Monday to Friday Fun!

The Service: Elder Barth shoveling our driveway! He's the worker!

This was Monday. Elder Barth is having a bouncy good time! Notice NO COAT and little blades of green grass! and you also can't tell he is 2 feet off the ground!

Today, (Friday) It's a SNOW DAY! This is the fun of air trekkers in the Deep snow.

Flash Back Friday Too: The Piano

This is Me and My Mom. Just the beginning of a tradition with a PIANO. Not only did all of us listen to her play but we also gathered around the PIANO and Sang. The story of this particular piano was that they decided to make a "MUSIC ROOM" and in order for the Piano to fit in the music room. Dad had to cut a hole in the wall to make a new door because they couldn't get it around the corner to fit. Years later Mom sold the piano and then bought a new Piano. ** Note the spinning wheel next to this piano was made by my Grandfather Pike.

Then Mom and Dad purchased this piano. The story is when my mother had cancer her request was that this piano be given to my Brother Kent. After Mom passed away my brother Kent was persistent that it wasn't going to his house. He made a zillion excuses. One being that he worked grave yard and he wasn't going to get woke up by his girls practicing. I'm sure it would have been a treasure to his daughters too. But he insisted that I get it. I knew my Mother wouldn't be happy and I didn't want to disobey her wishes. It wasn't up to me. Kent made sure it went home with me.

So when I got this piano it became very important to me to use it in a way that my Mom wouldn't be disappointed that I ended up with the piano. So I started lessons with Clark's Aunt Arlene. She also taught my children and it was apparent that my son Terrence had a natural ability. So between Elyse learning and Terrence Learning it already was a blessing to our family.

Now as time goes on I know that my Mom would be OK with me having it. Number 2 reason, while living in Louisiana, Laura my Daughter in Law was able to practice on it. #3 While there, the Sister Missionaries would stop by and practice songs that they sang in Church. Also, #4 - not that I could play all that well by any means but I had the calling of playing piano for the primary children.

Then when we moved to Kansas. #5-The Sister Missionary that lived with us (Sister Albaugh) got permission to take piano lessons from another Sister in our Branch. #6- Seminary (Bible Study) was also held in my home so even the seminary students had the opportunity to play. #7-Now We have the Elders and they love practicing hymns too.

I often think now, Mom would be thrilled that so many have had the opportunity to play her piano. I think she might be OK with it now.

In time, I will pass the piano down to my daughter and there is more history in the making. I know she will treasure Mom's piano like I treasure it.

Thankful Thursday: HARD TIMES

Well today is a combination of a weeks thoughts and emotions. I have seen heartbreak of others watching those they love, suffer heartache. I've seen brotherly love. Families stand together to help each other. I've seen people around them that care have "sleepless nights" I LOVE BLOGGING... the most important reason today is READING the experiences of others. It helps me realize that we are all going through similar emotions, although different experiences. And knowing that we are not alone helps us get through day to day issues. My latest -- I have followed Paul Cardall's blog for the past 1 1/2 years. If you want to know if you have trials? Read his story. His second chance at life is so inspiring. I kept him in my prayers. A stranger sort of. I only knew him through his music. And his father used to be a news anchor for my favorite news channel. Pleading seriously with God to spare his life especially after his brother was killed. Today his wife Lynette told her story. Wow. I love to hear how she felt with their TRIALS. Just her comments about just wishing she had "normal" trials like the washing machine breaking down or worrying about a past due bill. It's so true. When we are experiencing trials it is like, "oh I wish I had the problems I had last week, when the little things seemed so "BIG" I can relate to this as so many of us can. And this week I am THANKFUL again. For those people in my life that help me to see that we can make it through even the "hard" times. And THANKFUL for the things that we learn along the way.

Missing Clarks Mom-- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I miss LAUGHING and CHATTING and WORKING and PLAYING and CRYING with DeAnn. I miss Mr. Clark teasing her. I knew she understood what I go through! One thing about it. If you can tell how your man will treat you by the way he treats his mother I KNOW I'M LOVED" Mr. Clark TRULY loves his mother. I love my mother in law. She not only was mom but also my good friend. BIRTHDAY WISHES GO TO HEAVEN!

