking of Frazier. I am officially 26 week pregnant and going great. I have tons of leg cramps and back pain but all things that are manageable. I do have partial placenta previa which means the placenta as planted over my cervix. We will have an ultrasound next week to see if it still that way.
Speaking of the mission trip. It was amazing. We have a ton of great students who work hard, have great attitudes, and simply love the Lord. It was a pleasure to work with them and serve along side them!
Speaking of the fellowship, it was so much fun! The students did, yet again, an amazing job of planning and making the 50's fellowship loads of fun!! Jackson had so much fun drinking a root beer float and playing with a toy gun the entire night! He has really adjusted to SLU and loves the college students!!

April in picture...in rewind=)

2011-04-17T20:06:00.006-05:00

Jonathan and I had an amazing weekend with a youth group from Brandon MS. I got to teach the middle school girls and he got to teach the Senior boys! It was also great to catch up with old friends from Ruston, Cody and Christina.

We had a family night where we watched a movie on the porch. It was great weather and so much fun!

Jackson caught a toad. He was so proud!

A few weekends ago we went and rode bikes. We had a BLAST and will totally do this again soon!!

Ponchatoula has a strawberry festival every year. It was so much fun and Jackson had a blast. It was also nice to go with some friends who could show us around. OH! and Yes that is a deep fried strawberry which was actually pretty good!

Jackson and his little worm. He loves animals!!

Jonathan and Jackson went on an adventure and came back with this?!!?

Jonathan teaching Jackson how to whittle.

And just one of Lelia because she is so cute and I miss her....

Yet more updates...

2011-03-30T23:34:00.007-05:00

So tonight I was spending time with the Lord in the quietness of the house and I was just overwhelmed with the Lord's timing. I know that most of my posts are pretty light but I just have to share what is going on in the Clark family and in my heart.

First of all, we want to officially welcome our new niece Lelia to our family. She was officially adopted last Tuesday and with tears in my eyes I am amazed at just how the Lord works! He gave my sister and her husband a precious little daughter at just the right time! She is perfect in every way and the perfect match for their family and ours as a whole. I am constantly amazed by the way the Lord does what He does.

Secondly, I want to announce that this coming August we are expecting another precious boy! We are officially 20 weeks pregnant! We are filled with many emotions! Shocked, being the first, nervous, and extremely blown away by yet again the Lord's timing. If you aren't familiar with our past I will share. We decided it was time to start trying to have kids in 2006. Not really sure what made us decide that...probably our ages but, nonetheless, we decided that we would stop preventing it. We got pregnant in about 5 months and soon miscarried. It wasn't too bad since we were very early in the pregnancy and not really sure what to expect. We immediately got pregnant again and were blessed with Jackson. He came by an emergency C-section at 36 weeks because of his heart rate being so low. 3 days after he was born I had a seizure and remained in the hospital for the rest of the week. I have been totally fine since then but just that experience made us question having more. But a few years later we decided yet again we should try. So we did. We got pregnant pretty fast this time and things were looking great until 12 weeks in. We miscarried and this time it was tough. It was hard for a few reasons. 1)we had seen the sweet child and his/her heartbeat. 2) Most knew we were expecting so having to relive the loss over and over was difficult. The doctor said that it was unexplained and we were safe to keep on trying. So we did and got pregnant yet again. This time we saw the little one with a heartbeat and thought things were fine until 8 weeks. We miscarried and I was filled with emotions that I couldn't explain. I questioned A LOT! Why was it so easy for some and so hard for others? Was there something we were doing wrong? Had my sin finally caught up with me? And many others. When the 3rd baby was lost we decided it was time to break and seek the Lord. We had been challenged at Collegiate Week at Glorieta the August before our miscarriages about orphan ministry and had decided our role was to give, and serve more directly in that area so we did, never imaging we would one day adopt. Yet in April of this past year(2010) we were confronted about adopting and decided that we would simply move and allow the Lord to shut the door on His timing. Along the way he has shut many doors and opened many as well. In the process we have prayed a simple prayer that the Lord would lead us to our children. It has been a HUGE step of faith and a growing season of our understanding of the Lord and His will, character, and timing. We had decided to adopt in April 2010 and at that time decided that we were 100% content with 1 biological child. I had come to grips with the fact that I was finished having babies and I was okay with that. Yet the Lord's timing, yet seems off sometimes, is always perfect! =) So YES we are still adopting and pregnant. We ask that you join us as we pray! We are trusting the Lord for there is nothing else we can do. We are also going to trust His timing and know that His plan is perfect, even when it seems crazy to us and to others around us!!

March and Adoption updates...

2011-03-15T20:38:00.004-05:00

Adoption.. To find out about our adoption and updates on our current adoption status visit our adoption blog at: www.clarkfamilyadopts.blogspot.com

March updates:
We celebrated Mardi gras, had a kickball game at our home, and celebrated my birthday. It has been a great month so far. Mardi gras was fun because some students from Tech came to visit and it was so great to see our old friends. We also went to a parade in Covington.

February happenings!

2011-02-21T15:54:00.005-06:00

Jackson is still a part of AWANA and he LOVES it. I am amazed each week at just how much he is learning and just how great his teachers are!

Jonathan and Jackson decided to play in the mud one Saturday. It was so fun to watch them! Jackson was sort of unsure about it at first but quickly jumped in and had a blast!! It is nice to have concrete floors for easy clean up when they decided to come in!!=)

The Hoggs saw a show in New Orleans and stayed with us for the night. It was SO much fun having them here. Ethan and Jackson were so cute. Jackson still talks about Ethan a lot!

Boyd and Patsy came to visit and just left this morning after a long weekend. It was so nice to have family come and visit. We had loads of fun from eating out, visiting New Orleans, to hiking!

We also had a super bowl party. It was so refreshing to have college students in our home again. I forgot how much I missed having them around!

A weekly event around here is cooking dinner with our neighbors. We love having them over, teaching them how to cook, and investing in them.

Jonathan is AMAZING!! One Saturday I decided it was time to cover our chairs! Now keep in mind the chairs are my grandmothers whom is 94! The chairs are very very old and needed some love! We went to Hobby Lobby and Jonathan picked out the fabric and as soon as we got home he got straight to work and before lunch they were all done! I am so thankful for his work ethic!!

Valentine's Day was so much fun. We have some friends in town that invited us to a Valentine's Party. It was fun to meet new people and to hang out with old ones. Jackson had a blast passing out his valentine's and also playing with his friends. Jackson also made me a music box at Lowe's the week before. It was so cute and I am so thankful for his sweet gifts!!

Can't wait till March!

They arrived.....

2011-02-08T16:53:00.005-06:00

So I guess that the weather in Dallas improved because as of yesterday our Valentine's Day cards arrived...=) We really like them and hope you do too!!

Bad News...

2011-02-03T16:19:00.002-06:00

So bad news.... We ordered our Valentine's Day cards 8 days ago! And today I tracked them on UPS and they are stuck in Dallas because of "Adverse weather conditions"! What is up with that??!! Oh well, I guess this year the cards will be a Happy "Late" Valentine's Day!

January...

2011-01-22T21:57:00.004-06:00

January is almost over and I can't believe that we have been in Hammond for almost 2 months. Some days it seems like we have been here forever and other days it seems like we just moved here. We still miss things about Ruston but we are learning how to make Hammond home. We love discovering new places and making new friends. Jackson is a part of Awana at FBC Hammond on Sunday nights and he is really enjoying being around the same kids each week. We really like it as well because we have always been a fan of the Awana program. We are still on the hunt for a new church. There are so many to choose from and each are so different. We are finding that it is a good thing and a bad thing! We just wish Emmanuel of Ruston would move to Hammond=) Students started back last week and it was so great to be around them! We got to experience our first Free Lunch and Jonathan spoke at the Worship service called Fuse. He did a great job and it made me really excited about this semester and this stage in ministry. We also got our picture taken for our annual Valentine card...

Merry Christmas 2010 in rewind.

2011-01-03T21:52:00.005-06:00

So many gifts!!

Jackson loves him some Lelia!

WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Flintstone Christmas

Hopkinsville Christmas

YUMMY ice cream! (I just love this picture:)

We stayed with the Hogg's while we were in Ruston for Mark and Callie's wedding. Fun fun times!!

Fun wedding.. Jonathan's first wedding and he did so great!

Talking about Jesus=)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Lights at City Park in New Orleans!

Hammond thus far!!

