New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

In This Decade:

In This Decade:

I'm only highlighting the BEST!

2000-

I could predict the weather after ear surgery.

I only say that was the best because I could hear again! and we had a few laughs over my predictions!

Mr. Clark enjoyed a year of Fishing and Hunting

We still had  ALL our kids at home

Things were quiet

2001-

Terrence Graduated from High School

Elyse is Miss Cleveland

we come together as a Nation

2002-

Tyrel is managing KFC in Salt Lake City

Terrence goes to SL to help him and also gets some valuable part time work in directly with Neil Savage

Elyse is still on her toes

she performs a ballet to Faith Hills "There You'll be"

In Memory of Grandpa Baker

( a proud Mom moment for me)

2003-

Our Son  Tyrel went to New York City for 2 yrs to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Our Son  Terrence married his Best Friends in the Manti Temple. Marriage was performed by Laura's Grandfather

Terrence lands an awesome Job and they make their first home in Colorado and he starts school with the University of Phoenix

2004-

Our First Grand child was born

It's a Girl

Elyse a Senior. Still excelling in Ballet and taking a Course at the College.

My second  near death experience since 1996

Happy to still be on this earth!

2005-

A magical  moment at the airport when Tyrel returned from New York

Elyse graduated from High School

She moves to Colorado.

We moved to Louisiana and I had the house of my dreams in the neighborhood of my dreams!

We survive Hurricane Katrina

2006-

Elyse moves back to Utah works  at a factory welding. She graduates from Provo College and goes to work for a Dentist in Spanish Fork

Our son Tyrel gets married to a girl PERFECT for him!
They get married in the Manti Temple and buy their first home and move to Price.

Terrence and Laura and Kylie

live with us.

He transfers to University of Phoenix in Baton Rouge.

Terrence transfers to work with Mr. Clark.

(what an awesome time.They both loved it)
Grumpy Gramps and Jason fly out for Thanksgiving  and we take Gramps to Florida to see the Atlantic Ocean.

Everyone comes to Louisiana for Christmas

2007-

Our 2nd Grand Daughter is Born

Terrence and Laura move to Logan, Ut

to further Terr's education at Utah State University.

We moved to Kansas.

2008-

We have missionaries in our home.

a Senior Couple.

The Albaughs

Mr. Clark has a miracle.

He kept his toe!

Elyse starts school at Utah State University to be a Dental Hygienist
No more ballet for her. Her new love is in dancing ballroom.

2009

I ran/walked my first race!

Was able to attend the marriages of my Niece and Nephew

We have 4 missionaries living with us at one time.

Terrence has escapes death after being electrocuted  and after a horrifying year, miracles happen for their little family.

2010:

Mr. Clark is called to the Branch Presidency

Miracles happen with Clark's Health

I go back to work in Special Education.
Tyrel goes back to School at  an extension of Utah State Univeristy CEU and will graduate in 2011 with his associates.  Danielle gets a full time positon at Division of Wildlife.
Elyse gets her own apartment
(no more room mates) 

We get news we are having a GRANDSON!

We are looking forward to another 10 years of MEMORIES!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Lovin' this time of Year!

The 26th of December on to Jan. 1

is my FAVORITE

time of year.

Like some of my blogging friends, I have an adrenaline rush the day after Christmas.

Yes, Starting *Fresh* to me is a rush!
I love thinking of

 all the projects I would like to do.
(seems like the only time my ideas are flowing!)
Oh...
Trips we'd like to take etc.
House projects,
Preparedness plans.

I love to make next years Christmas list.

It's the only time I can think of fun things others got that I could give or what I didn't give that I could have gave.
and shopping the after Christmas clearance give me a jump on good deals!

I will try to:
Serving my family better.
Making great memories.
Digging in to Family History etc.

I vow to do better!

I've been looking over last years goals...

It's lookin' like they will continue to be this years goals!


With this exception:
This Year We will study the New Testament.

I can't wait!
Last years goal:
to be more prayerful
this year I'm adding
"on my knees"
I will continue my focus  on walking the walk, not just talking the talk of Christ.
and as always our goal is to continue to be THANKFUL
I've seen how keeping this attitude of gratitude has blessed our lives and made us happier people.
This year especially because of our trials and experiences we are thankful for *Life.

