Our Life is a Musical

So have you ever sat through a musical or a Disney movie and thought "Really, people don't do this.  Who just breaks out in song in the middle of a conversation?"  And yet, this is my life!  I came home from the store the other night to find my two girls dancing around the kitchen singing (as if on stage), but this isn't the first time.  Many times we will be sitting around doing homework or eating breakfast and someone will just start singing whatever is in their head at the moment. (Note; this does not include Mitchell, but he will start singing if the radio is on)  If you make a funny comment they may find a song from a movie or just make a song up to go along with what you have said.  Now this is a slight problem for our Dad who fights seeing anything theatrical, unless his kids are in it, and this is self explanitory as to why he goes.  But for anything else if I can get Steve to go one theatrical performance a year I'm doing pretty good.  So I guess this is how the Lord giggles at us, by sending Steve kids who will break out into song at any moment.  I hope my kids will continue to dance around our kitchen and find Joy within our walls we call home.

Dalin Levi Clark's Baptism

Dalin was baptized on Sept. 6, 2008. He was so excited and couldn't wait for this day. We were so glad that dad was able to do the baptizing and confirming. Madison and Mitchell gave talks and Ashlyn lead the music. It was certainly a family affair. We were so glad to have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and also a few friends. Congrats Dalin we are all so proud of you.

Cervical Dystonia

So I thought I would give an update on what has kept us busy these days. As some of you know Steve's neck has been bothering him for some time. Since we moved it has progressively gotten worse. But In the last few months it seems to worsen at an even quicker rate. He had been seeing a Spine and neck specialist and now a Neurologist. He has been diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia. This is involuntary jerking of the head and neck. His case happens to be extremely painful. In fact he has been unable to work for 3 weeks and for 2 weeks he could not get out of bed. He has a hard time driving and can't drive most of the time and eating is a challenge. It looks similar to Parkinsons. We have found that this permanent and may continue to get worse. We will be searching for ways to lessen the pain and the jerking and learn how to control it as much as possible, but there really isn't much known about this and it is different for everyone. Today he flew back to Utah to work and is tired and sore, but I know he is glad to be working. I just wanted to thank all of you that have had us in your prayers. We know this is only the beginning. Steve is so amazing. Even with the excruciating pain he is in he never complains and just keeps on going. We love him and appreciate all that he does for our family. The kids are handling it great and have pitched in so much. There are many u- tube videos about this. He is in about the middle of the 2 extremes. Not mild, but certainly not the worst. And during all of this, in May Steve took back Xavier in Utah so he travels there during the week and comes home to CO for the weekend. Anyway we love all of you and miss and family and friends that we are away from.

Tornado's in Parker, CO

So what was expected to be a mild Sunday afternoon, ended up in a running to the basement and hoping we would still have a roof. This is one of 2 tornado's that we were in the middle of. They were about 5-10 miles from our house. Needless to say that is not far enough away for me, when it comes to tornado's. We were a little freaked out, but it made us realize that we are NOT ready for emergency preparedness.

Dalin's 8th Birthday August 16, 2008

Dalin celebrated his 8th birthday at Alpha Gymnastics. This was a lot of fun after weeks of watching the Olympics. The favorite was the Trampoline jumping into the foam pit.

FINALLY

Well we finally sold our house in Spanish Fork. As sad as it was, we are so glad to not have to worry about it any more. Down side---Steve doesn't have anywhere to live since he is traveling to Utah each week to work. My mom and dad are so great and letting him bunk up with them until he finds somewhere.
Summer has been quick for us Ashlyn and Dalin went back to school on the 7th of July. It doesn't feel right to send them off to the bus while Madi and Mitch snooze in their beds. I am sure we will get used to it soon though.

Ashlyn Singing at a Rockies Game

This is Ashlyn in the middle of the Jumbo screen
. Her School Choir sang the national anthem at
a rockies game on May 28th. It was so awesome.
WOW what an experience. We were so excited for
her and of course we got to stay and watch the game.

King of the Mountain

Madison and friend Shana dueling for the lead at the playground. I so glad to see my children are growing up!!!

Summer is here

Well summer is here and we are so glad. We spent our 1st week in Utah. Madi went to EFY at BYU with cousins Courtney and Christiaan and the rest of us played with friends and cousins. It is great to see everyone. We had a big scare on the way home. My mom had a heart attack while visiting Scott in California. The doctors say she will have a complete recovery and we are so glad that Dad, Scott and Lisa are taking care of her. It really made us think about our lives. So new family goal this summer we are all going biking or jogging every day, starting tomorrow. (we will see how it goes.

Our family has been a little topsy turvy these days. Steve has taken back Xavier so he will traveling back and forth to Utah each week. We already miss him, but hope things go well at the office. School will be out in 2 1/2 weeks, (we ARE counting) we will only have June together before Ashlyn and Dalin begin going to year round school in July. We are a little sad about this, but we will make it work. We will be coming Utah through out the summer and hope to be able to see friends.

Mitchell's Court of Honor

Mitchell had his first court of honor for scouts this month. He received Tenderfoot, 2nd class, 1st class and 10 merit badges. He has been so motivated he has had a great time and is now working on his Cycling merit badge by taking a 25 mile bike ride. Good Luck!

Ashlyn

Ashlyn has been in a Performing choir and has loved it.

Dalin 2nd Grade

Dalin giving a report on Grover Cleveland

Madison after her heart procedure

Those lights are just a little too bright.

Mitchell

Mitchell has a new love for baking. Well mostly just desserts.

1st Sledding in Colorado