2010-12-13T11:29:00.007-06:00

So we have been in Hammond for a little over a week now and we are adjusting. We like our new place a lot and we (well I) really like that Target is 3 exits from my house! I find that if I am having a bad day all I have to do is run to Target and look around. It seems to make all things better!! haha

Things we love about Hammond are:
our ice machine in our refridge
the closeness to New Orleans and shopping
the Walmart lines!! (we counted 6 cashiers waiting to check people out!! It was AMAZING!!)

Things we miss about Ruston:
My phone actually working in my house
Cable!!
Emmanuel!! (we miss it A LOT!!)
Friend!

Here are some pictures of things that have been going on..

Our first meal in our new home..haha

Jackson putting his hand print on our homemade Christmas skirt..=)

Thanks Nana!

Hammond Christmas Parade.. Look at all those beads!

Ready for the parade!

Ready for the Christmas deal that the BCM!! It was a blast!!

The Bidding is Over

2010-12-08T13:52:00.001-06:00

Thank you so much for the bids you placed on the print from Robyn Crumby for the adoption. The bidding is over and the print is sold! Thank you much!

Hammond here we are!

2010-12-03T16:09:00.003-06:00

So we are all moved in. That doesn't mean we have everything in place but all the boxes are off the truck and the truck has been returned. We are trying to adjust and get everything in some sort of order. It has been so hard to figure out where to place stuff and how to decorate. I have never been very good at decorating so moving is a stretch!
Things we love about Hammond so far are: 2 WORKING bathrooms, the students at the BCM, and the quietness of our new place.
Things we miss about Ruston: our friends, knowing where everything is, 943 Sybil...

The current bid for the painting is: $125

Our current bid

2010-11-28T16:40:00.000-06:00

As of today, Sunday, at 4:39pm, the current bid on the item below is at $100! Thanks for helping us bring our baby home.

If you would like to bid, read the post below for instruction.

A chance to give on this Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T10:30:00.010-06:00

Our wonderfully talented, sweet, generous, and kind friend is doing a fundraiser for our adoption. She has painted a beautiful painting to be auctioned off starting today and ending on December 7th. The way this will work is you can start bidding by posting a comment on our blogs, emailing Jonathan(jonathanclark00@gmail.com) or me(flowerblue1@hotmail.com), or on facebook. The bidding is starting at $55. ALL the money will go to bring home our sweet little one from Ethiopia!! Let the bidding begin!!!

www.robyncrumby.blogspot.com
www.clarkfamilyadopts.blogspot.com

Happy Late Halloween!

2010-11-04T22:12:00.006-05:00

What an eventful Halloween! It started on Friday. We trick-or-treated at local businesses in downtown Ruston. It was so much fun and our favorite part was the gummy eyeballs given out by the blind center. Friday night we went to the BCM for the Halloween dance. It was so much fun seeing all the creative costumes and hanging out with students. On Saturday night we went trick-or-treating in a neighborhood with our church family/friends. It was loads of fun and Jackson got tons of GOOD candy. Not just gummy eyeballs but ring pops and good chocolate! Then to top the Halloween weekend off we went to our church Pumpkin Patch. We played games, ate nachos, and once again filled the bucket with candy! Overall, a fantastic
Halloween weekend!!

I want to be a good blogger but...

2010-10-27T21:16:00.005-05:00

So, I want to be a good blogger but these days it has been really difficult to find time. One of the main reasons is that we only have one good computer, which sounds so lame considering that the majority of the world is completely clueless as to what a computer even is, but once Jonathan gets home to where I can actually use the computer I either don't want to or want to just be together as a family. So, since Jonathan and Jackson are watching a Sesame Street ABC movie before bed tonight I decided it was time to blog... Also because we are moving.. Yes we are leaving Ruston and moving to Hammond, LA. Jonathan got a job being the BCM director at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU). We are super excited about the adventure yet really sad to leave the place that caused us to be better. Ruston has been the place where we learned each other, had Jackson, watched him grow into a sweet little man, made amazing friends, and SO much more. It was our FIRST of a lot of things and it will always hold a special place in our hearts! We are so sad to go but know that the Lord is leading us and we desire to be obedient above all else. =)

Jonathan had a birthday. He made 34. His parents came to visit and we all had a great time. They spoiled us rotten and I think we all gained about 10 pounds.

Jackson is becoming quite proficient with his new bicycle he received for his birthday back in September.

OUR BABY TURNS 3!

2010-09-12T16:19:00.009-05:00

Jackson turned 3 this past Friday. We had a very eventful week! We started off the week by watching Toy Story 3 in Tech's football stadium. It was a very cool experience.

On Thursday, we had a cupcake drop-in in which loads of students and friends came to celebrate Jackson's birthday! He had so much fun!

On Friday, Mimi and PaPa came into town. We opened gifts and headed to Chuck-E-Cheese. He had LOADS of fun eating pizza and playing games. We left there and ate ice cream.

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On Saturday, Jonathan, Jackson and PaPa went to Lowe's to build something while Mom and I went shopping. We met up for lunch and off to ride Jacksons new bike!=) After a much needed nap we went swimming and then ate dinner.

It was so much fun celebrating all weekend! We are so thankful for him and so impressed with just how sweet and smart he is. We are overwhelmed with love for him and thankful to our God for trusting us with him!! Words could never express just how much these last 3 years have meant to us!

Please Pray!!

2010-08-28T17:17:00.001-05:00

Visit our adoption blog!!!

the end of summer!!

2010-08-22T14:58:00.005-05:00

Although college students are still three weeks from starting classes, we are done with our "summer schedule" and back up and running full steam! We have completed our vast amounts of travel (4,942 total miles traveled...not including air travel) and are back to our normal schedule. Erin has started babysitting a 6 month old every day from 7:30 to 3:30. I have been working full days in preparation for the Fall Quarter. Jackson has QUICKLY gotten back on a schedule of going to bed a decent hour and having another baby around (He is so good around babies...it is VERY affirming concerning the adoption and how he will do as a big brother).

Our last segment of travel consisted of Collegiate Week 2010 in Glorieta, New Mexico. It was GREAT not having to drive, as we all rode on a charter bus with about 50 other students and staff/families. Jackson did a great job and really enjoyed the freedom that comes with a bus. The conference was incredible and has had Erin and I dialogging about ministry and missions! Plus, we got sweet and much needed time with students.

2400 miles later..

2010-08-01T14:39:00.007-05:00

So the past few weeks have been an adventure. Jonathan went on a mission trip to the Yucatan with our church and Jackson and I went to Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama to visit family. Jonathan joined us when his trip was over. It was a great time of playing with cousins and visiting with family.

It all started 3 weeks ago when Jackson and I picked up Shelby from Meridian. She came to spend some time with us and we are so thankful that she did. She is growing up way too fast and it was so much fun loving on her and having her love on Jackson. She is a great big cousin to him and he loves her dearly!

Jonathan left that next Friday and we left that next Monday. Shelby, Jackson, and I went to Georgia where we celebrated my dad's birthday and simply hung out. Mimi and Papa spoiled Jackson and he is still asking to go to their house.

We left on Thursday and went to Kentucky where Jackson got to play with his cousins. He loves them dearly and had LOADS of fun playing with boys! They play so well together and I loved watching them make memories that will last.

We picked up Jonathan on Saturday and spent a few more days in Kentucky before heading to Alabama to visit Jonathan's BFF and his wife and daughter. That was great fun and Jackson LOVED being around a baby girl! What a great big brother he is going to be!

We finally made it back to Louisiana on Saturday but not after the break down of the truck and two police car rides. =)
It is nice to be back home for a little while and sleep in our own beds and not have to dig for clothes in a suitcase! But we do miss our family!!!=(

Summer in full swing!

2010-07-06T21:17:00.007-05:00

Wow! I can hardly believe that it is already July! It seems like just yesterday it was Valentine's Day. This summer has been crazy at times and slow at times. It seems like we hurry up for one thing and then wait for the next event to happen. We joined the city pool this year and that has been where we have spent most of our free time. We love just being out in the sun and teaching Jackson to love the water! And that he does!! The BCM and Emmanuel have both had summer Bible Studies going on which keeps us on our toes. It has been tons of fun to have a small group around that we can just hang out with and get to know! We are also pressing on with adoption stuff. It has been a process that is hard to explain. It is crazy at times trying to wrap our mind around the fact that we are expecting and that she will be here before we know it, but at the same time, we have to prove to the world that we will take care of her. It requires so much paper work that sometimes I just have to walk away for a few days and then come back to it. Overall, we are THRILLED to be expecting and can't wait for the day when we get to see her sweet face (www.clarkfamilyadopts.blogspot.com)! We know and trust that the Lord has her picked out just for our family! What a great summer thus far and the month of July has many great things planned as well!!

