MAY

This month brought us a "magic birthday" with Cam turning six on the sixth. Playing at the park again and of course baseball every chance we got. Saying good bye to Kindergarten and Mrs. Harrie by making cute apple cupcakes, and visiting the new headstone of Nathan J on Memorial Day. The words "set in stone" were all the more heart wrenching as it made the passing of our Nathan very real. We were pleased with how it turned out and are happy we have a special place to visit.

APRIL

April was spent doing easter, Spring Break with Grandma & Grandpa at Little America, and a little battle wound playing basketball with the cousins. At least Cam had lost his front tooth the day before or he would have that day. The most fun event though would have had to of been Jimmy's half Marathon. He was a bit worried going into it with a sore I.T. Band, not being able to train as much has he hoped. But none the less finnished strong and faster then predicted. He contributes that to his little angel helping along the way. Cam also ran the kids portion of the race and did a great job as well. We were proud of our little runners. Also, the Easter Bunny made an extra stop this year for our little Nathan. We miss him!

AS WE LAYED HIM DOWN

This year's Easter post is much more meaningful, as you can see there are no kids hunting for eggs, eating candy or even having our annual water gun fight in the living room (although all those things did happen). The majority of this year's Easter was spent in reflection and appreciation for the Resurrection and the sacrifice of a Son. We were grateful for General Conference and the added peace we felt as we were able to draw from so many wonderful talks.

On March 6, 2010 we were able to lay our sweet Nathan to rest with Jimmy's dad. This was very special for us and gives us the added assurance that he is truly taken care of. The service was very nice and the spirit was strong as we were joined by family and friends. These beautiful photo's were taken by a great friend who we appreciate so much for allowing us to be in the moment and capturing all the emotions that went on that day.(Thanks Rachelle - these mean more to us than you will ever know.)

OUR LITTLE ANGEL

This video was done by an amazing friend who was able to capture Nathan's sweet essence. Please make sure your speakers are on, as the song is so appropriate for our little Nathan.

Some of you may already know this, but we wanted to share our story of the events of the past week. Our sweet little Nathan J Clark was delivered still born on March 3rd. I was 40 weeks and had heard a strong heartbeat the previous week. On March 2nd I was very emotional and couldn't stop crying. At the time I thought I must just have been tired and ready for my baby to be born. I continued to be worried through the night and the next morning was wondering the last time I had felt my baby move. I was two weeks early with my girls and didn't remember what it felt like to be 40 weeks along and knew my baby was big and did not have much room to move around. As the morning went on I grew more anxious and asked Jimmy to come to my scheduled final doctors appointment. As the doctor laid his fetal heart doppler on my belly, there was no sound. Immediately I knew my fears were a reality and my day was not going to be as planned. He followed with an ultrasound where it was confirmed that indeed the heart was not beating. We were taken down to labor and delivery where I would have to deliver this sweet baby. The labor was slow in comparison to my other three children and time seemed to be moving in slow motion. We were quickly surrounded by family and were shown great love and support from the hospital and nurses. Although we were in shock, we felt a sense of comfort and knew this was the will of our Heavenly Father. We went through many emotions and couldn't believe we were parents of a perfect child who just needed us to provide him with a mortal body so he could return and do the work of our Father in Heaven. The hardest part throughout our day was trying to figure out how to tell our children, especially Cameron. We knew he would understand and be our example of simple faith, and we were right. At 6:00, after one small push, our 8 lb 13 oz. 21 1/2 inch long baby boy was placed in our arms. Although there were many tears, there was a great spirit that filled that room. There was nothing that indicated to the doctor that there was something wrong with our baby. There was no cord entanglement of any kind, the placenta looked healthy, and he looked absolutely perfect. The doctor thinks that Nathan had passed away in the prior 24 36 hours, based on how good he looked. Just about the time I had felt extra emotional the day before. I truly believe I know when his heart stopped. After a brief explanation to Cameron, we brought our kids in and were able to enjoy time together as a family of six. We explained that this baby would not be coming home with us, but instead had gone home to be with our Heavenly Father. Cameron took comfort that he was with Jimmy's Dad and knew he was having fun and being taken care of. We were able to keep Nathan with us for almost 24 hours. At first, we were not sure if we wanted to hold him for that long, but looking back, are grateful for that time. There were some very special, sacred moments that we were able to share together as a couple with our baby that day. Leaving the hospital was one of the hardest things we have ever done. It felt like a piece of our hearts was left there that day. We're grateful for the gospel and the knowledge that we will see our sweet little Nathan again. It brings much more meaning to our anniversary(today) and are grateful for the chance to be sealed in the temple so that he is ours forever. We are thankful to so many of you, for your kindness and prayers. We have truly felt them and have been carried through this experience. How nice it is to have our three wonderful children at home to bring perspective to life. Cameron has reminded us that we are lucky to have had a brother die because now we have an angel to watch over us.