For answered prayers.

Especially knowing that others were praying with us.
Made us appreciate our friendships and the knowledge that we are comforted and surrounded by so many amazing people.
 
May you all have a year of BLESSINGS, PEACE and JOY,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Love to all,
Sharon

Thankful Thursday: A Year in Review

Here is Our Year in Review:

January:
Started out the year pretty rough.

Mr. Clark in the hospital

Mr. Clark accepts the calling as 2 Counselor in our Branch at our Church.

February:
 Another incident for Mr. Clark
He's in the hospital again for 2 days.

The Doctors don't understand why he can't stop throwing up. He has every test/scan

March:

Mr. Clark has another scare when he lost his eyesight due to Macular Edema. He ends up in the hospital for 9 days. We were terrified to say the least. We find out that his kidneys are only at 15% function. This is when we found out that his nausea (in Jan. & Feb) was due to High Potassium. We started on a *STRICT RENAL/ No Potassium DIET!

His first reaction:
"No Potatoes?"
"No Dairy?"
"No Oranges?"
then:
"NO NAUSEA!!!!"
  

April:

Mr. Clark working part time, getting eye treatments. I am his chaufeur/eyes.
After nearly 3 years the missionaries that lived with us have moved. We have seen incredible blessings not only in our lives but in the lives of so many others.
Tears.
They are all missed and very much loved by
this Ma and Pa!

May:

Miracles Happen

Mr. Clark is back to work and his sight is improving.

The Doctor is Amazed.

 A wonderful month when Our Daughter in Law brought

our two grand daughters to stay with us *1 month!

June:

 A surprise Fathers day for Mr. Clark. Terrence flew in and Tyrel and Danielle magically appeared.

It was priceless!

A WONDERFUL TIME!

July:

Our daughter Elyse come for a visit.

Yes, we shopped 'til we dropped! She kissed on her Dad.
She was ready to give up her job/life to take care of her Dad if she needed to.

It was awesome to have her here.


This time with all of our kids helped lift our spirits and keep us going.

August:

Started Paperwork for Mr. Clark to qualify for a Kidney Transplant at Kansas University Med. Center

(still waiting to hear)

September:

Made a trip to Utah for Labor Day and spent a weekend with the Mills family.

A GREAT TIME

October:

 I went to work. Starting out as just a Para sub for Special Education. It worked into a full time Para for the *Vocational Special Ed students. I'm in the classroom half a day and driving students to job sites half a day.

The students have nicked named me

"Mills on Wheels!"

I'm enjoying it.

We found out exciting news:

We are getting a grandbaby BOY in March!

November: 

A heartbreaking/quiet Thanksgiving.

We found out our dear friend Terry, has terminal lung cancer

December:

Our trip to Utah for Christmas was cancelled.

Spent day's mailing Christmas gifts, Baking a record of 41 pans of Cinnamon Rolls! 
Healing
 my stupid toe

and colds.
Pretty much sick the whole Christmas Break!

Spending an awesome  Christmas day with our "adopted family"

The Eccles

and the Elders from our Church.

And the Year has come to a close.

We feel more THANKFUL than usual with the miracles that happened this year. We stopped in our tracks and thought about how the gift of sight and the quality of life is so precious.

Which leads us to being THANKFUL for TIME.

 "Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it,”

Thankful Tuesday! oh toes...

Oh my dreaded toe
blah,blah, blah!
All day I've been feeling bad that I wrote about my stupid toe...
Today is the day my dear friend Terry started Chemo.
I know she is trying to be so courageous.
I try to put myself in her shoes.
Hmmmm
I whined over my toe.
Seriously,
I wasn't very brave.
About that time I wondered how I even had children!
I don't think the Doctor let the numbness kick in before attacking my toe.
And how could I ever endure such an affliction as cancer.
Please, Dear God stay by my friends side.
He who gave his own son.
I can't comprehend.
To Terry:
Who will suffer her own Gethsemane.
May you have his comfort and love.
XO

For the knowledge that God loves and cares for each one of us.
I AM THANKFUL 

O Holy Night - For Madison

Check out the ART WORK along with this beautiful song. Enjoy!

