'Tis the Season

Believe it or not, we still exist and are just now starting to surface from all the chaos in our lives the last few months. We lost our dear Papa Egg and had to say goodbye, packed and moved into a new home that needed "work", school activities and volunteering, church activities, dance, basketball, Scouts, and an abundantly successful year in business and all that entails. However, with all the craziness, we couldn't be more grateful for all the blessings in our life. We have SO much to be thankful for:  each other, our health, our families which are closer than ever, our school and teachers, amazing friends and co-workers, our church and congregation, our new home and neighborhood, laughter and love in our home, food on our table and the list goes on. 

But above all this, we are most grateful for the birth of our Savior. This is what matters most and we need to remind ourselves of the true gift of the season. Below is a link to a beautiful video that spoke to our hearts. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. 

May God bless you and your loved ones and may your Christmas season be filled with joy, laughter and love....and gratitude.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium

In Memory of Papa "Egg" - 2/6/42 - 10/9/11

On October 9, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Papa Egg. Papa, we miss you more than words can possibly express. You were a caring, loving and giving father and grandfather who melted our hearts with your laughter and filled our bellies with delicious meals and baked goods.  You made us laugh hysterically through your jokes (how are you related to your dad?), toys (infamous pull my finger toy) and actions (holding your breath so your pants would fall to the floor in the kitchen). We smile reflecting back on those select memories and many more.

As a father, you were always there for me; through the good times and "challenging" moments. Through those times, you taught me how to be ethical, honest, responsible, work hard, respect others and keep God in our lives. I always admired you for your no-nonsense, direct approach to people and life and it is obvious some of that has rubbed off on me :)  Even though you were not always the most affectionate person (mom filled those shoes pretty good for both of you), your heart was full of love. Thank you for your guidance, discipline and for loving me and instilling in me the virtues that I can be proud to pass along to my own children.

As a grandfather, you were OUTSTANDING! From the day LTD were born, you traveled miles to be there for us, and each time brought special baked goodies that were savored by all. When we needed to get away, there you were to step in and take over so Dave and I could get a break. Every time we came home to Bismarck, you always welcomed us with open arms and many times waited up until we arrived safely. LTD always talked about your cooking & baking. "What's Papa Egg gonna make us today?" Let's see, there was "Papa Cheese" (Velveeta), "Papa Eggs" (sunny side up eggs) and "Papa Pancakes" (yours were always better than mine). We loved the pride you had for your "triplets" and how much you talked about them to your friends, neighbors and family. They adored you equally as much and still pray for you every night, that you are happy in Jesus' arms (and petting Shaq).

We love and miss you dearly, Papa Egg. But we take great comfort knowing you are no longer in pain, you are at peace, and have arrived safely at your eternal home in heaven. No doubt JoDee was there to greet you and what a reunion that must have been. We shall see you again when we are called home and look forward to being reunited. Until then, please watch over your entire family, keep us safe and know that you are in our thoughts every day.

With LOTS of love, butterfly kisses & hugs, Camp Clark.



Wedding night - December 15, 1978



High School Graduation Portrait

 

Ken and Barbie sunbathing at the lake





Writing Assignment - 1st Week

The first few weeks of school, the teachers ususally have the children sit down and draw pictures of fun things they did over the summer. They also have them write in their journals about things they like to do. It's hysterical to see how their little minds work and how the words are spelled :)

Lindsey

 "yost" = used to

Taylor

"mukebrs" = monkey bars:  "faevrt: = favorite

Dylan

"brrds" = birds



Glorious Fall Weather

The weather we have been having has been gorgeous and we have been taking full advantage of it. Saturday we had football in the AM and then the kiddos and I headed over to a classmate's birthday party, swam, did crafts and spent time outside running and playing in the leaves. It was a perfect fall day. Sunday after church we visited Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee which was the first time we have been there. Very fun and the sun was in full force once again - it acutally got HOT! The kiddos had so much fun on the jumping pad, playing in the corn pit, taking in the magic show and pig races, petting exotic animals, feeding parakeets and finding our way through the huge corn maze. LTD did a fine job guiding us all the way through and each took turns being the leader. Some of their friends from school were there which was a really nice surprise. We closed 'er down and corn was pouring out of their clothes at bath time that night. What a riot! Next up, we close on our new home on Friday at 2pm and couldn't be more excited. The kiddos are already planning how we are going to decorate for Halloween and when we will be getting our puppy :)

Flag Football

It's fall and with that comes football. Dylan has been itching to play and this year he is old enough to play in the flag football league in Prior Lake. Dave is an assistant coach for Dylan's team, the Cherry Bombs, and they are having a blast. Just yesterday, Dylan scored a BIG touchdown on a reverse play. He was SO excited! When he came over to the sidelines for a water break, he was brimming from ear to ear. He whispered in my ear "know why I scored a touchdown? Cuz I prayed to God!" Priceless :) Not only did he score but he was one of the leading defense players in getting LOTS of flags from the other team. Not sure who loves it more...Dylan or Dave?

Summer Vacation Video (Long Overdue)

I can't believe it's almost the end of September and we are just now getting this brief video posted from our mid-August vacation on Leech Lake. I apologize for my annoying voice/cheering in the background. I was one proud mama bear since it was the first time LTD have ever tried water skiing (Derek's kiddos too). The activities director taught all the children how to ski and she was fantastic! Only wish I would have taken more video of all the fun we had but I guess that's what photos are for.

1st Day of 1st Grade

This Tuesday, LTD started their new school year - 1st Grade!!! They had already met their teachers last week at Orientation but the first day was full of excitement, and of course craziness getting them out the door by 8am. I shed a tear as they walked out the door with their backpacks and lunchbags and got into the Camp Clark bus:) But it's all good and they have been on Cloud 9 all week; in fact, they LOVE it! Thankfully, their new teachers are super nice and very helpful (we split them up this year). LTD have enjoyed meeting new friends and being back with their buddies from last year and are already starting to make playdates and ask for sleepovers. It's going to be a busy year and we have so much to look forward to!