She will be missed

Mary E. Clark, 81 of Grand Island died Thursday, February 25, 2010 at St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island.

Services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop John Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Grand Island Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday morning from 9 am until service time at the Relief Society Room at the church. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Clark was born January 3, 1929 in Hastings, Nebraska the daughter of Francis E. & Gertrude (Burroughs) Dickerson. She grew up and received her education in Holstein until her junior year when she transferred to Hastings Public School, graduating from Hastings High School in 1946. She attended Hastings College for one year.

She was united in marriage to Ron Clark on March 12, 1950 in Grand Island. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple on July 18, 1962. The couple made their home in Illinois from 1955 until 1963 when they moved to Grand Island.

She was a member of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, member of the Relief Society at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her hobbies included puzzles and playing bridge. She also worked at the Temple in Denver and Omaha the last 13 years.

Survivors include her husband, Ron of Grand Island, two sons and daughters in law, Gary Lee & Cynthia Clark of Grand Island, Kenneth & Judy Clark of Peoria, Arizona, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, three sisters, Roberta Scheidies of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Margaret Bruckman of Hastings, Jane Esch of Hastings, brother, Richard Dickerson of Hastings, sister in law, Patricia of Hastings, brother in law, Cliff McKie of Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Earl & Ronald Dickerson, and sister Dorothea McKie.

She was a daughter, sister, mother and grandmother to many, and friend to all.

Grandma Update

I'm sitting here in our hotel room with wireless internet (what a wonderful blessing!) hearing 3 sets of snores (and enjoying the almost-silence) to give an update on Jeff's grandma. We drove all night Monday night and got to Nebraska around 5am, went straight to the hospital. She's been asleep the whole time we've been here, so we haven't gotten to talk to her, but are sure she knows we are with her. It's really sad to see her how she is right now, since she's normally so spunky and in a funny way, sort of feisty. I believe she is fighting for her life, the best she can. She has been told to wait for us (all of Jeff's family has been here at some point this week) to get here, so we could all say good-bye and she has hung on long enough. We know if they stopped the morphine, she'd be able to respond to us, but would be in so much pain and no one is willing to put her through that (even though selfishly, we'd love to hear her voice). Kaylynn (Jeff's older sis) is coming in a couple hours and we'll head back over to the hospital for another round of Grandma memories.

It's so obvious what wonderful people Ron and Mary are. Her room hasn't been empty since the day she checked in. People have been flooding in whose lives have been blessed by Grandma and Grandpa Clark. People who aren't family, but feel like it, because they make everyone feel like family (especially me).

I'm so glad we have been able to come. It's really nice to be able to give each other strength and the boys especially (Grandpa, Ken, Kasey, Jeff) have bonded and shared each other's burdens. Jeff has said the hardest thing is seeing his Grandpa so sad and he wonders what he will do without his wife. I can't imagine my life without Jeff and I'm sure that's how he feels (plus 55 years!). We are so blessed to know that we will see our loved ones again after death and that our families are bonded together through eternity.

Dear Grandma Clark:

Grandma with Baby Tyler

Grandma and Grandpa at Kendi's Wedding (Jeff's sister)

Hang in there, we'll see you soon.

We are driving up to Nebraska tonight to be with the family. We pray we'll make it in time.

Lots of Love!

A little bit of mischeif

You know those frantic last seconds before heading out the door to church? Still need mascara, The boys need shoes. Jeff, get the snacks! Your scriptures are by the bed. I walk into the kitchen to make a bottle for Jack and this is what I see:

JEFF! Come quick! And bring the camera. Once the flash goes off, Jackson starts posing away in delight.

Well, that outfit's ruined. Strip the clothes. Wash the thick chalky powdery mess off his face and hands and try to pry open those tight fists. Make the baby cry.

And this little guy was so proud of himself that he didn't make the mess this time. (Or maybe he was so happy because now Jackson qualifies as a good partner in crime)

Well, at least we had a good reason to be late to church (this time...)