To our Dear Friend. Courage and Determination is her motto!

This post is dedicated to Terry.

Our friend who has dedicated her life to make others feel Important.

Terry is One of the Secretaries that works with  Mr. Clark.

She does so many BIG things for Clark. But it's the little seemingly small things that mean so, so much too. And they don't go unappreciated.

 He's say's, "without Terry, my job is much more difficult and time consuming. "

Like changing Mr. Clarks computer Screen to a "fishing" scene. Or uploading a picture of the grandchildren or A picture of deer that Tyrel sent to his Dad.

She loads his candy dishes with *sugar free candy. She even stows away bubble gum in Mr. Clarks drawer for when I come by! She makes his lists, does his  shopping. Makes his appointments, places orders for him, she has been his personal spell check and editor! She keeps him in line! She has gone beyond the task of merely a secretary, thats just the kind of person she is.

Terry has been a support and special friend to both Mr. Clark and I since the day we arrived in Kansas.

She adopted us and put us under her wing.

She has made us feel like family.

She made and brought us dinner after we spent 14 weeks in a hotel, eating restraurant food.
(waiting for our homes to close)

She thought we could use a home cooked meal. 

Thats when we learned that in Kansas they like to eat Chicken and Noodles on Potatoes.

Clark knew this was the place for him!

 She has also become my very dear friend.

We have made it a tradition to go to lunch once a month.

We both love Mexican Food and our Husbands don't care for it.

 I have loved her listening ear and special friendship.

She made sure she welcomed me into the community by inviting me to her church activities.

 I loved it!  

I had never been to any other church in my lifetime so I appreciated being welcomed in.

The basket social being among my FAVORITE!

Two weeks ago, Terry found out she has cancer of the lypnodes, lung and liver. She is a woman of great courage. As we went to her home to give her some encouragement and love, guess what... She was encouraging and comforting us.

Clark said to me today, "Oh if I can just have that same attitude that she has when I am sick"

 We will keep her example of STRENGTH in our hearts.

Words can not describe our heartfelt sadness.

I think because we've seen others suffer similar circumstances it makes it even harder to except that a dear person to us has to suffer in any way.

How can we be joyous in December. I've been pondering the thought a lot lately.

We have to know that God has a plan for us. Life on this earth is just a step in the direction of Eternity. And Christ was BORN, LIVED to be a perfect example, SUFFERED in Gethsemne and and DIED on the cross for each one of us.
  That he might take upon us the suffering, afflictions, our grief, and most importantly our sins. 

A wondrous gift to us.

May we call him WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR and give THANKS for his Birth and Life. For he is the reason, we can remember to  be joyous during December.  

YES, December throws some wammo's at us. But what a better time to remember the purpose of life. How precious it is. We never know when our time to leave it will be upon us. So it is a perfect time to show extra-love to others. Mend a wrong. Show kindness to others. It's seems that we all have our own sufferings and hard ships this time of year. How nice it feels when someone does something kind for us, not knowing our pain or grief.

Another good reason for the season.

 God Bless you all!
Prayers continue to
 Bless our Friend with continued strength.
We love you Terry!



Memories at Christmas: Sledding

  Whenever I see an old sleigh I reflect back to the good ol' days' as a child.  I have so many memories of sledding. We had some awesome locations  that become tradition to take our sleds every winter. One was at the ball park next to our home because it had some seriously steep hills. And Tracy's Hill.  The memory that stands out the most to me is when my Dad would take us up American Fork Canyon. Mom and Dad had an old 69 station wagon.  Dad would hook a rope onto the sleds and down the mountain road we went. The funnest part was while waiting our turn sitting in the back seat of the station wagon. The seat was turned backwards so it was fun to sit and watch. We were so fortunate not to get hurt. Holy Cow did we ever have fun! Then a new reservoir was built I think it was called "Tibble Fork Reservoir" We would often sled down the hills and onto the ice. When Mr Clark and I  had our own children we resorted to the toboggan pulled by a four wheel drive. (an older post) Usually Uncle Bobs ol
 black truck. and then our  Ol' black truck that we got from Uncle Dan.  Over the bumps and through the fields at Grandmothers place we did play! Such good memories.

