This Christmas we had the pleasure of spending/waking up at my parents. Since we live here thats how it goes. Growing up we would wake up and have to wait at the top of the stairs for Dad to get home from the firestation, or for grandma and grandpa to get there, and for all the siblings to get up! The brothers minus Kevin were hard to roll out of bed. It was a fun tradition growing. Especially since our stairs dont face the living room! We would be so excited to see where our "spot" was or what big thing was sitting out cause it couldnt be wrapped. I love that memory.

This year we got to jet downstairs! Then we were asked to go back to the top of the stairs for a picture. lol We opened gifts with mom and dad each taking a turn making the gifts last. Eric got a home Depot gift card from me, a really cool custom tool box, Edward Scissor hands... for me really... candy, Cheeze it chap stick... which smells... uggg dont ever put it on your lips... bleh!! It was funny cause one thing he REALLY wanted was a headset for the XBOX 360 a few days before Christmas I reassured him I didnt buy it.. Really I didnt. He was bummed "Out of all the things Ive hinted at... blah blah blah waa cry!!!" But really even though I didnt buy it, my mom and dad had for him. He we very surprised and happy. I got MAC gift card... for those of you who are worried about my bday coming up... MAC is awesome make up.. :D I got a glow sight for my shotgun, a pouch to hold shotgun shells in instead of carrying a box or stuffing pockets, a babylock sewing machine (because the one I was"borrowing" from my mom that was so old died), a sweet leopard blanket, and the bedspread Ive been eyeing from target! My brother John and his family had us this year and they gave us a Tom Tom GPS which is used everyday by Eric and when we go on trips, Rockband drum silencers, and a stand for the guitars.

After the gifts Eric and I carried on our little Clarke family tradition of going to Ihop. mmm pancakes.... We went the past two years and decided it will be our tradition. After a heavy dose of Eggnog pancakes, Eggs, bacon, sausage, Steak and eggs, OJ and hashbrowns we headed back home.

All the kids gather at mom and dads after their present time or seeing the other families, we hang out, pick at turkey, stuffing, salsa cheesy stuff, and cookies. Other gifts are exchanged and it is fun to see what everyone comes up with.

My brother Cory and his family had Kevin, Tiffany and Maeve. I guess there is a book that you can record your voice into and the child can read along with it. That was the plan but due to malfunctions with the book, Cory being the smart electronics man he is, made a video with the audio clip instead. I believe it has a bigger inpact hearing my brothers voice on surround sound reading "Twas the night before Christmas" 'to his daughter'. At first it was just music and then once I heard his voice I broke down... IT sucks not having Kevin home, especially for the holidays. We did get to talk to him that night, he called and we passed the phone around each taking a quick turn. His year is almost up only a few more months.

I really enjoyed Christmas this year and honestly Im looking forward/Im scared of next year. It will be my first Christmas away from family. But ITs the In-laws turn so its only fair! Christmas 2010 is in Phoenix!

Enjoy ALL the pictures I took! Thanks again Liz for showing me the collages! That program is amazing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each year we rotate names... It would be like drawing names from a hat, of all the siblings and who ever you have, you buy for that family. This year we had my brother Denny's family. each kid got their own goody bag with Bakugan??? things candy and random items which they loved. But what Im most proud of was what I made for their home. I had asked her what colors go in her home since it is always changing, she said earth tones and browns. So thanks to my friend Danielle for this addictive/tedious/fun/relaxing craft that I now call a hobby!

 

Quickie!

So this is a short quick one.

A while back when I was in Arizona for Thanksgiving I had the chance to meet up with my Da-Nell!!(Danielle) She is a childhood friend I grew up with. From Tap dance to middle school, Girls camp, High school, early morning seminary, School dances... more like Sadies, and Working together at LASER FORCE!!! Don't just play the game, BE the game! Many other things as well. Needless to say she was a part of me that eloped and moved to AZ. Poop on her for that. But it makes seeing her that much better too. So we got together and went through the Mesa Temple together which was amazing and then had lunch. that girl and I could talk for hours. I love that fact that after time apart its like we have been by each others side.
I got a call from her later that month I believe and she asked if I could pick her from the Airport for her familys Christmas party. Pshh well yeah! The night before she came in, I attended my nephews "Arrow of light" for scouts and saw Juju(Julie) there. Julie is also a good friend and the 3 of us worked together at LASER FORCE.. you know the motto... So I told Juju what was up and told her to meet us for lunch.
So I pick Da-Nell up and to kill time before "Lunch" brought her to see my moms new kitchen and such. After visiting for about 15 min we headed to Macayos for VIRGIN strawberry Daiquiris and lunch! Only none of us ordered the drinks. haha As we walked in there was JUJU!! Totally shocked Danielle but it was such a blast having the 3 of us, ahem.. 4 of us, we also had a fine gentlemen joining us. He goes by the name Ezra and is about maybe 2 months old.
I just had to post this and just say Im grateful for friendships that have seen it all and the are stronger than glue but dont need constant care.
Love yous guys!!!

Daniel Patrick Clarke

So on December 3rd, I was driving to a friends house to do some crafting. I got a call from my husband saying his father had passed away. When things like that happen, the feeling is unexplainable. You hurt, you hurt for others, worry kicks in, your mind goes into "helping" overdrive. you just want to help anyone and everyone affected.
My father in law was not in good health and I know he was in pain a majority, if not all of the time. Although Im never happy to see anyone go, but Im glad he doesnt have to suffer anymore.

He passed away in Norwalk, California right out of LA. We drove to LA for the burial service and then to Phoenix for a memorial service (1000.3 miles total), both were very nice.
My parents made the trip to LA in support of Eric's family too.

At each of the services Marty and Alice (Eric's younger siblings) both read a poem.
I have taken verses from the poem and used them in the video, but I have listed the full version below.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Author believed to be
David Romano

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had

If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Welcome to the New Year

Well, I was doing good with our blog, then December happened. It was insane! How we survived Ill never know. Well I think part of my reason for not blogging is that I take too many pictures, I dont feel like posting them all, but then I dont want to leave any out at the same time. Well, I found a solution, I asked a friend of mine how she makes her collages... cause stupid me was taking my time to measure each sheet out in photoshop. Lucky for you all, youll see more pictures from me!

So enjoy!