Dear Summer......I love you!!

I am totally loving summer so far. It has been simply amazing. This week really feels like summer break (I was helping plan for next year at work last week) and I feel like we are figuring out our schedule. I even wrote one out to guide us through our day. I really want to keep the kids on their normal schedule as much as possible while still having fun!! So far, it has worked pretty well except for today. Today we enjoyed a play date with sweet family and friends, there was a little too much excitement (and noise) for nap time. I tried.....

Lunch time! 6 kids and a baby! : )

Being silly with the girls!

My sweet friend and I

Posing as usual

Even my sweet niece came!! I got to enjoy both of my nieces today!!! And yes I know those are the cutest cheeks ever!

Last week we enjoyed our annual Gaylord trip. We have went every year since I was pregnant with Ella and good ol' Grapevine never disappoints us! There is always tons of fun stuff for families to do. It was even sweeter this year because we got to spend a little bit of time with Papa and Nana. The kids had a blast, we had a blast, and it was a nice mini get-a-way! We did, however, learn that Ella is NOT ready for a big trip just yet..very good to know. Haha!

the infamous "Nana"

waiting for the 4d movie

racing the car Grayson and Daddy made

little stinker made stairs to get on the giraffe's back...

passed out the second day on the way home

We also enjoyed some time down on the farm at Mimi and PawPaw's.

my daddy and little one

he loves talking to the ducks, chickens, and the crazy turkey

visiting sweet Granny

running from Granny and Aunt Cindy's to mom and dad's

this is blurry but I love this...laid with Grandma for an hour!!!

Of course, no summer post would be complete without my yearly Summer Goals, so here they are:

1. Read 100 books with the kids! This was our goal last year but I wasn't so good at keeping up with it. This year I am all about documentation plus we have to keep logs for their summer reading clubs. Those are free and fun and learning is involved...you can't get better than that!

2. Transform Ella's room to a big girl room. I have already started shopping.

And must I add that I LOVE Home Goods. They have super cute stuff at great prices. I was going to order Grayson a sham for his bed (since he can't have accent pillows on his bed due to his asthma) from Pottery Barn Kids, it was cute and about $30 (I also love Pottery Barn Kids). I found one that looked EXACTLY the same at Home Goods on clearance for $2. Joey was extremely impressed and I am sure my buddy, Dave Ramsey would be too! : )

He is saying..."Way to go, Melanie!" Haha!

3. Do a nightly bible study as a family! Joey and I have tried before and it didn't work out when Ella was a baby because her sleep schedule or crying but now that she is a little older, it's something we feel strongly about. We always say we are busy but God should be the one thing that we make the MOST time for. So we are excited about this. We want to continue this beyond summer, too.

4. For Joey and I to finish our book study. Currently, Joey and I are doing a book study on "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp. We, at times, differ on discipline/behavior. I lean towards my counseling background and he leans towards biblical standards. This offers both and is such an amazing book. The author was a past teacher, principal, counselor, pastor and is a father. We read a chapter a night and discuss the questions at the end. Love it so far and it leads to a lot of great discussion.

5. To do a service project as a family. Hebrews 13:16: Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
That's the bible y'all, enough said!!

6. To enjoy my family and cherish every.minute.with.them. Things get busy but family is what God has blessed us with and I hope to put down my phone more, put the computer off until they're in bed (like tonight), and focus on my wonderful husband, babies, and all our other family and make wonderful memories.





Have a blessed week, y'all!

First Day of Summer!!!

If you could see me right now, I would be jumping up and down cheering because today is the official first day of summer break. I will be going into work to help with some extra stuff next week so I made sure to start today off right with the kids.
We started the day with some amazing birthday cake pancakes....

When I set them down on the table, they prayed and started eating. I think it was probably the most quiet I have ever seen them. They were pretty good!

Their silly faces!!

After that, we got ready and headed to one of our favorite summer time places....the park! We LOVE picnics and hanging out at the park in the summer. It's so much fun! The kids get to play at the splash pad, we get to have picnics (another favorite thing), and it's FREE!! Haha! It was a great way to kick off summer. A sweet friend met us up there (with a sno-cone) and it was nice just to hang out!

Grayson didn't want pictures!

And this was the effect of having too much fun in one day.....

The way the camera is angled makes her arms and hands look HUGE...but they're really not!

And I just ended the night with some quiet time with just Grayson which was so nice. When you have a younger one that requires a lot of time, it can be hard on the older kiddo so I have been trying to put time aside for just me and him like trips to Walmart, staying up late with Mommy, and reading together every night. Grayson is just the sweetest and most amazing little boy ever and I thank God for him. I hope to do the same with Ella so that they always know how much I love them and how each one of them is so special to me!!!

Another thing that I checked off my list was to move offices. I needed a bigger space to do counseling groups, projects, hold SST meetings so my wonderful principal allowed me to move to the large office across from her. I We (the custodian and I) did it all in one day. It feels good to be close to ready for the next school year!!! 