A few other titles I considered for this post:

When the baby's quiet...

What to do with all that extra formula when the baby turns 1

Why we were late to church (cuz that NEVER happens, right?)

Proof that I starve my children

or

That fat baby eats everything

We got a good laugh and honestly, it broke me out of my frantic mood. I'm glad my little boys get into trouble sometimes. It keeps life fun. At least they haven't smeared paint all over the room like this or flooded the house like this or colored the couch like this!

My Day in Numbers

1- The number of times Tyler pooped on the potty today. WAHOO!!

2- The number of pee pee accidents he had today. Both times at Target. Within about 20 minutes. Luckily we just decided to purchase a pack of SUPERS underwear, so I busted that package right open and put it to use :)

3- The number of fingers he holds up when ask him how old he is. But he says, "I almost two." We're working on that! (His 3rd B-day is coming up)

4- The number of steps Mr. Jackson walked to me today!

5- The number of times I watched someone fall while skiing in the olympics. OUCH!

6- The number of 3 year olds sitting at my table, playing with play doh and learning about the letter V!

7- The number of children I had in my home for 2 hours. Keeps me on my toes!

8- The hours of sleep I'm hoping to get tonight.

9- The number of Mint Milano cookies I ate for dessert.

10- The number that Tyler can count to (with a little help) Why is 8,9,10 the easiest?! Sometimes he says "1,3,5,4, 8,9,10. YaY!" But just today he said 1-10 all by himself!

Obviously, my day revolves around my kids and I LOVE it. I'm so lucky that I get to be a mom and that I also get to do what I love (making things!) after hours too. What a lucky little girl I am.

A Special Announcement!

We got a special Valentine's Card in the mail from my brother Tommy, Melonie and their family. I figured it was a fun activity for Tyler to do. A Kool-aid paint kit and hidden message...

announcing their pregnancy!! What a fun way to tell us all! Thanks for the special Valentine. Congrats, we are excited for you and thanks for the fun activity for Tyler! Later in the day, he asked where his painting was, I know he had lots of fun doing it! :)

Beautiful Snow Days

It snows in Texas? Not very often! Last week we got almost a foot of snow (record high EVER!). Fresh, white, beautiful snow!!


The boys (Jeff, tyler and the neighbor kids) enjoyed making a snowman!!



Doesn't he look so big in his snow gear?

Jackson and I enjoyed from the window...


That night we got even more snow, covering our tracks from the day before and looking even more beautiful!

Tyler's favorite thing to do was knock the snow off of the bushes (so destructive!)

And of course, some snow angels

The next day, I was feeling good enough to step foot outside :)

Jackson's favorite thing to do was grab the snow,

but enough is enough! I love the way he's pulling up his arms and legs in this picture!

And we got a good taste. Man, that snow is delicious!

A Series of Unfortunate Events...

-Our computer crashed on Tuesday, leaving me with no computer or internet access until yesterday and my grouchy post was up for a whole week (how embarrasing!!).

-I got a bad cold and stayed inside all week. I enjoyed soup and hot cocoa on the cold days (thanks Jeff!) and am feeling much better now!

-Tyler threw up! I always wondered how I'd deal with my child's first throw up mess and turns out, not so well. We were cuddling on the couch, both of us not feeling great watching Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics. He told me he had a tummy ache and his "belly button hurt". I decided it was nothing a good cuddle couldn't fix. So there we are, cuddling together, faces snuggling, when all of a sudden, he projectile vomits all over us. I sat there laughing, in shock, and unable to help my poor suffering little boy. Luckily Jeff was far enough away to not be quite as grossed out as me, grabbed a bowl mid-spew, and helped us get all cleaned up. (TMI? Sorry!!)

Too grouchy...

Ever since I tried to take a nap today at 5pm, and little boys (and one big boy) were climbing all over me, I needed to make dinner instead and just couldn't nap, I've been so grouchy.