TU TU DAY (2.2.2010) TAKE TWO

Last years "tu tu" day was so fun, I was determined to make this a tradition - so even though I was 35 weeks pregnant and had a very grumpy daughter who must have known it was tu tu day because it was the ONLY day she didn't want to put on a tu tu - we pushed through. Thanks to good friends we had a good time with yummy treats, a fun movie and yes a dance taught by a "too too" pregnant mom. Cam was a good sport while we played with his friends he played with his wii and was a great audience member when we needed to perform.

CATCHING UP WITH THE CLARKS

WE'RE BACK!! We have returned from the dead and have finally come back to the blogging world. While we've been gone A LOT has happened. All three kids have had birthday's. Jenni's brother Josh and Jimmy's sister Heidi both had weddings, which the girls were able to use the same dress for. We took a trip to Montana with Jimmy's family, golf course and tennis court included. Here is more info about the last seven months...

In October we moved into a new house, just east of where were. We love the space, the neighborhood, and the fact that Cameron was able to stay in the same school. We have been looking to move for a while and decided it was the right time when we received a positive pregnancy test in early July. We feel very blessed to have sold and bought a house we love within just a few months in the current housing market and to be adding a new little one to our family. The kids love the new place and Cameron is excited to share his room with his new baby brother, due to arrive in early March.

Jimmy is still working for Zions Bank, in their commercial lending division. This year he has realized he can actually eat and enjoy vegetables. On top of that he has found a love for running and in turn has lost 40 pounds in the past year. He hates to admit this, but he has actually chosen to run 10k’s over a round of golf. He looks great and we are very proud of him.

I on the other hand have been gaining weight. Each pregnancy before now Jimmy had offered to lose a pound for every one I gained and this time he is actually doing. Although, it should be known that he has lost a bit more than I have gained. I really enjoy being a Mom & I am reminded of this at the end of the day when & if my kids are all asleep at the same time. My kids are truly my greatest joy and I feel so lucky to have such a supportive husband that is always there for me. I also enjoy the occasional break away from home to teach my ballet classes twice a week.

Cameron has started kindergarten and loves it once we can shove him out of the car. We have found the best way to get him up is to allow him to read the sports ticker on ESPN to see what the scores were the night before. He is reading really well and enjoys using his brain ALL the time. He is most happy when playing sports, board games, or anything that requires another person. Have you ever played the game Life with a five year old, let alone a five year old that demands to be the banker and can actually count the currency correctly? He is exhausting, but we love him!

Kaitlyn is three and is our little drama queen. For those of you who have seen High School Musical, she is our Sharpay. Her shoe infatuation has not ended, just magnified. I was very excited for a girl and after having 3 brothers and a son. I might have gone a little over board on her…. accessories. Oops!! On any given day of the week you will find her in a dress or skirt, with my high heel shoes on carrying a purse, possibly a microphone, wearing glasses, and any jewelry she can find. Although she is drama, she is my sweetheart. She is always in tune to my feelings and wanting to make me happy.