THANKFUL TUESDAY: CROCUS'S

My crocus's are popping through the ground.... YIPPEE IT MEANS SPRING IS INEVITABLE!! I love, love, love SPRING. It will be here TOMORROW!

MONDAY RANTINGS: It matters to me

Yesterday in Sunday School we had quite the debate. I stand firm to the SIMPLE TRUTHS. The unanswered questions (that aren't made known to us in the scriptures or by prophets.) I don't like guessing or worrying about it. ** This person of strong opinions is emerging.... not sure if thats so good? I've never been so BOLD. But my opinion is --- I might as well be BOLD in proclaiming something I believe so STRONGLY! I DO love the simple truths we have available to us in these modern days through additional scripture and Prophets on the earth today. SIMPLE TRUTHS. Things that were lost in the Holy Bible while in translation are now restored with the additional scriptures we have which are found in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. These scriptures go hand in hand with the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT. They TESTIFY OF CHRIST. THESE ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE ARE TRUE There is so much confusion in religions about the "FALL OF ADAM" Fall meaning (they left Gods presence)This weeks lesson is found in LDS Living Magazine (click on it to read the article it's awesome!)makes it so clear that because we came here to the earth and have FREE AGENCY or ABILITY TO MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES. Adam and Eve had CHOICES. Why wouldn't they? That is the purpose coming to EARTH. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints (aka the Mormons) I believe That GOD KNEW THAT SATAN WOULD TEST EVE. But she (Eve)also had FREE AGENCY. AND THEREFORE HE (GOD) WAS PREPARED WITH A GREATER PLAN. Because of their choices he( God) knew we must have a SAVIOR. Which puts into place the ATONEMENT. Jesus Christ paid for Adam and Eves Transgression when he died for everyone. And in addition to this (Concerning Adam and Eve) 2 Nephi 2 vs. 25 " Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy. "Also **We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adams Transgressions. (Article Faith #2) It matters to me...

THIS IS NOW...

Minus Alaina and Great Grandchildren

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMPS! XO

Flash Back Friday Too: THAT WAS THEN...

THAT WAS THEN... THIS IS NOW... COMING SOON... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMPS!Clarks Mom and Dad. His Mom has since passed away. Thank goodness we still have Dad. We are remembering the treasured day's in Gramps life when he was a young wooper snapper. The best thing about Gramps is his clear memories of long ago. He has an amazing "WESTERN" past. With his favorite horse and then the times with his favorite girl! Wish we had all those stories written down. They would make an awesome book. WE LOVE YOU GRAMPS! Now those days are gone. Ol' gramps has to put up with a four wheeler instead of a horse! He now has a new wife, an awesome Dog snoops that keeps him company and his children and grandchildren to hold on too.

Thankful Thursday: The Ocean!

Two mornings in a row I have recieved a phone call from my friend who is in CANCUN! and this was our conversation, "I have the windows of our hotel open and I can hear the ocean waves, I didn't realize how relaxing the ocean is." and then I said, "Oh you deserve to listen to the ocean and relax". She is my friend who just lost both of her parents in the month of December. After I hung up I remembered back in my childhood day's when we would spend weeks of summers on our grandparents beach property. Not only did I LOVE the sound of the ocean. I loved jumping the waves and watching the tide come in and out. And the sand between my toes. And the feeling of no cares in the world. Awe.... I need to plan an ocean trip again! And so I am THANKFUL for the beauty of the earth and the peace that it brings when life kinda gets out of our control! THANKFUL TO GOD FOR CREATING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!

THANKFUL TUESDAY: A small world

So today I am thankful that sometimes it appears we live in a small world! It's amazing how some 'coincidences' happen. Being able to stay home this passed few years has had its up and downs. One UP for me has been face book. Not only have I connected with long lost relatives, friends, neighbors and class mates but so many good things have come out of it. This happened just last Friday. My Aunt asked me if a picture I posted on facebook (at the Oklahoma Temple) with a lady named Mrs. 'Scribner' had ancestors in Chase County. Well, ironically I had just talked to Mr. Scribner at Christmas and he was telling me about his ancestors in Chase County and I was so excited to tell him I did too! So I knew the answer was YES! Then my Aunt (who lives in Idaho) but does work for Chase County, Kansas emailed me some info to give to them. HOW EXCITING! WOW I can tell you that this information was indeed some work that they didn't have! OH IT JUST GIVES ME CHILLS! SO EXCITED that we can connect with the past. And truly get to know those people that went before us. I am SO EXCITED to think that my Great, great grandparents did know the Scribner family. And now I am associating with the relatives that associated with them. Makes me know that I am in Kansas for a reason. WHAT A SMALL WORLD INDEED! THANK YOU AUNT LORNA!