So grouchy that: When I told Jeff "I'm so grouchy" at dinner, I was ready to yell his face off if he agreed (or disagreed) with me. He didn't. Smart man.

So grouchy that: When Tyler kept pushing the stool to various parts of the kitchen to find goodies in the cupboards like fireworks (why do I have fireworks in the kitchen cupboards?) and candies, I told him I was going to hide the stool. His favorite stool. The stool he uses to watch me cook and help me decorate cupcakes (and gets into trouble with). I put it upside down on the island. He was standing right there as he watched me put it up there and happily yelled, "I found it!".

So grouchy that: I kept thinking all day I needed a picture of my boys in their cute church outfits. I love little boys in button ups and a vest. It's the best. But I'm too tired.

So grouchy that: It's 7:32 pm and I'm going to bed. I should be snuggling {in my snuggi} with Jeff on the couch to watch the superbowl (I mean superbowl commercials) but I'm out. I need sleep!! I don't want to be grouchy anymore!!!!!!!!!

Friday Five

This has been a hard week, with both of my boys sick and running on very little sleep. Somehow the Lord always pours blessings upon us when we need them the most. Here are five beautiful things that happened this week:

1. My husband cleaned the kitchen. I walked in the house after an hour of errands; picked up the prescriptions and did some deliveries to see the kitchen was clean. I screamed! And then ran to give him a big hug. Tyler kept yelling: What happened?

2. I got to cuddle with Jackson a lot. Poor little guy has had an ear infection and bronchitis and feels miserable. He'd pick his head up to look at me and then slam his head down on my chest. Sometimes it would make me laugh and sometimes he'd hit me in the chin or face. That kid has a heavy head and strong neck! I'm getting off track... We cuddled a lot, it was nice.

3. Tyler "read" his first book to me. From start to finish! About 5 pages of 3 or 4 words each. And so I screamed again!! He was so proud of himself and I made him read it 3 more times. Once for daddy, once for the camera, and once just for fun.

4. My dear friend brought me dinner on the night I needed it the most. How did she know?!

5. In the midst of one of Jackson's crying episodes, Jeff gave him a beautiful blessing for comfort. He almost immediately calmed down and the boys played a game of monster while running around the house. I stepped into the other room to cry and say a silent prayer of thanks. I'm so thankful my husband honors the priesthood and that the Lord hears our prayers. I'm thankful for healthy kids who only get sick every once in awhile and its never life threatening or even all that serious. I'm grateful for all of my many blessings.

But, Why?

Tyler's new thing lately is asking me why to just about everything.

I go to park?

Not today honey

But why?

Because you guys are sick and it's raining.

Why?

Because there are lots of clouds.

Why Mommy?

...Because Heavenly Father wanted it to rain today.

Why?

I don't know sweetie.

Oh.

If only I had known an "I don't know" answer would have stopped it from the beginning...

Tonight after I had tucked the boys into bed, as I walked out of the room, I whispered, "Good night, I love you"

I heard a quiet little "why?"

I only had to think for a second to come up with a ton of answers:

Because you are my babies.

Because Heavenly Father gave you to me.

Because you give me kisses.

Because you are as cute as your daddy.

Because I love being your mommy.

Date Night Swap

So, my friend Becca thought of this amazing idea where we watch each other's kids every other weekend so we can go out on dates! Last weekend I watched her boys and this weekend she watched mine. Jeff and I had the best time, we saw When in Rome and got ice cream in the 30 degree weather. It was wonderful. Thanks Becca for the great idea! And thanks David and Alicia for our Christmas present- movie passes and Cold Stone gift card! It was so nice to go out on a date, and even better that it was totally FREE!!

Tyler Funnies

Tyler's been sick this week with a horrible cough.

Everytime he'd cough, I'd look at him and say "I'm so sorry you're sick."

He'd say, "yeah, but it ok."

Later in the week when he'd cough, he'd say to me, "you sorry mommy? I so sick."

