A gal and 4 guys

Best post ever!

2008-08-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

To see a great post by Ryan. Click away! I now know why I like this guy...he actually listened to my unsolicited advice!

Thank you Ryan Woods for making my day!

2008-02-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Closer, closer...3 days, not that I am counting or anything.

The countdown begins

2008-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

One week and one day...8 days and 7 nights! Just Ron, me, sunshine, warm water and relaxing!
Can you tell I am a little excited!

mommysense

2007-08-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is a great youtube clip for all moms. Sorry I couldn't post the clip, technical difficulties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlY8STkhopc

We had a baptism...

2007-08-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Let's go down to the river to pray! That is what we did toinight in the Columbia river.
A group of about 20, with several people on the beach, helped us celebrate a new life in Christ. It was a great time with cake and ice cream afterwards.
It was fun to see how we witnessed to those around us. Many offering congrats and eating with us. One even wanted to be baptized then, but will learn a bit more about Christ next week.
It is wonderful to celebrate these occasions. I have been blessed by these things lately.
Thank you God for being faithful to us.

2007-07-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

COOL MySpace Comments
Have a safe and Happy 4th!

I blew out 40 candles today,

2007-03-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

and I don't feel any different.
I spent it with my wonderful extended family,
have spent time with my very sick dad. Ate red
velvet cake and shared a party with my mom who
turns 80 on Tuesday.
I am ready to head back to Portland and have
a great new year.
Happy day to me!

Hip, Hip, Hurrah!

2006-09-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

I was going to post finally, about the great summer and trip we had. But, the best thing all summer, in fact all year happened last night. Nathan, my son, was baptised at FaithQuest weekend. Johnno and Nathan called on Sunday afternoon and Nathan ask Ron to baptise him! I am so happy and thankful for him putting on Christ. He is going to start school with a great outlook. Please pray for Satan to stay away from him. Pray that he always remembers that there is nothing to big for God to handle.
Thank you to all the people that have been examples and mentors for him. Keep doing it.

Ramblings, petpeeves, etc....

2006-06-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am not the fashion police, or do I claim to be the end all be all on high fashion. But come on people, just because the weather is warm does not give a license to wear nothing, even if you look good in nothing. First encounter yesterday at the Albertson's. Woman, age 20 something, nice figure wearing ever so short skirt, I mean like barely covering hiney. Okay, so she turns around and has little bandaids all over her thighs, hiding I suppose scabs. GROSS! Does she really think I, or anyone else want to see this, exspecially at the grocery store. YUCK! Second encounter, waiting at the stoplight, young guy 20 something on BMX bike. Pants around thighs and dingy, DIRTY looking underwear hanging out! GROSS! You could see his hand prints where he kept tugging at them. I won't even talk about the girl with the thong and all her hiney on the booth at the restaurant. I do not want to sit where people have put exposed body parts on. (That should not exposed) Now I am not against fashion, but please cover up open sores and bums.

To the hooligan that stole

2006-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

my solar lanterns, why do you have to be mean? I din't take anything of yours. Could you please return them? I won't ask any questions. Just put them on my front porch and I will be one happy camper. What I don't understand is why you did it in two seperate evenings. Were you just teasing me? They aren't worth that much money, they don't hold any sentimental attachment . They just looked nice in my yard. It took me two years to find the perfect ones. Oh well I guess you need solar lights more than me. I hope that they make you happy. But please STAY OFF MY PROPERTY! Thank you.

A new adventure.

2006-04-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well we did it. It is official. As of 9:15 am. We let the cat out of the bag. We resigned from Metro and are now officially church planters with Kairos. Our goal is to plant a church on the west side of Portland or the Sherwood area. We will still be serving at Metro until September. We are so excited about this new venture. We have felt strongly about it since it was introduced to us in the fall. After a lot of prayer and careful consideration we just knew that this is where God wants us. Please pray for us. Pray for a supporting church for us. Pray for our family and for all the people out there that we can touch. This is going to be a GREAT time in our life and a GREAT witness for God.

Chocolate chip cookies and other thoughts...