Elder Holley's Birthday Request!

Key Lime Pie! Elder Holley's Favorite! Had to capture his beautiful pearly whites! He has an awesome smile but he loves to be "goofy" when I get the camera out!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ELDER HOLLEY!

Elder Barth on Elder Holley's Present!

Elder Holley running down the road!

Elder Holley practicing on soft, snowy ground!

Banging sounds at our house!! A pot lid for a symbol. Elder Barth and Elder Holley both entranced with the sound! **Note: it's been known at our house to hear the Banging sounds of the pot lids and drums after 9:00 pm at our house. Luckily Mr. Clark and I are --I would say... deaf and very patient! I'm sure they are tired of hearing the TV blasting until wee hours in the morning--sometimes all night.

El Dorado Group Prepares Meals For Haiti - KWCH - Kansas News and Weather -

We were able to Package food today for the people in Haiti! So exciting to be apart of such a great volunteer effort. Lines of people waiting to help. When we feel helpless at home watching, it was a great feeling to know in a small way, you can show WE CARE. A group called Numana via the Salvation Army. See the story here: El Dorado Group Prepares Meals For Haiti - KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - If you watch the video you can see that we are packaging (what looks like granola) SOY, VITAMINS, VEGETABLES AND RICE in a ziplock. One bag feeds 6 and there are 36 bags in a case. When I first heard of of the starving children in Haite (before this devastating earthquake). I was so sad to here that the children were eating mud cakes. Wow we are so fortunate. I would have loved to have brought a bag home and eat what these people will probably view as a gourmet meal. When they finished the day there were nearly 600,000.00 Meals bagged! WOW

FLASH BACK FRIDAY TOO! Bricks of Cheese and Legos!

An "AWESOME" Dad!

AN AWESOME LITTLE BOY!

Oh shoot I LOVE THIS PICTURE! You can just see his sense of adventure in this picture. As a Mom I treasure the little person he was. He loved to be by my side. FROM BIRTH! I'll have to find the pics of him eating a brick of cheese and his obsession with "LEGO"S --still! Scooting the kitchen chair up to the counter whenever I was in the kitchen can attribute to his talent and love for cooking. I love his PASSION for it. He could have went into 'culinary arts' because he's a natural! He is a natural at so many things --some kids are born with a screw driver in his hand. Terrence would be one of them. He has worked hard to develop his natural abilities that's for sure. He has a PASSION for FISHING! His wife Laura is patient when he takes off to go almost daily! One thing that Terrence has always been is an AWESOME BROTHER! He is a manly kid but always had the time to help Elyse with her barbies and be his little sisters best friend. He is an AWESOME DAD. I had one of those "MOM MOMENTS" when his first child was born. WOAH watching him in the nursery with Kylie was amazing. I will never forget the visual in my brain. Seeing my son be so caring. "A NATURAL" We are SO PROUD of Terrence. Right now he is going through some INTENSE HEALTH ISSUES. It will be a challenge the rest of his life. Thank goodness he is a tough kid. Our prayers are with him CONTINUALLY. This Sunday is Terrence's B-day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRENCE! WE LOVE YOU!

Thankful Thursday: Remember Lots Wife!

In my sleepless night I had the tv on for about 5 hours! I love listening to KBYU! Devotionals and Scripture Study. So this is what I was reminded of last night! Lots Wife -- When she looked back she turned into a pillar of salt. She may have looked back possibly for one reason: because she couldn't let go of the past. 1- Definetly DO NOT LOOK BACK! Do not dig up the past! Especially the bad! FORGET IT and MOVE ON 2- MOVE FORWARD although some of "the good ol' day's" seem to be something we treasure. We shouldn't go Back. Set goals for the future- "THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT" When I was listening I was really thinking of some of my "TREASURED MEMORIES" as a child. Awe yes those were the days! I was blessed. Then again, we always say, "if I could go back I would change things" Today is a NEW DAY! Start now with a CLEAN SLATE and PRESS ON! I am giving myself this talkin' too. So THANKFUL to have the Scriptures and so many resources to help us understand the scriptures that help me everyday!