The outside of my door!

So here are some pictures that make my heart happy.


Have a blessed week, y'all!

The Clark Wedding...my brother is married!!!!!

Well we have had quite a weekend! I am so thankful that it is a 3 day weekend and then only 3 days until SUMMER BREAK! Teachers, I am sure you are feeling me! I have never counted down the days because I don't like my job... I  have always LOVED working in education but ever since having Grayson and Ella, I have looked forward to having summer off and being a part time stay at home mommy. I do recall my first year teaching and being pregnant with Grayson that I actually counted down the days until we started school again because I loved working and got so bored in the summer with just me!

This past weekend, my little brother, Jordan, finally got married. Him and Jessica (his new wife) have been together about 5 years and have Vann together who just turned 4. I am excited for this new journey for them and I know they are moving into their own place and are ready to start their lives together out on their own. The wedding turned out beautiful (yet a little stressful leading up to it). I think no one expected it to be as beautiful as it did because it was out in the country at my parent's house but it was one of the prettiest weddings I have seen. We had a lot of fun and I was exhausted today. But here are some pictures from the wedding...

me and the kids before the wedding

their vows

me and my adorable grandmother...love her so much!

me and my mini bff shelby

some cute little kids I found...haha

me and my little brother...love that rascal

our crazy little Vann and Grayson

me and the beautiful bride

my sweetheart and best buddy

ella's new buddy

me and my amazing mom, wish the sun wouldn't have been in our eyes

their first dance

It was a good time and now we can relax. We had Olivia (my niece) come spend the night tonight so we had fun playing, eating ice cream, and camping out in the living room (we did this a lot last year but the kids think it's so fun)!

So I am going to enjoy my day off tomorrow with family and making some of this recipe below....my Aunt Cindy gave me an extreme amount of zucchini and yellow squash from her garden so I want to use it before it goes bad...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html


So have a safe and blessed Memorial Weekend and remember to be thankful for the amazing men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Praise God for them. 

A Trip to the ER and Some Morphine

So where should I begin? I guess we can start with last Sunday, Mother's Day! It was wonderful and amazing and my sweet husband surprised me with the necklace I had wanted so badly and totally didn't think he had noticed my cyber clues (via blogs and facebook). Haha...I just love that Joey!!!

Then our babies Grayson and Ella had made some super adorable Mother's Day crafts at school...aren't those always the best?

We spent a lot of time at church on Mother's Day. I taught Sunday school and then stayed in there through service but I had a lot of fun with the kiddos and we made things for their mommies, too!

Then we got to visit with Joey's mom (Nana) and then my mom (Mimi) on Sunday. It was a great time where Joey and I both realized how much we love our moms and how important they are to us. I can't believe how much moms do and try my best to live up to that!

Then...last Wednesday I had to go to the ER for stomach pain. Oh yes, that darn stomach pain AGAIN! It has been a little rascal lately. They said I have ulcers among some other digestive issue so here we go again with a new way of eating...and I am sure more tests but praise the Lord because it could be worse and I was also given some good ol' morphine. I must say that stuff was crazy! My school nurse had dropped me off and Joey had to come get me...there was no way I was going to be able to drive home!!! Shout out to Nana for helping Joey get my car home!

Then we enjoyed the weekend and played with our kiddos. We celebrated Joey's dad, sister, and her husband's birthday and got to see sweet lil Sawyer who I guess is really not that little! : ) Grayson always talks about her but he is always a little scared once he sees her in person. : )

Here is a pic of me and Ella (Grayson did not want to be in it) and one of her making sure to blow her nails dry after I painted them...oh...my...word!

I will leave you with one that makes my heart happy....Grayson and Ella playing together!! They really are becoming good buddies. Grayson even went and got her a sippy cup of water without being told or asked (we never ask him to do that) for Ella. We are so blessed with these two!!

Oh and I have had some requests for a home tour.....I will try and get to that after I finish some summer projects...so it probably won't be until late summer!!


Have a blessed week!!

Almost Mother's Day...

That special time of the year is here to honor our sweet mothers!! Being a mother is such an extreme blessing that we as moms talk about ..... but when I think about it...truly think about it....it makes me want to give God the glory. Not only did God save me from my sins and give me new life with his grace and mercy but he has blessed me with a wonderful mom, mother in law, and the chance to be a mother, myself. Everyone always told me that being a mom is amazing. I never understood it until I became one. I never understood why mom always worried about us growing up until now. I never knew why my mom would get mad when we made silly choices. I never knew why my mom (and dad) worked so hard to provide the best for us when they really didn't need to do that at all. It's all part of a mother's love.

Being a mother is unlike anything. When I hear the kids laughing and playing, or when they feel sick or need me, I thank God because it is because of Him that I have them. When Joey and I first got married I never thought that I could love him more....but after having Grayson and Ella, I do! Seeing him take care of them and do things he doesn't have to do makes me realize how amazing he is too!