2006-03-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

Nathan, my ever so surprising 13 yo, is baking made from scratch chocolate chip cookies, boy do they smell good. He said that they were for his dad,(Ron's favorite cookie) but I hope that there are some left tonight. I thought it was nice the way that Nathan wanted to take some to our two widow ladies in the neighborhood and also wanted to share some with the youth group tonight. I am glad to see that he isn't always thinking of himself.
We are on our 1 1/2 weeks of Spring break. Parent conferences this week followed by next weeks break. I am glad that we are going to see family in Missouri next week. We could use the break.
I really like American Idol this season, I think Chris will go all the way, what do you think? Any other die hard fans out there? It is one show that we all can watch as a family, even Hunter likes to snuggle and watch, until he falls asleep.
Happy Spring Break!

This has been

2006-03-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

the fastest year yet for me as a mom. Today is Caleb's first birthday and it just seems like a blur. He has went from little bitty baby(6#) to a crawling climbing machine in no time. I have had a blast watching him grow and interact with his big brothers. I am so happy that you are a member of our family and the happiness that you bring us everyday. Happy Birthday Caleb!

The terrible, horrible, no good very bad week....

2005-12-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

I wish I could move to Australia. (A quote from our oldest sons favorite book when he was 6.)
That is how I feel at this moment. Lets start at the begining... Monday, my 8 month old van decided to have huge problems, not the first, but second time since we have purchased said van.
That threw a monkey wrench into my monday morning plans, that meant that I would have to atleast wait 2 hours while we got a rental. Tuesday, van back. Wednesday, my second son a.k.a. Dennis the Menace, decided that one gallon container of peanut oil looked like apple juice. He tried to place it on the counter and it fell. He wasn't hurt, but the plastic container split, spilling oil all over the wood floor in the kitchen. After numerous buckets of hot water and dawn detergent it was soak up. You can still ice skate on part of the floor. Thursday after visiting a friend in the hospital, the boys and I were headed home. It was 5;30 on busy 122 & Stark. I saw that the left turn light was getting ready to be green, I pulled into the turning lane and met head on with a Bronco truck. He was turning left through stopped traffic. into the turn lane. Fortunatly we were all buckled up and in car seats. As the tow guy put it, ma'm, they will probably total you car. YES, it was all snarled and smashed in. I was one of those wrecks where people slow down and guak! Anyway, my wonderful friend came and got my children and took them home. Ron was just two blocks away and was there as soon as I called. I am so thankful that no one was injured, God was watching over us! Thank you God!
Well today is Friday and it can only go up, except now instead of christmas shopping, I will spend the morning talking to my nice (I mean this) insurance agent and setting up a rental!
As the story ends, I guess I won't move to Austraila after all!

I am Thankful

2005-11-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

for many things all year. But of course, this time of the year makes me reflect on the things even more. So as my pumpkin pie is baking and filling my house with the aromas of the season, I am so thankful for my wonderful family and my friends.
This little poem says it all:
Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
'til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all - pass the cranberries, please.
May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump,
May your yams be delicious may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs.
Pass the Alka-Seltzer please....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL AND TO ALL GOD BLESS!

Thanks Amy for this cute little diddy!

Another birthday?

2005-10-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have 3 special people who have birthdays this week. As in an earlier post, one is my dad and the other two are my older sisters!
I am the baby of the family(by a long shot) and I have two terrific older sisters. Linda, who is in Texas, is the oldest. She is without a doubt a second mom to me. She always listens to me and hardly ever gets upset with me(I don't think anyway). When I lived in Tx. for a short while, she never complained to me about me always being around, needing something ETC...her kids are close to my age and we are more like siblings. I want to let her know how special she is to me and to my kids. I love you Linda, I hope you have a special day!
The other is Pam. She is so fun to be around and I have only seen her upset with me once(and I think I was only like 10). My kids live to go to aunt Pams. SHe has a farm and all the fun stuff that goes along with it. She also treats my kids like her own and they love her for it! I want you to know how special you are to me and my kids. I love you too Pam!
I don't always say it, but I am sure lucky to have two older sisters like the two of you!
Happy birthday to you!