Summer is HERE!

2010-06-01T19:27:00.008-05:00

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Shelby and Jonathan being so sweet!

Jonathan is playing church league softball and LOVING it!

Gran, you gotta love her!

Jessie is officially a graduate! TEARS! She is growing up so fast!

What I love about Summer!

2010-05-14T21:31:00.009-05:00

When Family Comes To Town

2010-04-10T19:32:00.020-05:00

As you can probably tell Erin is making a post. I, Erin, like pictures over words:) Well, our families came to visit. My mom, dad, and nieces came on Tuesday and left on Friday and Jonathan's parents came on Thursday and left on Monday. It was so much fun just hanging out, eating good food, and just being together! We miss our families and are so thankful when they are willing to make the long trip to visit!!

Jonathan decided to draw on Jackson. He has Paw, Jonathan and himself on his belly. One day we went to Lincoln Parish Park. It was fun feeding the birds and just being outside.

The boys went on an adventure!!

Patsy always being suprises!!

We also visited the Tech Farm. It is always so much fun seeing and smelling the animals. Also petting the cows who give us our milk!!

Jackson LOVED this part of the trip!!

Mimi and PawPaw stayed at a hotel with a pool! We spent a lot of time there!!

Cookies!!!YUM

Our Easter Break..

2010-04-05T17:41:00.002-05:00

We spent our Easter afternoon with the Stokes family. Jackson LOVES them and cried the entire way home! They will be missed TONS!!

We found a frog and Jackson is still talking about holding a little frog.

We went to Lincoln Parish Park and spent some good quality family time.

Jackson admiring his eggs=)

Dying eggs=) Jackson had so much fun and had even more fun hiding and finding them.

Jonathan took Lyndsay Claire, Ethan, and Jackson on an adventure!

Chuck E Cheese with Ellie and Zoe! So So much fun!!

Our neighbor got a duck. Jackson thought it was so cool!

At Meggie and John Michael's Wedding! So BEAUTIFUL!!

Daddy and Jackson have been going on "adventures" lately. Jackson loves being a little boy and getting dirty!

GO CATS!! Even though they lost we still love the cats!!=(

On the cool nights we like to build a fire and make s'mores. Jackson LOVES to eat s'mores and in doing so gets them all over himself!!

Making and eating homemade sugar cookies! They make me think of my granny so that it always a good time!!

Having fun in the good weather blowing bubbles!

Jackson got his "own" pair of scissors. He LOVES to cut only paper! He is getting really good at it and likes to cut daily!

The pollen in Ruston has been HORRIBLE! Everything is yellow. So we are constantly washing the cars and the backyard off daily. Jackson LOVES it!!!

Mission trip plus throw up =(

2010-03-17T21:14:00.009-05:00

There has been a lot going on since our last post. I guess the main thing would be our Mission Trip to Mobile, Alabama with Emmanuel Baptist College Group. I'd LOVE for you to check out that trip in detail on that blog: www.EmmanuelCollegeRuston.blogspot.com. We had a great time and count it a wonderful opportunity to take Jackson on his 2nd mission trip in the last 4 months. He helped build a house with Habitat for Humanity, ministered to the Filipinos, hung out with the kids at the Alabama Baptist Homes for Children. It was GREAT to get to experience this together as a family again.

Most recently, Jackson got sick for the first time in 2.5 years of existence. It was this past Monday and he was in bed (the BIG bed). I (Jonathan) heard him stirring around and went in there. The stench was like strong Parmesan cheese. I turned on the light and witnessed the MOST throw-up I had ever seen compared to the stomach from which it came. I was so proud and disgusted all in one. We put him in the tub and had a few laughs about the ginormousness of his vomit while Erin cleaned things up. Erin, who, by the way is the most AMAZING wife and mother EVER, stayed up with Jackson all night and let me sleep to be fresh for work.

He eventually got better.

We are now in purge mode, which meant we took apart his crib/toddler bed, now that he is sleeping in a regular sized bed. We stored it away, which was sad for Erin.

Happy Mardi Gras!

2010-02-18T21:23:00.005-06:00

Ever since Jackson was born, we have always taken a trip with Aimee (Erin's sister) and Michael (bro. in law) during Mardi Gras Break (in Louisiana, all colleges are out Monday-Wednesday of Mardi Gras). Two years ago we went to Gulf Shores; last year we went to a state park in Mississippi. This year, we decided to go to Flintstone, Georgia and stay with Aimee and Michael and do some of the touristy things of Chattanooga that would appeal to Jackson.

We were able to leave on Thursday evening prior to the break due to school being canceled because of snow. We made it to Tuscaloosa and then on Friday morning drove into Atlanta to see my BFF Dave's new baby, Eden. Jackson is betrothed to Eden. It was great seeing Dave and Brooke and meeting their sweet new, Eden. Jackson LOVED her.

That evening, we went on into Flintstone (just 7 miles south of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee). There was quite a bit of snow, so we were able to play (and pee) in that. Jackson and his cousins built a rather large snowman. In Chattanooga, we went to the Aquarium, which Jackson simply adored. He was all over the place mesmerized by all the fish, stingrays, sharks, frogs, penguins, etc. The next day we went to the Children's Discovery Museum. That place was fantastic. I think Jackson enjoyed it too...I didn't notice, as I was enjoying all the neat experiments and artifacts. We finished our tourism elements by going to the IMAX theatre to see an ocean film in 3-D. Again, very cool stuff.

Jackson threw up more than average. I guess, mainly due to large amounts of junk food in short spans of time.

It was really refreshing to see family and still get a vacation and STILL manage to do some things we never take advantage of when we are there for other occasions. In all of our excursions, fast food outings, Dunkin' Donuts, car snacking, Mother-in-Law's home cooking, and bowls upon bowls of ice cream, I only managed to gain a half a pound.

stay tuned for more pictures=)

the Real BETH MOORE!!

2010-01-24T20:36:00.003-06:00

This past weekend I had the privilege of going with my BFF in Ruston, Lindsey, to see Beth Moore. I have always been a fan of her but never a die hard fan so I was unsure as to what to expect. Lindsey and I had a great time traveling all the way to Huston, TX! It was a much needed time with her talking about nothing important and being away from our families. It was nice to be able to talk and not have small boys at our feet wanting our attention! It was my first time away from Jackson over night and was a lot easier than I thought. Not that I want to do it again anytime soon but I am glad that I did it!! The conference was for those who had memorized scripture over the past year. It was so encouraging to see all these women who have been intentional to hide God's word in their heart. The scripture that I memorized was all of Psalm 139. I am grateful for the way the Lord used it in my life over the hard times of miscarrying. I know and can rest in God's providence of his timing and the fact that all of our days are ordained before one of them begins(psalm 139:15-16). Our little one's days were numbered and it happened to be only a few weeks. I take complete comfort in that! I want to thank Lindsey for being so consistent to keep me on track to memorize my scripture and would stay on top of learning it with me. Ruston is an easier place and life is better because of her!! I love you BFF!!

potty training!!

2010-01-13T21:56:00.003-06:00

January 4, 2010 we started potty training. Jackson is a champ at going to the potty. He has even learned how to put his poop in the potty. We are so proud of him and are thankful for his quickness at learning!!

Merry Christmas

2010-01-01T22:06:00.008-06:00

So Christmas is over and we are back in Ruston. We spent time in KY with Jonathan's family and in GA with my family. It was a blast and we are TOTALLY spoiled!!

Jonathan's brother, Billy, made him a quilt for Christmas=)

Ty, Ally, Jackson, Alex, and Ethan. All the Clark cousins=)

Jackson, Jonathan, and Ty. Jackson and Ty are only 6 months apart!!

Patsy's fun tree and Jackson!

Notice Jackson is SO SO excited about taking a family picture=)

My Granny, she is 92 and so funny=)

Jackson drinking is first cup of Starbuck's hot chocolate.

Regan, Jackson, and Shelby.. Sweet cousins..

Mimi and Jackson and the HUGE snowman in Mimi and Papa's front yard!

Spoiled I say SPOILED!!

Christmas is wearing us out, but we are LOVING it!