So, Happy Mother's Day to you all. Whether you are a mom, have one in heaven, don't have children but have an awesome mom, or are a mommy to a sweet dog or cat : ).....Happy Mother' Day!

And a special Happy Mother's Day to.....
 My wonderful mom, Linda (Mom to us crazy Clark kids)
Who always cooks good food for me (yes I know that sounds so 2nd grade..haha), for teaching me to be the assertive woman I have become today, and for teaching me how to wear heels and add metallic colors to my wardrobe, for being a friend and a mom who is always willing to help me with anything, for always believing in us kids no matter what, and always having our back, and being a sweet MiMi!!

My mother in law , Jennifer (Mom to the most amazing man ever-Joey- and Lauren)
 For always being so amazingly sweet and thoughtful and making me feel like a special part of your family, for being a friend, and for so being the opposite of what people say mother in laws should be. : ) I am blessed to have married into such a great family.

To my sister, Megan (Mom to Liv)
 For being strong and being my best friend. For all the things we have been through and will go through, for being a sister in Christ, being Aunt Meggy Kiki, going to get frozen yogurt, and just being my little sister, and being an amazing mommy to Liv.

To my sis in law, Lauren (Mom to Sawyer)
For being like another sister, for being Aunt Lala to the kids and always being there for them, for fun times and helping me get excited about things in your life...haha, for being a bff, and and a new mommy who is doing a fabulous job!

So to all of you and many more in the family...Happy Mother's Day! I want to leave you with a video from Godvine.com that is inspirational!

http://www.godvine.com/Mother-s-Inspiring-Video-About-her-Blind-Baby-Boy-1484.html

My Fav Monday (I know it's Tuesday) : (

Okay, so I know it is Tuesday and all but I do have an excuse. I was sick yesterday and am still under the weather today. Yes, I know....our household is always sick but on the bright side we are getting better! We had an awesome weekend filled with church, my sweet nephew Vann's 4th birthday party and Ella's 2 year pictures with some of our sweet boy and family. If you are checking out my new header you can see how lovely they are! Our oh-so-awesome photographer over at AJ's Expressions (she is on facebook...like her) did an amazing job! WE love them and can't wait to see the rest which I will definitely post for you! Our family was also busy this weekend making things for the kiddos' teachers for Teacher's Appreciation Week. So THANK YOU to all the teachers out there who make a great difference in the lives of children. I wish I would have taken pictures (shocking, right??) but I didn't. I will, however, share with you an oh-so-yummy recipe that was pinterest-inspired and that the kids and Joey ate up very...very...fast! I did omit the banana chips because my little ones are not big fans but these are crazy good!!!

They were found over at Bru Crew Life

Ingredients

• 3/4 c. butter, softened
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding
• 1 c. chocolate chips
• 1 c. reeses pieces
• 1 c. dried banana chips, broken

Instructions

In a bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix and set aside. In a large mixing bowl cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and honey and beat again. Slowly add the dry ingredients, being careful not to over mix. Stir in the chocolate chips, reeses, and banana chips by hand. (you can leave out the banana chips if you don't like those, or substitute pretzels or chips)

Drop by tablespoon onto a baking sheet, leaving 2 inches in between each cookie. Bake at 350* for 10 minutes. Cool on pan for 3-4 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. Store in a tightly covered container. Makes about 36 cookies.

Now for MY FAV MONDAY.....

 Being a Counselor!!! I must say that I love my job! It is a blessing to help kids and really feel like you're making a difference. 

Our Church (Chisholm Baptist)....Joey and I had looked for a church that was biblical and felt right. One that did not just preach a feel good, motivational message but God's truth and this is where He led us. Our church and the people in it are amazing and we are so thankful for it. It is great to be involved and have a place that our family can worship our great Lord!

 Oh...my...yum! Iced green tea lattes...these are so delish and I drank a giant one today with my sore throat. I remember me and my sister in law, Lauren, drinking these alll the time until we found out how many calories were in it! But if you have not tried one...do it asap!

NYC....here I come. Now if you're a family member of mine you are probably extremely annoyed by me talking about my upcoming trip to New York City...sorry! :( But I am so excited, I have wanted to go since I was a little girl and now it's booked and I can't wait! I am so ready to see Central Park, the library, the museums, and get a good ol' Nathan's hot dog and a diet Coke. I will so miss my babies but hope to bring them back some goodies! 

 My amazing husband. I love him on all days...not just Mondays! He is just so amazing, sweet, and helpful. He is an amazing father and husband and I could not have prayed for a better (or cuter) man! He truly loves the Lord and is just an amazing leader for our family! I don't know how it is even possible but I fall more in love with him every.single.day!

So that's it but you know what I am closing with.....I won't even say it because if you read my blog you already know what I am posting next! Hehe...

 Have a blessed week y'all!