THANKFUL TUESDAY!

As usual we feel BLESSED that WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED DIDN'T!!!! Mr. Clark and I had a sleep over in the Susan B. Allen Resort... I mean hospital. Mr. Clark finally got that brain scan. And the results are... HE HAS A BRAIN! j/k The results showed no problems. Mr Clark couldn't get me to sleep next to him. I told him, "buddy I can't sleep next to you when the little blue throw up bag is between us." LOL Seriously, as they gurneyed him into his room he watch the back of him to make sure I was right there. I watch his desperate eyes, and I knew EXACTLY his thoughts. We discussed them later. Yep, I was right. It stinks to get old. It is a scary thought to think one could be without the other. Although the incident was minimal we feel blessed to have ONE MORE DAY.. so the song goes.

FLASH BACK FRIDAY too!

I love Cammie's post on flash back Friday. And because my blog is like a journal for me I hope it will in years to come become memories for our family to look back on.

Here it goes!

This is OUR FIRST DATE! Check out Mr. Clark's BLACK LEATHER JACKET! To bad you can't see his "STILTS" which are 4" heels!!! ASK MY MOM IF SHE WAS FRIGHTENED WHEN HE CAME TO THE DOOR!

Pretty historical how we met and pretty historical how our first official date came to be!

ONCE UPON A TIME BACK IN THE GOOD OL' DAY'S-- There was two best friends who got together and said, "LETS HOOK CLARK AND SHARON UP! My friend and I were hangin' out with Todd S. and he said, "SHARON, I'm going to take you to meet some people. I said, "OK" So yep, We drove over to Pleasant Grove and I was introduced to Mr. Clark's Father and Mother. Then we cruised around a bit. And we decided to meet back in an hour and he would bring his buddy. First thing... YES, it has gone down in history that I was the forward one and grabbed Mr. Clark's hand. HE WAS SCARED TO DEATH! At the time he was such the SHY one! After we went for a drink and french fries, I think... The boys took us back to Provo where we were staying. Long story short we had been dancing at "UNCLE MARIOS" while staying the weekend there, and got bored! Any way. Mr. Clark was SO SCARED that I might attack him, he kept reminding me that he was about to be ordained an ELDER (see the website on my side bar for a better explanation) which in our church meant a higher priesthood ordination and he wanted to serve a mission. Well HELLO, for me it was like --" WOO EEE he is JUST FOR ME!!" To make a really long story shorter... After our sorta blind date he didn't call me ( a week hadn't went by) until a kid at his school wanted to ask me to Homecoming and asked Mr. Clark if he was going to ask me. Not really intending to Mr. Clark said, YES and hurried right home and called me up and asked me to P.G.s homecoming and the rest is history. Oh did I mention we are living happily ever after-- not without a few bumps in the road but HAPPILY!

Create

As the new year begins I love to be reminded of the positive things we can do. If you are interseted in How I get my optimism CLICK on this word * Create . Find new talents and enjoy others talents.

7 day's in the New Year!

YES we made it a whole 7 day's into the year without going to the doctor. Woo Hoo! And the results.... JUST TAKE IT DAY BY DAY! Meds and more meds. Then testing if the meds don't work. Pretty typical! All in a day at the DR. MORE NEWS... YES, we are recipients of the H1N1 Vaccine. "Free from the government",?? That's what the Dr. said... SAY WHAT, "NOTHING is FREE FROM THE GOVERNMENT". I'm sure we'll all pay a high price for whatever they say is FREE... UPDATE: And now 11 days into the new year befor a HOSPITAL STAY. That was a S-C-A-R-Y one!!! Clark had an incident, with the result of a brain scan and still NO ANSWERS. We are still trying to solve the SEVERE headache issue...

Happy Birthday Sweet Maddie Girl!

Maddie's Family

Maddies Grammie Sharon

Maddies Pappa Clark

Bubbles

At the Lake

Helping Mom make Noodles

Flour Nose!

Maddie Girl, "A priceless gift to our family"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!