2009-12-18T21:31:00.004-06:00

December has been moving by pretty quickly and a LOT has been happening. As you probably know, we miscarried the Monday prior to Thanksgiving. A couple of weeks after that initial start of the miscarriage, we ended BACK in the emergency room on a Sunday afternoon after church which resulted in a D and C (that is basically where they go into the uterus with a little vacuum cleaner and suck out all the impurities). That thing did wonders. Erin was back up to 100% in no time flat! If we knew it would be that easy, we would have had the D and C back in November! Our church family has been incredible. They have signed up to bring us meals and have rallied around us. It is really good and we are very humbled and grateful.

On a MUCH lighter note, we have been going, going, going with various Christmas parties and get-togethers. Sunday School parties, BCM parties, Church Staff parties, dinners with friends, etc. I cannot tell you the last time we have had an evening at home, just the three of us. Students are done with school for a couple of weeks, which means things will slow down for us as well.

Jackson was able to attend his very first Murray State basketball game as the Racers came to Ruston to play Louisiana Tech! Murray State lost by 6, but it was very exciting to see Murray folks down here and to be reminded of just how amazing college was. Plus, I was asked to say the pre-game prayer. I was wearing my gold Murray State Alumni shirt during the prayer, but I had my jacket zipped up.

Jackson has also become a chewing-gum addict.

I carry both of these in my 18 year old wallet.

Jackson spent the day with Daddy at work and received a blue candy cane.

Emmanuel Baptist Church Staff and families Christmas Party

It is a good thing there is no audio on this picture, because we were all screaming at the top of our lungs.

Jackson displaying some of his silly faces.

This is Jackson and his buddy, Ethan Hogg, at the Emmanuel College Christmas Party.

Ethan Hogg and Jackson again. Jackson SERIOUSLY loves this kid.

We received this baby doll as a gag gift at a Christmas party and Jackson was reading to her before he put her down for her nap.

Thanksgiving Break

2009-12-02T21:49:00.005-06:00

Being at Louisiana Tech makes for odd breaks. They are on the Quarter system, which means, they have a big break for Thanksgiving. The BCM always takes a Fall Break Mission Trip. In the past, we have gone to Wisconsin, Mexico, California...places that were way far away and not really conducive to taking Jackson (plus, he was a little-bity baby). This year, however, we went to Mission Arlington in the Dallas, Texas area. It is practically in our own backyard. And with Jackson being 2, meant he is old enough to go! We had an absolute blast. There were about 80 students that went and we all stayed together under one roof. Jackson loved all the attention and excitement. He also loved being out on the Mission Field. We had to clean a yard that Mission Arlington had acquired and he jumped right in there raking leaves and picking up trash. Mission Arlington also does a lot of apartment ministry, especially with the children there. Jackson was very sweet to play with the kids and give them presents and love on them. It was like he knew there was a bigger purpose for his being there. It was really neat to experience a Family Mission Trip for the first time...hopefully the first of many.

This is at one of the apartment complexes where we did an after-school program. Jackson gave the children Christmas books about Jesus that were written in both English and Spanish.

This is a Sunday morning worship service at one of the apartment churches. Many of these complexes allow the church to meet in a converted apartment. It was very neat to see the diversity and the informality of what we might be used to.

This is also at an apartment complex. We were playing soccer, football, and frisbee with the boys while the girls colored and talked jewelry.

We also got to see Brett and April Duncan (Brett was one of my best friends from High School who went to Dallas Baptist on a baseball scholarship. He stayed there). They have a one year old boy named Mason who we all got to meet for the first time, plus they got to meet Jackson for the first time. That was fun.

Since we had been doing so much traveling (the week prior going to Atlanta for a DNow and then to Mission Arlington for 6 days), we decided NOT to try to make the trek to Kentucky or Georgia...plus there was a wedding the Saturday after Thanksgiving where Erin had hair responsibilities. All that to say, we had decided to stay in Ruston for Thanksgiving. We missed seeing our family, but it sure was great to not be on the road. It was great to rest. It was great to have some very intentional family time. It was great to heal from the miscarriage news. It was just a really refreshing holiday. We got the house decorated for Christmas and had a wonderful meal with Marmee (Melinda Pratt, mother-in-law to Aurelia Davila Pratt, mother to Lyle Pratt, husband to Dr. John, etc) and her family. It was nice. We all had a really great time of non-blood-family fun.

The progression of our little Charlie Brown Christmas tree being built.

Tree built, lights on.

Tree built, lights on, decorated, Nativities, watching The Office...done.

Jackson with Marmee...his resident Grandmother.

Erin with Aurelia Davila Pratt, Marmee's daughter-in-law and friend of the Clarks.

Jackson LOVES these boxers. We all had a lot of fun wrestling around and rough-housing. I (Jonathan) even left with two big scratch marks from my eyebrow to just below my lip. I think Jackson is checking this dog's oil.

"Glory Baby"

2009-11-25T13:11:00.002-06:00

There is a song by the Christian band, Watermark, called "Glory Baby" which is a song about miscarriage. We figured this would be an appropriate way to announce we have done just that, miscarried. We are very much at peace with God's sovereignty and take rest in Psalm 139:16. God has given us both great and significant peace...really. We aren't just saying that.

"Glory Baby"
by: Watermark

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…

Miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…

BRIDGE:
I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…

Even though the baby we carried never got any bigger than our pinky-nail, it is comforting to know that he/she had a soul and is with its Creator...and his/her brother/sister that was also miscarried three years ago.

Offical transition to a BIG BOY!

2009-11-18T21:47:00.005-06:00

It has been a long while since we last posted...a whole two weeks! Well, so much has happened in those two weeks that we define as extremely pivotal in the transition from "creeper" to "big boy" (the term "creeper" comes from our church...to define those who are pre-big boys). Jackson got to the point where he was climbing out of his baby bed so much that we had to break down and convert it to a big-boy-bed. It was pretty funny, as he realized his new-found freedoms that come from not having that railing restraint. We would walk in his room and find him asleep on the floor behind his rocking chair or half on/half off the bed. He's pretty much got it down now.

Another transition to big-boy-hood happened this past weekend. I, Jonathan, was asked to speak at my BFF Dave Snyder's Disciple Now just outside Atlanta, Georgia. We were there from Thursday till Sunday. On Friday, while I was with Dave, Erin and Jackson did some Christmas shopping and then topped that off with Jackson's first-time experience at Chuck E. Cheese's. He LOVED LOVED LOVED it. AND, we had an INCREDIBLE time with Dave and Brooke, who will be birthing Jackson's future wife in February...yes, it is pre-arranged. Who cares if Jackson is compatible with their daughter...the parents of those kids are compatible with each other and THAT is what REALLY matters.

Pregnancy update: We made 11 weeks this past Sunday and the "morning sickness" seems to be almost over.

#2....

2009-11-05T18:49:00.008-06:00

So this past week has held lots of #2's for Jackson. I know that most times you only document #1's but we thought it would be fun. This week Jackson:

1. Went #2 in the potty! So we got him some big boy underwear=)

(I forgot to take a picture of the #2!!! It makes me really sad!!!)

2. Saw his 2nd stage show. We got to go and see Playhouse Disney!

3. Aunt Aimee came to visit and they shared a room for the 2nd time.
4. It was his 2nd time to actually dress up and get candy for Halloween. This year our church had a Pumpkin Patch. It was LOADS of fun!!

Oh well actually there are a few firsts....

Jackson is going to be a big brother, so even though it makes #2 for us a parents it makes Jackson's first time being a big brother!

Due 6-6-2010

WE ARE LAZY!

2009-10-29T08:13:00.004-05:00

We have failed to update the blog for a few weeks. SORRY!

(From the typing fingertips of Erin) Since our last post my sister, Brooks, and my Dad came to visit. They came in last Thursday, October 15, and stayed until Sunday. It was a great visit of doing nothing. I know it sounds crazy but we just ate, laid around, and of course they played with Jackson! Jackson enjoyed getting some one on one time with both of them!

(From the fingertips of Jonathan) Actually, we are NOT lazy...we have just been so the-opposite-of "lazy" that we haven't taken or made time to update the blog. As Erin mentioned, we have been busy with family. As my parents left, Erin's family came and left. Even yesterday, Wednesday the 28th, Aimee (Erin's sister) came to visit. Work-wise, we had our Fall Retreat this past weekend which was an awesomely exhausting weekend. Then there is always fun stuff happening with the college ministry at Emmanuel Baptist, which you can read about at www.emmanuelcollegeruston.blogspot.com

Jackson tee-teed in the potty for the first time on Sunday, October 25th! We were quite proud of him.

Jackson with Paw Paw. They had a great time reading books and playing

Jackson's first non-diaper, non-carpet, non-bathtub relieving of urine in the appropriate place.

