Sunday, February 22, 2015

Winter goes on and on!

There is not much new at the Clark house.  Winter has set in and we have snow, snow and more snow.  We have been out of school 12 days out of the 6 weeks since school has started back after Christmas break.  It seems to be hit or miss whether we are going to school or staying home.  The kids get up and say is today school or e-learning?  Our school system has a plan in place called E-Learning.  When we have a snow day the kids stay home and work online with their teachers.  It is a tough day for Josh, Cate and Mom when this happens.  Mom gets to sit right beside each kiddo and read the assignment, then explain the assignment 3 or 4 times and then work through the assignment.  It is like homeschooling only I didn't decide any of the work and have to figure out what the teachers really mean.  Our teachers are working really hard on this new system but we are not fans of e-learning at our house.  Josh and Cate would much rather be at school with friends and in a routine rather than home with Mom teaching them.  If we thought it was best to be homeschooling them we would be doing it.  Actually we are doing it whether we like it or not.  The funny thing is the kids will get up and say "Where is Dad?"  I say "Dad went to work."  They say "Why? It is snowing!"  This inconsistency of going to school 2 days staying home a day if it snows has given Josh and Cate the impression if it is bad weather outside you don't have to do your job!  Not true I tell them.  In America we expect you to work rain or shine, or snow!!

We always celebrate Valentine's Day at our house. 
 Any reason to let Josh and Cate know we love them forever is a fun day!




 

Zoe was interested in all the candy!

Grandma Carol and Grandpa Bob took them out to their favorite restaurant so 
Mommy and Daddy could have a date night!
  The rest of the weekend was pretty quiet with some down
 time under blankets and pink cocoa. 
 It has been chilly here!


We were able to reconnect with the Rieman family.  They have 3 adorable boys and we met up with them for some Taco Soup and nerf gun wars.  Thanks for the fun Friday night Brian and Lindsay.

 We always find time to squeeze in grandkids' time.  Uncle Josh and Aunt Cate love their nephews and we want them to know these family members are precious to us.  
We are honored to be able to love on our children and their children.
                                       Son Nick with his sons Nolan (age 3) and Wyatt (3 mo).


                                       Son Luke below and his son Konrad (7 mo) above.


                                                 Cate and I love our baby snuggling time!



         Josh is perfect at playing with Nolan.  Both these boys always want to have a ball in their hand!
   Sweet Nolan is above and below.  Now what do you think he is thinking about?  
Probably "Grandma don't stand in front of the TV.  I can't see!"

Cate has been playing volleyball and is doing great.  She is so teachable.  
Once she gets past that fear of "everyone is looking at me" she is going to be an all star player and even if she is not we love how she is giving it her all.




These are the faces of parents that got up at 4am to drive to Indianapolis in a blizzard so Cate could be on the court ready to go at 7:30am.  We probably look happier than we really were!  But isn't that what parents do?
Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.  We appreciate you!

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Choosing joy,
Chris



Monday, February 9, 2015

Christmas and more!

Our Christmas celebration went on and on for most of December but then why not?



















Josh's friend, Michael Oestreich, came to visit for a week.  Michael was adopted to Florida and wanted to see snow.  Unfortunately we did not have any blizzards while Michael was here but we sure had fun!


   Hellos are fun!











Good byes are hard!


We have had lots of family time and since we have new babies that means lots of baby time!

  Cate seems to really enjoy loving on her new nephews.  Here is Master Wyatt Lee Clark born 11/11/14 to Nick and Autumn with big brother Nolan.



  Happy New Year from our family to yours!  Welcome 2015!




  We love our Aunt Dawn!  Is she shrinking?








  We were so hoping the Colts would make the Super Bowl but no "Luck".  We are still fans!



Cate has joined Pineapple volleyball and is doing a great job!  We love this girl and her willingness to step out when things are scary.  Trust in Jesus Cate.  He's got your back.

  Josh went on a 2 night winter retreat with The Chapel youth group.  

 Cate got to have friends over since Josh was gone.  Cookie baking was on the agenda.



  This is Cate loving on another sweet new nephew.  This is Konrad Walker Clark born on 6/22/14 to Luke and Susi Clark.  What a blessed family we are.  Love new life!
 And the snow has finally arrived.  We have shoveled and shoveled and played and shoveled somemore!



We love Josh and Cate and what they bring to our lives. 
Some days are challenging but we love the positive thought ...
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant!  
Between the snow days and the e-learning we have been planting a lot of seeds~

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always hangs in there...always.
Corinthians 13

Thanks for reading the blog and praying for us.
Choosing joy,
Chris & crew