Abbi is 18 months and just trying to survive being Kaitlyn’s little sisters. She also can be found wearing high heel shoes but not enjoying them so much as just thinking they are required. Luckily she has her brother to show her things such as balls, wii remotes and other things less painful. She is definitely developing her personality and we think she is going to be quite the tease.

We feel very grateful this time of year and always for the blessing of wonderful family and friends. We hope this letter finds you all well. We are also continually grateful for our Savior and a loving Heavenly Father who is mindful of us always. We hope you all feel of Their love this season. Merry Christmas!

EASTER FUN!!

Easter morning started early for us this year. Cameron could not wait to see if the Easter Bunny had come to our house. Everyone's basket was filled with too much again this year, including the family tradition of loaded water guns. The kids have not quite realized how important it is to find their easter baskets quickly to avoid getting doused. The parents maybe understand this too well and look forward to soaking the kids. The bunny knows the kids well and treated them each with something special. We also had the annual Clark easter egg hunt at Jimmy's moms house. Every year there are more than enough eggs (200+) for everyone to find, including the adults. Some are hidden so well that we found one from last year's hunt. There was one not found this year, so we look forward to digging that up next year.



She was excited by her first easter, but felt jipped when she only had Cheerios in her eggs.


What? Nail polish to match her entire wardrobe, including her Easter dress, and not to mention a crown to match her personality.


Cameron's new obsession is lacrosse. He happened to catch a game on TV and won't stop talking about it. If you think we are kidding you should ask him about the 7 overtime game between Maryland and Virginia. He will go into way to much detail for a 4 year old.




Sisters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY - this is payback

So, I'm not going to let you get away without a birthday post after your sweet one to me on my birthday. Its your turn to be bragged about! You mentioned something in my post about you lucking out with the better spouse - I beg to differ on that. Not just because you do the laundry, grocery shopping and vacuuming - although that is a huge bonus, but because you love me and love our little ones and because your actions speak just as loud as your words. I am able to write this right now because you are doing what you do & love best - putting Cam to bed and telling him a Dragon Story. This means I still have a while to compose this but just in case you get out of his room early - by some miracle I should close. HAPPY BIRTHDAY you 32 year old - I have to say I don't dread you getting older because you just get better and better with time. THE BEST IS YET TO BE. I love you!

CUPID

2.2.09-TU TU DAY

I was excited that February 2nd finally fell on a day that I taught dance. This is Jenni speaking in case you wondered, although Jimmy likes to think he can dance. I told my class they could come in a tu tu instead of their normal tights and leotard. They asked me to bring Kaitlyn in her tu tu. Long story short, the whole day turned into tu tu day and while Cam was at school we had some family friends over for a morning of fun. We can't wait for next February 2nd! Any tu tu's welcome, except for Jimmy.


Rumor has it that is not a bad passe.


Thanks to Rachelle for Abbi's cute tu tu, just in time for our fun day.

SIBLING PHOTOS

Rub a dub dub, three kids in the tub

Pretty soon they might be too old for these pictures, or maybe they are already. Everyone has to have bath tub pictures for blackmail purposes.

CHRISTMAS 2008

This was truly a great Christmas. This time of year is so fun with little kids (including Jimmy) as they get so excited to see what Santa will bring. Cameron had been hoping for a green bike all year and Santa did not disappoint. He is currently training for a family triathlon with Jimmy's sister. You will notice from the pictures that Santa brought Jimmy a bike too but he is unsure as to whether or not he will be participating. Kaitlyn received purple sparkle shoes and a vanity for her "vanity". Good thing there are elves, as purple sparkle shoes may have been hard to find. Abbi is starting to sit up so she received a high chair along with her two front teeth. Once again grandma's were as busy as Santa providing gifts for the kids which was much appreciated.