Aunt B filled Jackson full of candy.

This is Jackson's best buddy, Ethan Hogg. He is a friend from church. Ethan is very patient.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-10-15T19:06:00.004-05:00

33-year-old-Jonathan here! Monday, October 12, 2009 was my birthday and it was FANTASTIC. I was spoiled, as usual, by my parents coming down to Louisiana from Kentucky (like they do every year around this time). They took us out to eat and we spent our days watching football and playing Wii Resort (thanks to my awesome mother and father in law). We had a great time. They came to church with me and visited me at work. They even got to see Jackson, although we ALL know that it was their "baby" they came to see...not MY baby. Of course Erin continued to spoil me with gifts daily. She's so good.

"Granna and Grandpa" are the names given to Jackson's grandparents on my (Jonathan) side of the family. However, Jackson chooses to call "Granna" by her first name, "Patsy" and Grandpa, simply is "Paw." Patsy and Paw brought Jackson the rest of his birthday present, a Thomas the Train toy. He loves it.

Jackson and Paw

Jackson and Patsy

More commentaries...only about 20 more till the collection's complete!

HOMEMADE!!

2009-10-07T21:51:00.011-05:00

Since last week we have been SO busy!! This past weekend we worked at an event at church called the Great Giveaway! It is an event where people from the community can come and get things donated by the church for free! It was SO much fun! (www.emmanuelcollegeruston.blogspot.com)

This week we had a couple of firsts. We decided to make laundry detergent. We have washed a few loads so far and we are very impressed! We are hoping to really save some money this way. We also would like to brag on Jackson. Just today he had finished his lunch and I was in the kitchen cleaning up and I heard him praying. I look over and he has his eyes closed and he says "Dear Jesus, love you! AMEN!!" I was so excited and was reminded that staying at home with him is what I am supposed to be doing at this point!!

Our homemade detergent!! SO EASY!!
Grate 3 bars of ivory soap into 1 quart water. Heat until COMPLETELY melted!
In large bucket(2.5-5 gallon)
Combine: 2 cups of Borax
2 cups Arm & Hammer washing soda
2 gallons of water
Ivory soap-melted mixture
Stir with whisk until thickened
Use 1/4 cup per load

Jonathan and Jackson having a daddy date. They painted a pumpkin! It was one of Jonathan's birthday gifts=)

The Great Giveaway!

Catherine and me working the registration table at the Giveaway!

The end of Jackson's birth month and the beginning of Jonathan's birth month!

2009-10-01T21:38:00.004-05:00

So once again we missed our Wednesday. We missed because we are used to posting after church but this Wednesday church was canceled due to a home football game.

Since last week we have gone to Ignite (a college conference), had SNAC (Sunday Night After Church), Jonathan went to a state wide meeting, and we went to the Tech vs Hawaii game. We had fun at the conference and enjoyed hanging out with students. SNAC was AMAZING! Sam is the best cook ever and the Emmanuel students are down right GREAT!![www.emmanuelcollegeruston.blogspot.com ] The Tech game was also loads of fun. Jackson had fun watching the big screen and he totally enjoyed the band. =) Overall, wonderful week as usually!

Sam, Patty and Me at SNAC

Me, Lydia, Suchi, and Catherine at SNAC

Chad and Jackson at Ignite..

Jackson and Daddy eating Krispy Kreme for breakfast.. We all fell back to sleep from all the sugar!!

Our sweet baby!!

Tech game!!

Jackson painting his pet rock=)

Post from Big Poppa

2009-09-25T08:36:00.003-05:00

I know we have been in the habit of posting on Wednesday, but I felt like posting in the midst of all this rain. Jackson and I have had some quality Father-Son time lately playing outside in the mud and rain, so I figured I would share.

We went on an exploring adventure through our neighborhood. We waded through a creek and splashed in every puddle on our path.

We filled this bucket with water and he ended up in it.

Here is some sweet mud on our afternoon of Disc Golf

More Disc Golf.

Yet another Wednesday... I love it!!

2009-09-23T22:49:00.005-05:00

So it is late yet I don't want to miss another Wednesday of not updating our blog!! Plus I am a night person so it is easy to stay up=) (unlike Jonathan who is fast asleep)

Well this past week we had Jackson a birthday party in Ruston, went to the first Tech game of the season, had game night at the BCM, and just the normal day by day things=) Overall, it was a great week!!

Jackson pretending to blow out the candles... I forgot the fire!

All his friends..

The amazingly cute and delicious cake made by Caroline Stamm!!

Jackson at the Tech game...

Jackson playing with his new birthday toys=)

Pictures from yesterday's update

2009-09-17T21:22:00.003-05:00

Don't judge this cake. I made it. It is NOT mold...it is multi-colored icing assortment melted and poured into the bunt pan

He does a complete 360 to hit the ball

This top picture is Jackson in the tunnel during his one year pictures. This bottom one is him in the same tunnel on his second birthday!

BCM...

2009-09-16T22:04:00.004-05:00

It seems as if every moment of our life since last Wednesday has revolved around BCM and the craziness that is the first few weeks of the school year! It has been a lot of fun and great to be able to have Erin and Jackson right in the middle of it all.

Last Thursday was Jackson's 2nd birthday and I (Jonathan) was able to come home for a few hours to go to the park with Jackson and Erin, share supper together, and bake a cake for the boy. We had a great time. I then had to go back on campus for "Fusion" (a United Campus Ministries kick off worship service...I fell asleep). Friday was a fun evening of Pancake and 4-Square Fellowship at the BCM. Jackson was all over the place playing and meeting folks. He even grabbed a pair of scissors from my desk and as I wrestling them away from him, he clamped the scissors across the top of my thumb. He made me drip blood. I was quite proud of him. Saturday was a great family day and then an evening of Young Adult Sunday School Get Together. It was a load of fun and Jackson LOVED his time in the nursery with his new buddy, Ethan Hogg.

This week at the BCM was the week of firsts: First Journey, First Soul Food, First 56, and (my personal favorite event of the year), Church Road Trip (progressive dinner amongst 5 local churches). While I was leading that through the BCM, Erin and Jackson were at church setting up. Jackson made two new college buddies, Jurdon Thomas and Mark Whisenhunt. They played ball with him, loved on him, taught him to say "Rock-N-Roll." It was a great time and he LOVED them and HATED to bid them farewell.

So, that is about it. Erin left the camera at church, so no new photos at this point. Sorry.

24 hours later...Camera retrieved...photos now available!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!

2009-09-10T17:17:00.006-05:00

Birth September 10th 2007

Jackson 1

Jackson 2

So today is Thursday and we missed our Wednesday update. We missed for good reason. Jackson, Ellie, Zoe and I all went to GA to visit my family. We went to see Jessie play softball and to celebrate Shelby's 12th birthday and Jackson's 2nd birthday. We had TONS of fun. We got back last night and were off to the BCM. Classes at Tech started today and that means that things at the BCM are up and running. Last night they had a block party and it was great to see all the old students and the new ones!!

Today is Jackson's Birthday! We are so blessed to have such an amazing son! He is growing up way too fast!! He has learned all of his ABC's and is learning his numbers. He loves to talk and tries to say everything we say. It is so adorable!! He also loves to color, watch TV, read books and just play! He really loves animals, outside and being with friends!

Talk to you next Wednesday!!

Jessie pitching!! She is awesome!! They won 3-0

Ellie. Zoe and Jackson at Collidge Park.

Jackson eating cake!!

Shelby blowing out her candles=)

One of the many toys Jackson got for his birthday

Blue Ice Cream = Green Poop

2009-09-02T21:45:00.008-05:00

Erin has graciously allowed me, Jonathan, to update this post. The reason being: she has found some documentary on PBS.

So, the summer is quickly coming to an end. I am no longer working 9am-noon. I am back to full days in anticipation of the craziness that is about to ensue here at Louisiana Tech and all the BCM events surrounding it. What does all of this mean? It means I take FULL advantage of my time with Jackson in the morning and in the evenings as I jump in the tub with him almost every night and play. We snuggle on the bed together watching Blue's Clues prior to our family pray/singing/Scripture time before bed. He is so wonderful and definately my best little buddy.

Last Friday we enjoyed an evening together at home as a family and then decided to go to Wal-Mart and Maggie Moo's Ice Cream shop. Jackson is like a kid in a candy store when he goes into an ice cream store. He gets so excited. He only knows one color, "blue" (either he knows more and enjoys messing with us by calling every color "blue" or he has some weird eye disorder where he legitimately sees everything in blue). Anyway, he picks out some Blue Cotton Candy Ice Cream and we sit there and eat our $12.55 worth of ice cream.