The Greatest Gift

Edelweiss and a Christmas Memory

As a child this was my FAVORITE movie! When I was Eight for Christmas my Mom made me my own Wedding Dress with a Vail. One of my most memorable Christmas's. I marched up and down the street singing Edelwiess with my little white dress on. Bet the neighbors loved that one. :)

1 hour of Christmas Messages. Enjoy!

http://lds.org/broadcasts/watch/christmas-devotional/2010/12?pid=692245596001&pkey=AQ%7E%7E,AAAAjP0hvGE%7E,N-ZbNsw4qBrw7kwhMdnhxO2ZFGj6dA4f&lang=eng

Look to the Light

Silent Night: A Christmas Message

I love the look of the Wise Men. This is a beautiful depiction of Christ birth.

Memories of Mrs. Christmas

Today is the day 18 years ago that Clark's Mother DeAnn passed away.  She lovingly put her arm around her husband and went to sleep only to wake up in Heaven. She died of a blood clot after knee surgery.
I've recounted this story before. WE REMEMBER her love and devotion to her family. There has been no one in this world like her. She took care of us all. This Christmas She had everything all neatly wrapped. Even Dinner in the freezer for our Family get together on Christmas day. She knew she was going to be laid up after surgery, so everything had to be prepared.
Now, I could tell you that she had Christmas prepared every year by August! This particular year especially. Wrapped and placed perfectly under the tree.  She loved Christmas. Her gifts were always so thoughtful for every person.
 We joked that she got the noisiest gifts to send home and drive us (parents) all bonkers! I can still see her giggle when we looked at her cross eyed when the kids opened the trucks with the back up beeps and the loud engine running or the machine guns or the Heman swords that screeched when you hit someone!

Christmas in 1996 was especially hard when we all opened our gifts knowing that we would never have this time with her again. She made wonderful memories for us.

 She would dress up like Mrs. Claus and do Christmas for the less fortunate. She was a very special person. We miss her so much. So especially in December we are reminded of Dear Mrs. Christmas, oh how we miss her and love her. This year and every year she would want us to have the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!! Spread the happiness she shared with everyone this time of year. Making it always a goal. She wouldn't want it any other way.

Do You Have Room for the Savior? - Jon McNaughton

This artist is AMAZING! The music is BEAUTIFUL! Enjoy!

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

BEAUTIFUL!

The Nativity and "Breath of Heaven"

You may also like: http://www.jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/the-bread-of-life/video/the-bread-of-life

On your knees this Christmas!

       "If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept."

          LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Real Christmas

What Shall We Give?

 I love, love the very last message of this video, "What will you give for Christmas?", and the last syllable erases and it reads, "What will you give for Christ?"

#1 Treasured Memories of Christmas- The Coat and Dress (re-post)

. A single Mom came to church every Sunday with her two children. For five years she wore the same dress and had a thin worn out coat. One year for Christmas My Mother decided to take her Christmas Bonus ($70) and buy this lady a special gift. So we set out to JCPenney's then on main in Provo and purchased a dress and a beautiful fake fur coat. I felt pretty important when I helped pick it out and then anticipated carrying out the beautifully wrapped gifts.

Little did I know it was the beginning of a BIG LIFE LESSON ON PRAYER!!!! As I carried out the gifts to the car I placed the packages on the roof of the car. Then got in and Mom drove off. After getting on the freeway to head back to American Fork I looked in the back seat to see the gifts only to realize I LEFT THEM ON THE ROOF of the CAR.......

We turned around returned to our parking place only to find the packages GONE. The store was closed so we went back to the car and my Mother and I prayed that whoever found the packages would find it in their heart to somehow return them? (the pkgs had a jcp sticker on the bow)

On Monday morning, Mom called JCPenney's and asked if anyone had returned the packages. Customer Service said that YES someone had returned the packages and if she could identify what was in them we could get them back. That was the miracle of an answered prayer at just the age of 10,

The fun part then was when Mom had one of her co-workers take the package to the single mothers home. He knocked on the door, when the mother answered he said, "These gifts are for you" she said "I cannot take them. I don't know you." He said "lady, I don't know you either but these gifts are for you."