One day he told me he wanted some chocolate. I told him, "no, that will make your throat hurt"

He said, "No mommy, it will make me feel all better"

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A few days after Tyler and Jeff made cupcakes together, Tyler was licking the frosting of the last 2. I told him to eat what he wanted and then I would throw them away. (they were hard and stale) He said he wanted to make more cupcakes. (one of his favorite things to do/eat)

I told him, "Not today. Some-other day"

He asked me "when mother day?" I must have blurred some and mother together, cuz when I played it back in my head, it did sound like I said some Mother day. Funny!

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The last few days, I've been doing all I can to make him eat something. anything.

I've tried my dad's famous "Don't eat that!" and it really works. A little too well. Now when I really mean don't do...something, he looks at me with this silly grin and does exactly what I told him not to do.

Such as: "don't hit anyone with that. Be careful" --Brother gets conked in the head.

"Don't climb on the couch please." --Little monkey is on top of the couch in a second.

"Please don't yell anymore." --The noises get louder.

Now I've resorted to:

"Give me that stick or you're on timeout." -- here you go mommy.

"Did you know there are monsters on top of the couch?" --plop.

"Wow, Tyler I love that singing. It's so pretty. Can you go sing to Daddy?" --works like a charm.

and my all-time favorite:

"Tyler, don't eat those carrots. Daddy really wants them." --gone.

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Potty Training

Lightning McQueen, Wall-e, Woody, Buzz, Nemo and the Incredibles have agreed to help me in this quest to go diaperless.

This morning, Tyler peed in the toilet right after he woke up and about 4 times after that! He wore underwear for about 4 hours, until he had 2 accidents back to back and I decided that was great for day 1. Tyler explored all the different ways there are to pee in the toilet (standing up, sitting down, sitting sideways, squatting down, on the toddler seat, not on the toddler seat...) and my poor toilet needs a really good scrub down. As well as the hall carpet and the carpet around the toilet (oh how I hate carpeted bathrooms, what the heck, who thought of that?!)

Anyway, I am very grateful for my many Disney friends who allowed us to make this experience more enjoyable and I really apologize Mr. Incredible that Tyler peed on your face. He felt bad too. I watched him do it and he really didn't mean to. He was trying to get to the toilet and then sadly said, "Oh no, I go pee pee on increbible!"

oh, p.s. If any of you have ever potty trained a boy, I'd love some tips. I really don't know what I'm doing!!

Cleaning, Grooming, and Catching up

I've closed my etsy shop for a few days and I feel brand new. I didn't realize how much I worked until I stopped working. I still have a few orders to catch up on and honestly dreaded getting another sale. I promised myself that when it got to that point, I'd take a break.

So, I'm taking a little break. A break to renew myself, pay my bills, organize my house, give the boys haircuts, take them to the park, clean the kitchen and just plain pay more attention to my family!

The boys' room. I love it! Especially when it is clean. There's not a lot of room for playing, but all the essentials fit in there. They have really enjoyed falling to sleep together. I remember that being one of my favorite types of memories with my sister. I always loved sharing a room with her!

Here's Tyler's letter R rabbit ears. They must have talked about frogs too, because he hopped around the house with his rabbit ears saying "ribbit, I'm a rabbit, Ribbit, ribbit!" It was so funny! He has had a ton of fun this week at Luke's. On the way home he said, "Mom, I want to do that again." I asked him what he wanted to do again and he said "That. Preschool." :) Thanks Hillary!

Jackson has really funny hair. It is perfectly straight on top, and in the back it is fuzzy and sticks straight out. It has a really thick course texture too-- I call it Katie hair! (Good thing she's a girl and she gets to have it long and pretty!)

So, I decided to trim the back to see if that would calm it down. I think it looks much better.

It was so funny as I was trying to take a picture of the back of him, he just kept turning and turning as I did. But he was looking straight up at me, so he kept falling over. I was laughing so hard, I couldn't even take a good picture!!

I cut Tyler's hair this morning too, so I'll take one when I do the boys hair today for our Target trip today!