The next day, I get an invitation to go play disc golf at SGA Park with some buddies. I decided to take Jackson, just because I love the time with him and I enjoy him living the adventure that comes with access to unlimited dirt, sticks, rocks, etc. Well, 4 holes into our 18 hole course, Jackson gets really still and his face turns red, which tells me, he's taking a dump. I figure since it is a hot day and he is running around sweaty, the last thing he wants is warm stool sitting snugly in his diaper, so I decided to go on home and get him changed.

I realize that this is no ordinary poo. It was massive. I was such the proud papa. We took him straight to the bathroom and I stripped him down as I noticed it was all up his back and all over his clothes. It was awesome. It was such a rich hue of green. We put him in the tub and hose him off (thanks to our mobile shower head) and the water turns as green as a crystal sea.

Since this has quickly turned potty-talk, Jackson's new favorite thing to say "ewww Daddy pooted...shoo wee." I am NOT hesitant to say that he also appropriately says "ewww MOMMY pooted...shoo wee" (I hope Erin chooses not to proof this post).

I guess that is all that happened last week: Jackson crapped a lot of green.

JClark

Oops, Erin says there is more to our week than just that.

Erin made her grandmother's homemade cookies to take to church for an after-church fellowship. That brought back some good memories for her.
Erin also sewed, which impressed the pants off of me. She MADE Jackson a pillowcase and a top sheet...and not even from a pattern! She just took some fabric and her sewing machine and voila! A pillowcase and a top sheet.
We enjoyed a great time of fellowship with some church friends at a cookout. Jackson has a new buddy from church named Ethan. They are great friends and play well together.
Jonathan fixed a mower.
Thursday we got Jackson's 2-year-old pictures made by the very-talented, Donald Page out at Lincoln Parish Park. Jackson LOVED playing out there...and we got some great shots.
...and the same old same old

JClark

Green Poop

Erin's grandmother's cookies (which Jackson calls "dookie")

Jackson's new pillowcase and sheet

One of Donald's pictures (Erin made that shirt too!)

It is Wednesday=)

2009-08-26T21:12:00.004-05:00

Since last Wednesday we have totally enjoyed some family time. We are trying to fill up on our time together before classes start and Jonathan gets really really busy! Jackson received a sweet card with some money from Patsy for his accomplishment of being "pappy" free. We made a trip to Wal-Mart to get him something really nice. We let him walk and pick out just about anything. He decided on a hard plastic elephant, a big ball, a book, and some numbers and letters to play with in the bath. We also went to out to eat with our good friends the Crawford's. We ate at a new pizza joint in town called Fox's Pizza. It was very good.=) On Monday, we got to go eat with Jackson's resident grandmother, Marmee. We love her and are so thankful to have her in Ruston! She is so good to love on us. While there, Jackson, Jonathan, and Zoe played in the sprinklers. They really had a load of fun!! We also made Amish Friendship Bread and beignets.=) What a great week=)

Wednesday's Window to our World.=)

2009-08-19T21:37:00.004-05:00

Not much has happened since last week. I have been keeping Ellie all week and she has been a jewel! Jackson LOVES her and it allows me to get things done around the house. We also went swimming and shopping as well. Jonathan has been working as well as yard sale shopping. This week he went to 7 yard sales and brought home a wooden chicken, 3 balls, 3 books, and 3 shirts for Jackson and only spent $1.50. I got to sleep in which was GREAT!! Allyson Collins came to visit and it was so great to hang out with her. She will be a freshman this year and we can't wait for her to be here full time! Jonathan and I also celebrated 4 years of marriage. What 4 great, wonderful years it has been. We are totally looking forward to many, many more!!

PRAISE REPORT!
Jackson has been "pappy" free for 10 days now and doing FABULOUS!! When we got back from NM we just simply stopped giving it to him. He cried for about 6 minutes the first night and the second night was 1 hour and 15 minutes. But since then he has replaced the "pappy" with a magna-doodle. Even to the point of crying if we take it away when is going to sleep. I guess we can deal with the magna-doodle=)
p.s. 4 years of marriage is a praise report too=)

New Mexico=)

2009-08-12T21:13:00.003-05:00

So last Wednesday we were in New Mexico for College Week and I was unable to make our Wednesday post. Since a couple of Wednesday's ago we have traveled to and from New Mexico, cut Jackson's hair for the second time, and started work again. New Mexico was great! We were so challenged in our walk with the Lord. We are really excited to get back home and put those things into practice. We would like to report that Jackson traveled so well. He never go upset or even cried on the 28 hour bus ride round-trip. He watched movies, looked for cows(there was A LOT in Texas=), and watched the other kids who traveled with us. Overall, we PRAISE the Lord because we know it is because we asked Him! Speaking of Jackson, yes, I cut his hair again tonight. It was getting out of control again. I must say that he is looking more and more like a little boy each day. The time flies and I am not sure that I am a fan of it!! Work has started to pick up. I am keeping the Stokes' girls after school this year and TOTALLY looking forward to it. I love those girls SO much!! Jonathan has had a slow summer at the BCM but is now really working hard to get things ready for the fall. He has also taken a new job at Emmanuel BC as the part time college minister. We are really looking forward to working with those students there! What a great few weeks it has been!

Wednesday's Window to our World

2009-07-29T16:04:00.001-05:00

So I think that I am going to start updating our blog every Wednesday. I hope that it will be a good way to keep me accountable to updating more often. So...

We took another job. Jonathan is going to be the college minister at Emmanuel Baptist Churh as well as work at the BCM. We have really enjoyed the church thus far and we are looking forward to students coming back to school so that college ministry can really get going.=)
My sister and nieces came to visit last week. They came in on Wednesday and left on Sunday. We had an amazing time. We swam, visited the farm, went hiking, and hung out. It was so great. I love and miss them so much!!
I also had a tooth pulled yesterday, Tuesday. It was an experience. I HATE the dentist and when I say HATE I mean HATE the dentist. Needless to say I am glad it is over and so thankful for "happy drugs" that help make the experience not so bad!!=)

Jackson's First Haircut!!=(

2009-07-19T13:37:00.003-05:00

Jackson's first haircut was harder than we thought. He needed a haircut so badly! I guess the hard part was that there is no turning back! Now he is a little boy!!

1807.4 miles later....

2009-07-06T16:19:00.004-05:00

We FINALLY made it back to Louisiana. After visiting Flintstone, we decided to take a trip to KY as well. We celebrated the 4th with our KY family. It was so much fun! So after 1800 + miles we are finally home... Not so sure we want to travel any time soon....=)

and yet another day...

2009-07-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Day 6- Today was a good day. Aimee, Shelby, Regan, Jonathan, Jackson and I went to visit Gran. It was so good to see her. She is almost 92 and we always enjoy any time we get to spend with her. We then went to Chic-Fil-A where Jackson and the girls played on the playground. After that we all took naps. Then we went swimming. Jackson is loving the pool. Today he jumped off the diving board. Well, actually dropped off the diving board. But he loved it!! After swimming we ate BBQ as a family. It was good times!!

(Pictures will come soon=))

surprise!!

2009-07-01T21:28:00.002-05:00

Day 5- We left the beach today and decided to come to Flintstone for a few days. We told no one that we were coming so everyone was so totally surprised! Pictures will come soon...

vacation continued yet still....

2009-06-30T22:34:00.004-05:00

Day 4- Today we spent the morning on the beach and at the pool, took naps, did more shopping, ate at the Mellow Mushroom, and ate some YUMMY gelato.

Jackson playing on the beach. I think he would stay there all day!

Jackson riding the Barney ride at the outlet mall. =)

Us at the Mellow Mushroom.

Jackson looking at all the YUMMY gelato!

still on vacation....

2009-06-29T22:11:00.007-05:00

Day 3- Today was similar to yesterday. We hung out on the beach and pool this morning, napped in the afternoon while Jonathan and Boyd played golf, ate at Lambert's, and shopped at the outlet mall. What a great day besides of the rain..=(

Jackson getting ready to ride the waves. He totally LOVES the ocean.=)

Eating at Lambert's. We all ate way to much food!!

Jackson running around the outlet mall. Jonathan thought it would be funny to put a stocking on Jackson's head. Jackson thought it was funny and even posed for a picture. The fun never ends.