It remained a secret as far as I know. I will never forget seeing that mother come into church on Sunday with a new dress and a new coat for years after that.

That began a new love for the gift of giving.

This Christmas I am going to start my what was "Thankful post" with "Treasured Memories of Christmas" of Christmas's passed *inspired by my new friend (Marianne)

#2 Treasured Memories at Christmas- Our very own Santa's Helper (re-post)

Tyrel's FIRST yeas as 'Santa'
Love this picture of Tyrel and his baby sister, Elyse

Our very own 'Santa' (DAD) 1988

Christmas 1987

Tyrel is not sure he likes 'Santa' (GRANDPA) 1984



 Elyse loves Santa (Grandpa)





"I believe 'Santa' (Grandpa) will bring me EVERYTHING I want!" Terrence 1994



Our first experience being Santa's helper was when Clark was approached by Zions Bank to help out at their Christmas Party. It brought in $100. dollars. After two or three events that year we had an extra special Christmas.

 

We made it tradition that instead of earning money we would use it as a service.

THE TIME OF OUR LIVES!

All three of our children have always helped 'Santa' (Grandpa) and 'Santa'  (Dad) as their special ELVES.  One year in particular, Elyse went as Santa's Elf with Santa (Dad). She has awesome memories of delivering Christmas for a special family. The joy they experienced helping this family will never be forgotten.

 Being Santa's helper began with Grandpa Mac. When he started the tradition in Pleasant Grove because of his nice round belly and HO HO HO! And a Mrs. Santa beside him. He has done it so consistently that several families has only known one Santa. It is awesome to get pictures of the kids on Grandpa Santa's knee.

A legacy of Santa's helpers.

Special Memories

#3 Treasured Memories of Christmas- The Tobogan (re-post)

This is Jason, Mike, Goldie, Robert and Paul

This is Terrence, Alaina, Elyse and Eric (I think Tyrel is the one with his head cut off behind Alaina?)

Through the years tobogganing became a winter favorite. We would hook it to a truck and pull it all over our families farm. Miles and Miles of "Dooters" circles and figure eights all over the fields.

Another one of my favorite memories (we have it on video rather than pictures ) was when the truck went around in circles and dumped all the kids on board. Terrence got up and he looked like an abominable snowman. That was another LOL moment as he waddled back to the house. It wasn't funny to him he was just a little tyke.

Growing up, we did the same thing accept my father would hook sleds onto the back of our station wagon and we would sled down the main road of American Fork Canyon. Not such a safe idea. We were fortunate not to get hurt. It was a another fun winter memory of growing up.

#4 Treasured Memories at Christmas- Tradition of the 'TREE' (re-post)

Last December (2007) Hot Dog Roast after getting Tyrel and Danielles Tree- I left the camara in the car during the tree hunt... Every year at Christmas in Utah we get together with all of our families and relatives and go cut down a tree. Whether in the mountains or in the desert we would make it a family fun day. Roasting hot dogs and throwing in a can or two of chili in the fire would make our tradition. I can still picture all of us standing by a tree and saying "this is the one" and Dad checking out to see if it had a decent trunk and everyone taking a turn sawing it. Then dragging it back to the truck. One particular year (this is my favorite story) I love to tell it! We went in the mountains. We climbed up this hill and found "THE PERFECT TREE'. Perfect especially for me because I usually dislike 'the big fat ones' on the desert. They were not always my favorite although we managed to get 'tall' fat ones! And we could make them beautiful! Anyway we were on the mountain and we told the kids stay above the tree because when the tree comes down you will get hit by it. As Clark cut the tree, Tyrel (9 or 10?) ran below the tree and all of the sudden we saw the tree rolling down the hill with Tyrel rolling with it. If you can picture the moment. Tyrel was like hugging the tree as it rolled over and over. Sorry to say after we found out he was OK, we laughed hysterically! Oh, if only I would have videoed it. We could have won a million on A.F.H.V I can't even tell you the FUN we have had cutting down trees. No matter the weather, or how deep the snow is, it has been the most memorable part of Christmas. Last year we were able to go with Tyrel and Danielle to get their first tree in the mountains/desert. We also had the Pulli Children (they chose it for their parents) with us to cut their first tree since moving back to Utah from Texas. The Tradition continues!