Happy #82 to my

2005-10-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

dad. It is my dads 82nd birthday. Wow, to have lived 80 decades, that is quite an accomplishment.
I know that he won't be reading this because he doesn't use computers, or answering machines, or his VCR. But he does use his remote and has speed idal on his phone.
My dad has an opinion about everything, always speaks his mind and never misses his favorite soap opera (One Life to Live). He loves to watch baseball, high school football and always reads the evening paper. His favorite candy is black licorice(yuk) He rarely misses a meal (that is a family trait!) and he and my mom love to eat out with friends. He served as an MP in WWII. He was one of the youngest and few that are left. He loves God, his wife, his family and country. He is a strong democrat! He is also our master griller in the family.
I love my daddy, he is not always going to be around and I have come to realize that I don't get upset by things he says or does quite as easy. Yea, he can ruffle my feathers, we are sooo much alike it isn' t funny.

So even though he won't see this, I want to say Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!

Are you ready for some football...

2005-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

we have been . Nathan has been playing 7th grade football this year. It is fun watching these young men run, tackle, spit, scratch just because they can. I have watched Nathan come home dead tired every evening, bruised and sweating, not even complaining once ( so unlike him)
It has been nice weather so far every wednesday afternoon. I have really enjoyed watching Nathan work hard at this sport, it sure doesn't come easy for him sometimes and he has found satisfaction in his hard work.
So until the Nov. 2 you will find the Clark's on wednesday afternoons at the football game cheering on the Hawks and #70!

Woo Hoo, The Potty Train has left the station

2005-09-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

We are finally on a roll with potty training in the Clark household...for those of you without kids yet, this is a big deal.
I spent all day at home yesterday and we happen to have a Saturday that is free to devote to this proccess. Hunter is catching on great, he has initiated going atleast 4 times and he hasn't fought me on going once an hour. I filled him full of water and sprite (he loved that) yesterday, so he would get the sensation a lot. So far today he has went like a pro.
My incentive to finally get it in gear was the fact he can go to school with me if he is "trained."
He will have to wear pull ups for a few times, but hey, he is atleast figuring the whole thing out!(Plus I am tired of buying diapers in two different sizes)
So the Clark's will be home this weekend if anyone wants to come say hi! I think we will hit Hollywood for a few good flicks!

Reflection

2005-08-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been reading a variety of blogs the past few weeks and stumbled across the idea to reflect on what has happened in the past 10 years.

Here is what I was doing:

Yesterday: August 30. I am getting ready to start another school year and have been getting my room ready. I only have 6 kiddos enrolled right now. I hope it grows or I am solo teaching this year.

A week ago: That would have been August 22. I was rested from a wonderful night at the beach with my co-workers. (Thanks T.O.K.) Getting Nathan to his training at school for his leadership team. Went to the ICOC (aka Crossroads, Boston movement) with Ron. We stayed in the Marriot downtown, it was nice. Heard some good talks. Definately moved out of my comfort zone.

A month ago: We had a great time in Missouri with family. I still miss everyone, it seems like the time goes by so fast when we are there. Attended my 20 year class reunion, connected with some great friends I haven't seen in a few years. Took Nate to camp. Helped at PUMP. Went to Pendleton(Let'r BUCK!)

A year ago: uck, extreme morning sickness had took over my body...it was the worst of the 3. I was convinced by everyone that it must be a girl. Well so much for old wives tales. Thats okay I have learned to enjoy being the "Queen Bee" as I am know around the house.

5 years ago: hmmm, I had to think a while on that one. Ron was in Albania. Nathan and I took the train to Dallas to see my sister. Then we drove to Missouri to see my parents. It will be a trip that Nathan and I will not forget. On the way home, the train was 24 hours behind schedule. We ended up renting a car at midnight in Sacramento and driving the rest of the way home. We hadn't seen Ron in 3 weeks and wanted to meet him at the airport. (short version) It was an interesting trip.