Vacation continued

2009-06-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

Day 2: Today we played on the beach, swam in the pool, took a big long nap, ate dinner, hung out at the Wharf, and rode a ferris wheel!

Vacation

2009-06-28T12:44:00.003-05:00

Day 1: New Orleans- A quick visit with Morgan at Centri-kid at Mississippi College, The Audubon Zoo, and a visit with old friends...(which included staying at the hotel that Jonathan worked at while we lived in NO).

Morgan and Jackson=)

The Zoo

Joy (my old roommate) and her daughter Peyton plus Jackson and me.

Mother's Day and Father's Day

2009-06-21T14:11:00.005-05:00

For Mother's Day Jonathan got me some Ice Java, which he had to get off ebay because they don't have it in stores anymore! He also got me some honey mustard from McAlister's. I know it might sound crazy but it is EXACTLY what I wanted!! He also got me a key chain with Jackson's picture on it. What a great Mother's Day!!

For Father's Day I got Jonathan stuff for playing tennis: new shorts, new tennis balls, a head band, and of course hot tamales. I also cooked him dinner and made him an ice cream cake. The ice cream cake was SO easy and worth trying. Below is a picture and the recipe.

8 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate, melted
4 cups crisped rice cereal
2 pints ice cream

-In a large bowl, combine the chocolate and cereal until the cereal is completely coated. Transfer to a 9-inch plan. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Freeze just until firm.
-Spread the ice cream in the prepared crust and freeze, covered, until firm, for a least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

I got the recipe from Real Simple.

Post from Jonathan...all by himself

2009-06-11T20:37:00.005-05:00

So, Erin was like, "Let's post a new blog." I was like, "There's nothing new to post." She said, "You can tweet on twitter all day long, but you can't think of anything to blog about." I thought to myself, "touche." So, here we are.

The iPod Erin bought me for a wedding present 4 years ago died, so I got a new one (32 gig, iPod Touch, which I saved every penny for). I have a lot of apps on there that are for little kids that Jackson just loves.

Marmee is teaching the 2-year-old VBS class at Temple this week, so she wanted Jackson to come. He has LOVED every minute of it. He plays and eats and wears himself all out. It is also a week of Lousiana Tech Freshmen Orientation, so Jackson has been doing the BCM deal this week. I am glad students love him and that he feels so comfortable around large groups of strange people...well, at this point I do.

We have been going out more on my bike with his bike seat. He enjoys it a lot nowadays. Also, Erin is borrowing a bike from a friend, so now we get to do that as a family.

Jackson is feeding himself, which is GREAT for meal-times.

So, I guess that is about it that is new in the life of the Clarks. The End.

Our trip to Flintstone!!

2009-06-04T21:13:00.006-05:00

Flintstone was so much fun. We went to see Shelby graduate from the 5th grade! I am so proud of her and can't believe she is going to be a middle schooler. I love you Shelby!!

Fun at Collidge Park. The kids were so great and had LOADS of fun!!

My trips to Flintstone ALWAYS include Jessie..She totally has my heart!

Jackson watching Dixie eat! It was so cute!!

Cleaning out Granny's storage unit. We found her old glasses!! HA HA

I love you GRAN!

Playing at Elmo park! They have so much fun together!

Fun times at Sweet Peppers Deli.

Jackson having fun at 'Nay's' house!

Playing with Sadie and Mason!!

Watching Awards Day with Aunt 'B'

Homemade Pizza with Mommy

2009-05-07T21:09:00.003-05:00

Growing up I loved homemade pizza. I would love to instill that into Jackson. Jonathan, on the other hand, could take it or leave it. Since Jonathan had to work late this evening, Jackson and I decided we would make us a pizza. He helped with ALL the steps, from kneading the dough to cleaning up. It was a lot of fun and quite delicious at that!

Tech Farm

2009-04-03T21:32:00.005-05:00

Jackson loves animals so we took him to Tech Farm to see all the animals. We had a great time!

and then there was NONE!

2009-04-03T17:18:00.006-05:00

So since our last post my parents and nieces came to visit, Aimee came two weekends later, and Jackson got his first pet, four goldfish.
Our visit with the parents was so much fun. We ate, shopped, swam, went to church, and just enjoyed each other. I love it when they come to visit! I can't believe how much Shelby and Regan are growing up. They make me feel so special and we have lots of great conversations. My parents are always so good at spoiling us. For my birthday they bought me a swing. I am actually swinging right now while I type this. We use it just about everyday!
Aimee came this past weekend and it was so great to have some sister bonding. We did not do anything exciting. Aimee surprised me and therefore I did not have time to plan anything exciting. She was simply forced into our world. Friday we went out to eat and to Wal-Mart. Saturday we went shopping all day and Sunday went to church. Monday we did some running around here in Ruston and then had community group that night. Tuesday we kept Arleigh and ate at Marmee's house. It was so great to just simple be around her. She was so great to cook some amazing monkey bread for community group and sleep in Jackson's room the entire time and get him if he cried. I think that a lot of the time he would end up in her bed just because she loved him being there so much!! Truth be known he probably liked it just as much as she did!!
To 'semper fi' our time together AMAZING!!
And lastly, Jackson's first pets were so much fun. He loved them so much. He would take any visitor to his room to see them and would tell them 'night night' before bed. The sad part is that they only lasted one week. We flushed the last one this afternoon! Tears.... Don't buy goldfish from Wal-mart!

Sorry so many words.. Now the pictures

Happy Birthday Paulie!

2009-03-10T19:19:00.003-05:00

This past Thursday we went to Clarkco State Park in Mississippi with Aimee and Michael. It was a BLAST. The weather was perfect! We celebrated my birthday (Happy Birthday, Paulie) with some DELICIOUS bon bons and manicotti. We played outside the entire long weekend. The boys mountain biked several miles of intense trails while avoiding cougars. They also played many rounds of disc golf. Aimee and I played with Jackson at the playground and sat by the lake and got our tan on while having much needed girl talk. Every morning we fed the fish tortillas or bread. One night we went to Meridian and ate at the Outback and shopped some. We took Jackson into the Petco where he totally enjoyed the animals. We also filled our night with "Take two" and "Would You Rather" since we were without cable or internet. We had so many laughs and can't wait until our trip next year.

We saw the Real ELMO!!

2009-02-24T20:59:00.004-06:00

Today, 2.24.09, the three of us went to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Green Thumb. This was Jackson's first professional stage production and he really seemed to love it.

picnik.com

2009-01-31T21:07:00.005-06:00

I was looking at pictures on Facebook when I noticed that there was some fun editing done on a few pictures. I asked a student at the BCM just how it was done and she told me she used picnik.com. I decide to try it out. It is really easy and loads of fun. I thought I would share some of the pictures that I have been playing with. Hope you enjoy!!

Home-made Playdough

2009-01-14T20:40:00.004-06:00

We found a recipe for homemade playdough, so we decided to make some for Jackson. It was incredibly simple, fun to do, Jackson loved it, so we figured it would be worth sharing.

3 cups white flour
1 1/2 cups salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
3 1/4 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
food color

Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix the water and oil, then pour the liquid over the dry ingredients and stir. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture holds together and gets too stiff to stir (it will stiffen even more as it cools), about 5-10 minutes. let it cool, then knead it briefly. Halve the ball of clay, then knead food coloring into each half, a few drops at a time, until you reach the desired shade.

Jackson really seemed to enjoy it!

Fun Videos of Jackson

2009-01-13T19:40:00.003-06:00

Enjoy!! We are having so much fun being parents!! We love him so much!!

Funny Faces...

2009-01-03T17:32:00.002-06:00

As I looked over our Christmas pictures I realized that I made funny faces with a few people and wanted to share them!! My favorite is Granny!! She is 91 and was so fun that day we hung out!!

Christmas Vacation!

2009-01-03T17:07:00.004-06:00

We had an AMAZING Christmas break. We spent time in Kentucky and in Georgia. We are totally spoiled and miss our families so much already! The following are just a few of the great highlights:

1. Saw my cousins in Memphis.

2. Stayed 2 nights with Mike and Tracey

3. Baked all day with Tracey while Jonathan went to the farm with Mike and shot guns!!

4. Opened some amazing gifts.

5. Jonathan spilled coffee on a piano from 1918.

6. Saw Ethan and Alex perform their Christmas program in Evansville.

7. Watch P.S I love you..(great movie)

8. Over ate some deciouse food! The diet starts tomorrow!! haha

9. Watched Jessie play basketball.. I love that kid!!

10. Jonathan built an entertainment center with Aimee and Michael.

11. Spent 3 nights with Aimee and Michael.

12. Went to Outback and Krispy Kreme and Jonathan at 10(yes 10) donuts!

13. Watched LSU beat GT on New Years Eve at Brooks and Kevins

14. Jackson got sick!

15. Visited with Amy and Josh

16. Went shopping!

17. Hung out with Shelby and Regan!

18. And so much more!!

Thanksgiving in GA and KY!