#5- Treasured Memories at Christmas- "the 12 days of Service" (re-post)

It was December of 1996. Our family had spent most of Oct. through Feb. at the Provo Hospital where my father had complications after 5 bypass surgery. He Stayed there until his passing, so our days were pretty much spent 'hangin' out in the hospital. On top of that I had 'issues' and was also in ICU in the Provo Hospital after flat lining for 4 minutes due to a reaction to an angeogram. So it was not a very good December. During this crazy time A very special couple decided that our Family needed a little boost. They began the "12 Day's of Christmas" Our families spirit was lightened. And these 12 day gifts were not ordinary. They had went above and beyond simple gifts. We will never forget the service that couple gave to us that year. We had many more 'Angels among Us' that year. Meals, House Cleaning, Laundry Service, Others running the kids to school events etc. The treasured gifts of Christmas that year was definitely SERVICE. It will never be forgotten.

#6 Treasured Memories at Christmas- Anonymous Giving (re-post)

While living most of our lives in Utah we lived in a awesome little rural town. One of the many good things that came from working at the little town store was the good towns people and neighbors I got to know from working there. Also the needs that came up within the community.

It began our own tradition every year of "OUR SECRET SEARCH" for the family (or families) who we would do Christmas for that year. WE-- I am talking my best friend-Nita, Nita's Family)Deann and Mac(Clarks Mom&Dad) and Our family. For a particular family we gathered a list, divided it up and the had the Kids deliver it. Most of the time it was Tandy, Lacey and Jake. We also had Santa Grandpa or Tyrel, Terrence and Elyse. This one particular year we had a 'TRUCK LOAD' of items. We delivered it and among the items was a pillow, with a homemade Christmas pillow case for each member of the family. It wasn't until the next day that I realized in the back of the truck was one of the pillows. Being in such a hurry, we missed one. Which meant another anonymous trip. How do you explain that "oops we missed one" You know driving without the lights on, sneaking back etc. for one pillow.

The hardest thing about all of the secret deliveries we made through the years was that we never knew what the family thought about it. Only the good feeling of just giving. And the gift of service that carries on to our children. The secret acts still continue today. An awesome treasure of memories for the rest of our lives.

#7 Treasured Memories of Christmas- Christmas Disappointment (re-post)

So it was one of those years that I was doomed for Disappointment. I had to be 12 or 13? I had went to my father's "Workshop". I don't remember if I was looking for a tool or nail or hammer or what? But I was NOT on a mission to find any Christmas presents. We had been warned forever that if we searched for our Christmas presents we wouldn't get it. So I literally didn't want to find any present. Mom and Dad usually hid them in the broom closet above the stairs so I avoided that location. Any way I had asked for a 'tape recorder'. Kinda funny because it was the big thing to me. If we would have had 'boom boxes' in that day that's what I would have wanted. So in looking for whatever it was I was in the workshop for I found a 'tape recorder.' Now just so you know. It was not hidden very well at all. Just sitting in plain site. I WAS CRUSHED. My Parents were ones to keep their word. If they said something they meant it and followed through with punishment! I of course did not keep it from my parents. I had the habit of spilling the beans if I was guilty. Hmmmm must be where you get it from Tyrel! So my Mother told me I would not be getting a tape recorder. I didn't want anything else so Christmas was doomed to be a disappointment. So on Christmas morning, I went into the front room and there sat a beautiful red velvet doll. It stood about 24 inches tall and the dress flowed wide with a wire skirt. I didn't want to sound unappreciative so I almost in tears said, "I love it Mom and Dad, the doll is beautiful" Mom said pick it up, and I was like uh it's not one you would play with but more for show. So I did and guess what --there was the tape recorder hidden under the doll. It was one of my most memorable Christmas's.