IT'S ALIIIIVE!!!

and so are we... right Eric?... Eric? Oh right he's at work.
Since I havent been on this since April, I am sorry to say I am not going to recap every stinkin event.... I know... you wanna know it all, but seriously I know you've got that pile of laundry staring at you from the corner... go ahead and look, cry if you need to... *Waiting* Ok, feel better?

Welcome back to the ever changing world of Clarkes. In April, Eric was laid off and to save ourselves from falling deeper into debt, we decided to find some roommates and cut down costs. We moved in with my parents! We arrived beginning of June and here we are in October. We have been out of town left and right, and we have passed on going out of town a couple times. We did make it to our Gifford Family reunion, and yes... I did win 1st place AGAIN!

Gifford Reunion recap
Theme: Olympics
Sheldon Gifford Family: Team Jamaica
Colors:Green Yellow and Black
Choice Event: Skeet Shooting (Jamaica we have a skeet shoot team!)


This year we made our own shirts for team Jamaica. The famous"Annoying" green shirts as all the other teams called them. hahah they only become annoying when you dont get to wear one! and when there are soo many of us.

Team Jamaica place 1st 2nd and 3rd in both Mens and Womens Skeet Shoot and we took 2nd in both Boys and Girls. Woooo!!!
Everytime we go camping, Eric looks forward to riding quads around, and the kids look forward to it too!


Right after this glorious 3 day weekend, I make it back to work to get laid off... Super... I've had one hell of a time gettin my unemployment correct. It's funny how it all happened, but bottom line, Im glad to be out. The job stressed me out, well more the people than anything. A few weeks before, I took a big step back and saw that no matter how well I did my job, that message wouldnt get through to the right people. There are some people in the world, who can't or don't like to be out shown. Whether its a joke you tell them and they take credit for, or a drawing you found or something you've done right. I knew I would never be able to move up and so my prayers were answered and the lord found a way out for me.
Since then I have been working on my schooling. I finally made it back! Its a huge accomplishment just clicking on that "Pay now" button! Im taking Beginning Photography and Intro to Computer Graphics... both for the second time. My Beg. Photo is all digital. Before I used film which we all know is out dated, and hard on the pockets. I have a deep respect for those who still use film and use it right, its a lost art and true talent.
My comp graphics class is a BLAST! If you ever take it at CSN make sure you get Patrick Mermel! He is awesome! I dropped out of my class before cause the teacher was soooo boooring... and blah blah blah. Not this guy, he has been soo helpful with photoshop. Although Ill say poop on him for making us do our midterm in teams. Bleh!
Over all Im loving school. So glad I was able to go back.

On September 22nd, Eric and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary with me going to school and him working late! LOL we did go out the following weekend for dinner and a small show. We ate at our favorite spot, The Melting Pot, and then watch a friends band play at a record store. It was fun just knowing we can still have an awesome time.

In other news, I have been working more on my spiritual side. For those of you who are LDS, I went through the Temple on October 17th. For those that arent, Ill try to explain. To enter the Temple, an individual must be clean and worthy. There are guidelines we follow, a few for example, keeping the word of wisdom, no smoking, no drinking coffee or tea. Attending church each week, saying your prayers each day and having faith in it all. For further information go to www.mormon.org There you can chat with missionaries and ask them any questions you may have. You can also request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.
Once an individual is worthy and your Bishop and Stake President find you worthy, you receive a Temple recommend. It is like a pass to get in. In the temple we perform Sacred, not secret, ordinances for ourselves and others.
How neat that in a city full of sin there is an escape. A house of beauty and peace. Just being on the temple grounds is peaceful and calming.
The experience was overwhelming, the presence of past loved ones was so strong there and I just knew it was the right thing for me to do. I look forward to making it back there each week and being able to have that time to dismiss the world and just listen to the spirit. *From Left to Right-Anya (Cory's wife) Cory, Tiffany(Kevins wife) Kevin,Denny, Eric, Me, My mom, My Dad, Adam (Shellys Husband), Shelly and baby #5, Myrinda, and Chris (Myrindas husband)*
This is all who went. Eric surprised me by being outside when we were done. It made me tear up seeing him out there. I love him for all his support through this.

If you've never been to a temple, I recommend finding one in your area and visiting the grounds. You are welcome to walk around the outside, and I know you'll find the spirit there.

I was able to go through with most of my family. My brother Kevin was home for his R&R and it just made it that much more important to me. I loved seeing my family gather there knowing we are together forever.

I hope to post more, not just of our lives, but of some of the pictures Ive been working on. I'm very excited about them, so here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend of Oct 11th.

Enjoy.


My niece I love her squishy cheeks!




My nephew who never fails to make me laugh!


My niece again. This little girl was feeding her some of my mini carrot cake treats, it was too fun to watch!