Four going on Fourteen

Silence is so rare in this house, you notice it when it happens.

So, I went searching...and found this.

Nail polish opened on the back of the toilet. Toes lined up at attention on the side of the vanity.

In just seconds, our future flashed before my eyes.

I have no idea where she gets it from.

West Coast is the Best Coast

I am sure I am going to field a bit of argument from my dear East coast friends and family, but I am saying it anyway...the West Coast is the Best Coast.

When I loaded my car and headed West over ten years ago, it was this sunset I was chasing.

And, it was on this beach where I was sun bathing alone that I met Joe for the first time. The water was just as bitter cold under my feet as I remember.

And, here, at Petco Park, Home of the Padres, where we left a little piece of us behind.

It was a dozen or so wonderful friends who quickly made an unfamiliar place feel like home. Watching one of them exchange his wedding vows this weekend was a beautiful thing, and seeing he and his wife together will always make me smile.

There is something special about this place. Even ten years later, after many of us are married with children, nothing has seemed to change. The location is just as special, and the people just as dear.

I may be a girl with roots in Texas, but a piece of my heart will always be in San Diego.

Everyone needs an Uncle Brad

I stood in the driveway watching them. Smiling. Conor grabbed the football and went running.

His elbows twisted across his body left and right until finally he was tackled to the ground...letting out a shriek of delight. Then, came a deep breath and a word only I could understand, "Rad!"

Then, it was Katie's turn. She strapped on her plastic skates over her sneakers, grabbed his hands, and closed her eyes as he began running backwards. Her feet unbalanced beneath her flew between his legs, and were stopped only by the grasp of his hands. She then let her body drop to the ground giggling. "Do it again, Uncle Brad!"

He calls her Gracie. And, after she was born, he gifted her with these.

His name is Con Con. And for Christmas, he was gifted with a bag full of Whoopie cushions and wax teeth.

It is a loving, admirable relationship. They want to sit next to him. They want to watch shows with him. They want to sleep in the same bed with him. In a compromise, we lined up little Kate's sleeping bed on the floor beside his bed, and she woke up smiling!

Then, on Halloween, they paraded him around the neighborhood, catching a lift every chance they could get. I don't believe he ever walked empty handed.

My brother has always meant the world to me, but seeing him through the eyes of our children is a whole different kind of special. It's pretty awesome.

Daddy's Little Girl...Twisted

Like most, every Halloween, it is a tradition to gather around the kitchen table and carve pumpkins. Only, in the Clark house, we have one simple rule...No stencils.

Through the years, some very creative, disgusting

evil,

and twisted ideas

have been the outcome. However, since children, the ideas have become more and more PG rated...appropriately so. We don't need the children asking questions we aren't prepared to answer, nor do we need them in our bed after a nightmare.

So, this year, I was not surprised when the creative, evil, twisted mind that is my husband produced this...

All together now...Awwwwww.

I think someone has her Daddy right where she wants him. Twisted.

Precious Moments

It has been over two weeks since I have posted to this blog. Yes, we have been busy and I can give a dozen excuses. But, tonight, it's not at all important.

When heading to the pumpkin patch, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures, smile, and absorb every precious moment. Time passes too quickly.

The setting.

As usual, they are true to their personalities. He is refusing to let go of Summer. She is embracing leggings, boots, and all things Fall!

Precious moments indeed.

Sending love from Salt Lake

Hi Kids,

This week, your Mama is in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a beautiful setting...a city within the mountains. Gorgeous.

Here in the mountains, the sun doesn't rise until later in the morning...half past 7am. The city is clean, and the people are incredibly active...fit...and healthy. I wouldn't expect any less from a city with this many hiking and ski trails to offer.

Your Dad and I came here six years ago to ski Alta and visit our friend, Jackie. We had an awesome time, but the place looks completely different without the snow.

I will be home tomorrow long after the two of you go to bed, and look forward to feeling your warm hugs come Friday morning. Kisses to you both.

Love, Mom.

You know you are getting old when...

I guess I should have seen the signs.

Like the time I asked little Kate, "what's the magic word?" and did not receive "Please." in response. Or, the time I had to explain why there were smile lines growing on my face. Oh, and then there was my self portrait...and attempt at exercise ...

Well, last night it really hit me.

Kate: Mama?

Mom: Just a minute, Kate.

Kate: Mama?

(pause)

Kate: Mama?

Mom: Just a minute, Kate.

Kate: Mama?

Kate: Mama?

Mom: What is it Kate? You sound like a broken record.

Kate: Mama? What is a record?

Yep. Hits you right between the eyes, doesn't it? Old.