2008-12-01T13:36:00.005-06:00

So the past few weeks have been so much fun. Jackson and I left on the 13th to drive to Georgia while Jonathan left to go on a mission trip to San Diego. The trip with Jackson by myself was good. He is such a good boy! He only cried the last 30 minutes or so because he was done being in the car seat! I guess after 8 hours anyone would be ready! In Georgia we had so much fun. We shopped, ate lunch with Shelby, went to Regan's Author Tea, hung out with Aimee and Michael and ate Thanksgiving dinner! We stayed in Georgia until the 22nd and we picked up Jonathan in Nashville. It was so good to finally see him after being away for over a week! We drove to Hopkinsville, Kentucky and stayed there for another week. In Hop-town we shopped some more, played at the farm, ate Thanksgiving dinner, and just hung out! We had loads of fun at each place.

Preparing for the Holidays!

2008-11-09T14:39:00.004-06:00

It is Sunday afternoon and Jonathan and Jackson are sleeping. I slept for a little while but could only think of the billions of things that needed to get done before we leave. Of course, updating the blog was first on my list!!

We are now decorated for Christmas and the reason we have it done so early is because we are going to be gone the entire Thanksgiving break and will only be home for a couple of weeks before we leave again for Christmas break. We wanted to enjoy the decorations.

Just last night we got to drink some tea from the middle east. Our adopted student from church is from Pakistan and he got some green tea shipped and wanted us to try it. We actually really loved it!!

Halloween Fun!!

2008-11-02T21:31:00.004-06:00

Jackson went trick-0r-treating for the first time! We went with the Inman family and with the Stokes family. It was so much fun watching Jackson! He wanted to eat the candy immediately! He was very surprised every time someone gave him candy! He was a lion and Jonathan was John Locke (from LOST). It is crazy how time flies looking back at how tiny Jackson was just this time last year!

Happy Half Day Wednesday!

2008-10-22T13:03:00.005-05:00

Happy Half Day Wednesday! Jonathan is at home and we are going to rearrange the living room so that more students can fit into the living room for our Office parties. Also we received a package from Mimi today. Jackson got an Elmo stocking that sings. Right now as I type I hear Jackson crying because he wants Elmo to sing once again!! I am sure I will have to hide it before to long! =)

Jackson got his first ant bits this past Monday. He also got his first "Big Boy Boo Boo". In order to make him feel better he ate a muffin! He LOVES muffins!! He is growing up so fast!

"Dress like Daddy Day" CUTE!!

LIFE...

2008-10-15T21:27:00.008-05:00

Since September 19th...

2008-10-03T19:52:00.003-05:00

Currently, it is Friday, October 3rd around 8:00pm and Erin and I (Jonathan) are hanging out at Crescent City Coffee House in Ruston. We have been playing with our Webkinz, Willie, and updating our blog. Jackson is at the church nursery for First Friday. We miss him, although it is good to have some husband and wife time.

Since our last post, Jackson has REALLY become comfortable with walking. He is really good at it too. He can almost run. He also likes to climb. He can climb all the way to the top of the attic ladder by himself (rest assured...we ALWAYS supervise). He has also discovered the great outdoors. He LOVES to go outside and play with sticks and in the dirt. He is definately all boy. We can hardly sit down without him bringing us one of his favorite books for us to read to him. He just crawls up in our lap with anticipation of us reading to him. Since he has some teeth, we got him some baby-toothpaste. He does really well with it, even brushing them himself.

We are gearing up for the events that happen in the Fall. College Football on Saturday's. Halloween costumes. Visitors from family. Holidays. Tons of students over to the house. Jackson visiting Daddy at work (those students LOVE him). It is a very exciting time.

2008-09-19T12:51:00.004-05:00

New video!! We finally video taped Jackson walking. He is getting better at it each day! We are so proud of him!! He also has a great arm!! hahah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!

2008-09-14T22:12:00.003-05:00

Jackson turned 1 this past Wednesday. We had a family day out where we ate Jr. banana splits from Sonic at the park. Jackson totally loved the ice cream and being able to play! We also went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things and Jackson got two new Elmo videos. On Thursday we had a birthday drop-in. It was loads of fun and about 45 people came. We ate milk and cookies! Thanks to everyone who came! These are just a few of the pictures.

Jackson's pictures!!

2008-09-05T23:08:00.004-05:00

So classes at Tech have finally started and things are up and running at the BCM which means Jonathan is BUSY!!! Jackson is really enjoying going to see Jonathan at work and getting so much attention from all the students! It is great for us at nights because Jackson is ready for bed!! Jackson is also starting to walk and takes about 5-6 steps at a time. He really hates to walk and has already learned that crawling is faster so why waste time learning to walk. It really amazes me how fast they learn!! Jackson has also started feeding himself more and eating more table food. Plus he is in a big carseat that faces forward! It makes me cry every time he does something that makes him a "big boy"!

A few weeks ago we had Jackson's year old pictures taken. It was a lot of fun! If you would like to view all of them please visit www.robyncrumbyphotography.com. The pictures can be viewed under view proofs. Also please go and post a comment on her blog. We get free stuff plus Robyn is so great we want to get her name out there!!

Less than a month till one year old!

2008-08-17T21:18:00.005-05:00

It is Sunday, August 17th and we can't believe that in less than a month, we will have already had Jackson an entire year. Wow, how the times fly. We are finally at a place in life where we are not traveling all the time, like we have been all summer long. It is nice to get back to a routine and fortunately, Jackson has readjusted very well. He is getting so big and is on the verge of walking. He has this new face he has been making. He has learned to kiss (and somewhat blow kisses...although usually he prefers to just to mouth to mouth). He is into EVERYTHING. He loves to open drawers and pull everything our and attempt to put it back. He is trying new foods. Just today, he tried cornbread and jello. There isn't much he doesn't like...at this point. I am sure he will turn into a picky eater like his mom and dad were as kids. Here are some updated images. Enjoy

2008-08-13T14:55:00.004-05:00

After 5,223 miles of traveling over the summer we are in Ruston at last. The past week was so much fun. Jackson and I traveled to GA while Jonathan was in New Mexico at College Week. In GA, Jackson and I played a lot! We went to the Chattanooga Zoo, swam at Mr. Bills, had a birthday party, and played downtown. It was so much fun. We are so thankful to our friends and family for such a great week!!

Will the traveling ever stop...

2008-07-22T11:02:00.002-05:00

Well, it is the latter part of July and we have officially been going non-stop it seems, for an entire month now.

Just to recap: June 23rd we left for Louisiana Director and Family Retreat in Arkansas, left there to go to Flintstone, Georgia for a few days. Jonathan's family picked us up and we drove to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a week, went back to Flintstone and picked up Shelby and Regan (nieces) and drove to Ruston, Louisiana for a 10 day stay with the girls. We left on the 16th of July for Panama City Beach as Jonathan is working X.Fuge. While at PCB, Aimee and Victoria got to come down for a long weekend. It was Victoria's first time to ever see the ocean. She was quite impressed. We will get back to Louisiana on Saturday, July 26th and stay for a few days until Erin goes to Flintstone for a week while Jonathan goes to New Mexico for a Collegiate Ministry Conference.

THEN, hopefully after that, things will settle down for a while. Poor Jackson is a tad bit thrown off of his schedule, thus sleeps with us every night it seems. It is great though. We are getting a lot of family time and it feels like one massive vacation.

Camp DJ

2008-07-11T17:25:00.006-05:00

This week has been an incredible week! Regan and Shelby have been here all week. We have gotten to play, be lazy, swim, and just be together!! It has been wonderful. Today they both got their ears pierced! They were so brave!!

VACATION

2008-07-09T21:45:00.003-05:00

We just got home from an amazing vacation to Hilton Head SC. We went with the entire Clark side of the family. It was a BLAST!! Jonathan's parents rented a house for us, Billy (Jonathan's brother) and Monica and their four kids, Mike (Jonathan's other brother) and Tracey all came. There were 13 of us and we hung out at the pool, on the beach, at the tennis courts, the men played golf. We shopped. It was wonderful.