10 years ago: We were living in Bonne Terre Mo. It was a great area to live in. Looking back everything seemed so"simple". This was the first full time preaching job we had. The women there were very patient with me. I learned a lot from them. They had a rich life and many hardships had followed some of them; losing children, spouses, divorce, losing their homes...I learned to listen and I miss them. A few of these women have died. They played a big role with who I am today as a christian woman.

Tag I'm it

2005-08-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yea, I have been tagged by Sarah. I am suppose to list my top 10 songs that I currently dig.
hmmmm...I listen to all sorts of music. Here it goes...
not in any particular order:

1. Broken Road; Rascal Flatts
2. Holiday: Green Day
3. LIving on a Prayer: Bon Jovi
4. Walking that Line: Accapella
5. We were Meant to Live: Swithfoot
6. George Straits greatest hits
7. 1985: Bowling for SOup
8. Alabama's greatest hits
9. Darlings at Sea (my nephews band)
10. Let Me Go: Threedoors down

now I have to tag some people, Ron and anyone else who reads my blog...
That was harder than I thought.

13? How can it be...

2005-08-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

it just seems like yesterday that Nathan was a baby. He was born on August 7th at 4:19 pm. The Dr. came in after surgery and said that it was lucky we had to do a section. Nathan had a double knot in cord and if he were delivered naturally he would not have made it. Ron quickly commented that his name means gift of God. That is what Nathan is.Nathan is a smart, funny, sweet, kind hearted kid. I am proud to be his momma. I am excited to watch him grow into a wonderful young man!
Happy 13th Nathan. You are my favorite 13 year old. I love ya!

ARGH!

2005-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am so FRUSTRATED! Sometimes I get so frustrated with people that I can't even put it into words!(This is not a reflection on anyone in my house!) That is all I have to say for now. This to shall pass.

Vacation/20 year reunions

2005-07-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, we had a fun trip. We have been in Mo. since July 2. My family got to meet baby Caleb for the first time, it was great. I wish that they were all closer to me or vice versa, oh well, it makes visiting that much nicer. I must say that I love getting together with my sisters and their families. We never fight or argue, maybe thats because we don't see each other to often. We actually drove all night last night, I must say I am feeling a little punchy right now. Why is it that when you get like 20 miles from home your head starts doing that bobbing thing? Ron said mine did that atleast twenty times last night!
It was also my 20 year class reunion. It was fun I must admit! I saw a lot of my friends that I have lost touch with. I saw a lot that I haven't even thought about and probably won't until the next time! It is funny how some things never change, like the groups everyone hangs with. I guess we are just creatures of habit. My oldest sister had her 40th reunion two weeks ago, I guess by then you are just glad to see who's there! :-0
Well the baby wants to eat!
Talk soon!

Not Posting

2005-06-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

For some reason my last two blogs didn't post. I am still working out the bugs.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to my sexy 43 year old hubby! I hope you had a good day!
Lori

Ron's blog

2005-06-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ron has joined me in the blog community http://www.kokemushkeivogel.blogspot.com/. Take a look it is nice!

Happy Birthday!

2005-06-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today is my husbands 43rd bday! It is hard to believe that he is that age already! We have celebrated 18 of his birthdays together! Have a great day R.
I think I will make a Super dinner tonight. Maybe some steaks on the grill and a few of his favorites.
It has been a busy week, we finished up VBS last night and also found out that a friend of ours has aggressive colon cancer, she is 41 and mom of three children. It is going to be treated with strong doses of chemo. I have been arranging meals for the family through our small group at church, it is funny to think about how we worry about food. I guess in a funny way it gives us something to focus on. Please keep this family in prayer, they have a long road ahead.
I think I will go out and enjoy the weather. It is a summer day for the great Northwest!
Lori

wild weather

2005-06-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

We are having some great thunderstorms and lightning. It is like being back in the midwest. I miss them once in a while. Our 2 year old loves it. He covers his mouth and says uh-oh every time it thunders. Well all for now, sorry Linda not very profound, just whats going on right now!

Wow! That was easy

2005-06-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is my very first post on my very first blog. Not as hard as I thought it would be! I am excited to start this process. I love reading all the other blogs that I have seen thanks to Sarah. Now it is my turn. Come back and read anytime.