Clark Family

Friday, April 24, 2015

Hello Jonathan!

Day 1: Jonathan meets his siblings.

Day 2: Grandpa and Grandma (and cousin Olivia) came.

Leisel, home from church, has to "hold the baby" (..or first thing every morning, etc.)

Day 7: One of those peaceful first moments with mom I had to capture...

Day 11: Boys are at school and the girls take care of the baby. I really worried that I wasn't taking enough photos!

We were so grateful for all the helpful meals and kind gifts.... Jan brought flowers and Rachel sent pizza!

Day 15: Jonathan met his Great-grandma and Great-Aunt Linda!

The Birth Day

Jonathan Christian Clark was born on February 21 around 2 in the afternoon. The delivery went smoothly and we welcomed a sweet

8 pound 3 ounce boy into our family. It is a wonderful privilege to get to know and take care of him. We love him to bits and pieces!!

The first week back to school this year was Michael's "Virtue week". That means I came to his class with a photo poster of him and talked about some of his character traits and strengths. Then by the end of the week the students each wrote a letter to Michael telling him about the virtues they have noticed in him.

I was really interested to read the observations of Michael's classmates. Nearly all of the letters thanked Michael for being a kind and thoughtful friend (even the girls'!). At home I really appreciate Michael's understanding of how to help me and his siblings. His classmates and his family love his clever sense of humor. It was also interesting to me that Michael brought the letters home in his take-home work and hasn't yet read any of them. He usually does seem to base his confidence and motivation on internal sources. Overall he's a pretty good kid. :)

Here are some pictures of things he has been doing lately:

Michael as a contestant in the school spelling bee

The judges panel was slightly intimidating, but I was proud that he was excited to join in.

Michael loves to explore new places, from downtown excursions to hikes in the canyon.

He also wants to try out and learn new skills. The latest has been Jr. Jazz and shooting baskets at the hoop in our culdesac.

It was fun that Jared helped to coach the team!

This one captures some of his silliness with the cub scout cotton-ball activity.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Preschool

Sometimes I feel like I live in a preschool world every day. We have a fairly good collection of activities for little busy bodies to work on. Tessa calls our crafty bucket the "making things." One week we'll have a spurt of playdough. The next week all the food toys will find a home under the bay window behind the couch. Baby dolls, puzzles and library trips also make frequent appearances. Ordinary household items are often collected in boxes and backpacks or spread out for the latest imaginary game. Our preschool also involves the daily tasks and errands when little helpers are needed.

Tessa started going to an "official" preschool in November for a few hours each week. She has also been participating in the Upstart pre-K program on-line at home. She is a bright, busy, independent and very social gal.

Leisel is our other star student. She can be heard counting to 20 along with her big sister. By this time, naps have nearly disappeared from our schedule. So Leisel is trying to keep up with the whole day of helping and play. Snack time is as always her favorite.

This was a chilly fall day when we biked to the park.. (me, pregnant with a bike and trailer = slow and desperate for a good preschool activity)

Yea! field trip with cousins to the fire station where my Visiting Teachee works

A few aquarium trips with friends during school hours

awesome puzzles from Inez for a birthday gift!

playtime with Spencer while Julie volunteers at the school

"helping" mom with the sewing project - another birthday present from Inez

Friday, January 23, 2015

Hope they call me on a Mission

Yesterday, Grandma got the look from the postman as she went in the house from the driveway. So the mission call had arrived! Grandpa got home from work around 5:30 and we zoomed over for the unexpected excitement.

Area Medical Director and Assistant at the Mexico City Mission Training Center beginning in July (or perhaps earlier according to the missionary department.) But it's official.

the mission calls for Elder Harston and Sister Harston

And today Aetna sent an organization announcement about the upcoming retirement of Dr. Harston as he prepares to leave on a mission.

Holiday Memories

Grandpa let us jump in on a trip to the cabin to find a tree!

and finally embrace winter. (It's been so mild in the valley!)

We visited with Santa at Marvin's party!

and with the whole family :)

Cam planned a trip downtown to see the lights.

Stan and Teresa became engaged in this spot a few years ago!

Cam, Haley, Jared and I also reminisced about fun pre-marriage memories from the Salt Lake temple grounds.

The candy windows are still there! ..a favorite from my childhood

We jumped on Inez's idea for a family night to the mall to see the holiday excitement (and use a gift card).

Jordan's long awaited performance of "The Night Before Christmas." (the full length poem) He was soo proud and excited!!

Grandma was the leader on Christmas Eve

Learning to play/share with Olivia -- the newest one year old in the family :)

Cousin time!!

and time to talk about philosophy

Susie rocked the directing and producing and costuming of the Christmas eve Clark family live nativity!

Then we headed to G & G Harston's on Christmas day. Rachel takes lots of super photos and shares them with those of us in need. It was really awesome to have her family there for the week. We also had Chad's family around for a few days after they survived the drive from Kentucky! So the whole family was together!!

Grandma directed this song for the grandboys, "When Joseph Went to Bethlehem." The girls did "Oh Hush Thee My Baby."

We joined the Aramaki family at Primary Children's hospital that afternoon for musical performances and sing-a-long. Rachel accompanied Jared on his clarinet a song he was also able to play in church with Jan Hansen.