When Irishs Eyes Are Smiling

Susie and Teresa trained me to do photo shoots (all it takes is a holiday or a cute outfit, and of course an adorable girl...).
-Lots of fun!!!
Thank goodness the little ones usually cooperate!

For the holiday we enjoyed some corned beef, red potatoes and cabbage and a Saturday parade... Our city is pretty good at having parades for nearly every holiday. --The boys will be disappointed someday to learn that not all parades throw candy.

Family Photo and Family Thoughts

Michael told me today that his favorite place is the temple. I never thought of it before, but I have to agree with him completely!
After our last visit to the temple, I decided that since I don't get to be there often enough- I need to try to make our home more like the temple. To me this means: raising my standard of cleanliness (Yes mom, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness"); simplifying/getting rid of needless junk; and including more uplifting and beautiful things in our days.
This thought has been really motivating for me every day, because I can recall the perfect peace and perspective I had when I was just in the temple.
On a side note about Jordan-- The other day after our temple trip we were in the car taking Michael to school. I told the boys about my goal and asked them for ideas. They understood pretty well and wanted to help. When we said goodbye to Michael and started home Jordan said, "Can we keep talking about Jesus, mom?" I am thrilled that he is getting more sensitive to the spirit too and he is even able to sit and listen for a few minutes during family scripture time!

So here's the family photo from the Sea World half of our temple trip:
(I was wearing glasses and still recovering from a wonderful bit of pink eye...)

We made it to the Everglades

Here are some photos of Everglades National Park:
It's a little over an hour from our home. And it is the largest National Park in the U.S.. --(probably because it's full of swamps and it's not useful for much except providing an amazing habitat for thousands of species....)
I have to thank my dad for making National and State Parks part of our family vacations growing up. Those trips always seemed to include lots of driving and walking and peace and quiet. But they brought us an appreciation and awareness of the world around us.

p.s. Of course our camera doesn't do justice to the sights we saw in our corner of the park- but you can imagine.































It is always so much more fun to go places when Jared is with us. He is a fun Dad and a great husband! We really enjoyed our time with him last week when he was off of school for spring break!

U-pick

Jared has been out of town for a few days and Michael has been mending from a yucky cold. So we tried out a few new venues for their energy. Today was strawberry picking at Farmer Mike's.
I'm a little sad to claim my roots as a city girl. My first reaction when we got out of the car--was "hmm, dirt." Well, it was dusty dirt, and I do enough laundry already. Jordan didn't bat an eye and I found handfuls of dirt sprinkled all over his strawberries.
It really is good to get the kids out to "a farm" and let them see how things grow.




It smelled sooo good at the stands--not like any grocery store I've been to....

Here's my attempt to get a shot of Tessa and I.

Introspection

Going places with three is still a challenge.... The other day we were out and I stopped for gas. I looked in at the kids and they were all looking at me. It was kind of a fun moment because they were all calm(!) and I could step back and take an outside view of the three Clark children that I claim. Somehow I believe that we are meant to be together. We are learning and growing from each other and we are blessed to experience life together. Whew, now back to the screaming, throwing toys, and the occasional peace.

Not a Walk in the Park

We found a new park a few days ago and put Tessa in the swing for the first time!
I took the chance to get a picture of all the kids together.


Whenever I pull the camera out lately Michael says, "Take a picture of me!"


Jordan says, "I don't want a picture of me...."


Wasn't it a beautiful day to go to the park?!


Can you hear Michael laugh in this picture?
He has the greatest laugh. His fun attitude often lightens my spirit.