emma

mom and I watched the new Emma Smith movie last night...I still can't believe I watched a Mormon movie in a cinema- something my Washington State native self isn't used to- but I was so incredibly touched by this movie...

As I watched the movie I was having a hard time taking it all in- I would get so wrapped up in the horror of just one trial Emma faced but the movie kept going and so as her life went- major trials after trials...I couldn't even process the pain and agony she had to bear- married to Joseph, losing so many children, disowned by her father, the mobs, sickness, moving, persecution...more than we can imagine. My mom and I were in tears of course...

So I guess people judged Emma because she didn't go west with the church- her children decided to stay also which caused her and Joseph's posterity to leave the church and start the RLDS. This must frustrate so many members of the church. Many must question, "If she could have just trusted a little more, if she could have mustered up just enough faith to make the journey west..."

after watching this movie all doubt seems to be lifted and I can't imagine her any other place besides next to Joseph living out her eternities...

everyone's experience on earth is individual...

anyway- good movie

Here are some trailers- some of my favorite quotes from the movie are in these trailers...I love it when Emma gets up in front of the relief society for the first time and says "sisters we are going to do something extraordinary"

intersection insight

2 missionaries were at a busy intersection by my house- they were waiting for the light and holding their bikes...I noticed how they kept waving at everyone...I could hear endless honking as cars passed them by- when it was my turn to wave and honk I noticed the big smiles on their face- it made me teary-eyed. Servants of the Lord loved by many- one wonderful advantage of serving a mission in Utah. It was a lovely sight to witness.

Shiekra

more from our trip...I thought Keith and Calie would enjoy this a little- watching your kids frolic in the water- I love how Isaac chickens out at the last minute and Bryon gets out of the way pretty fast but Taylor endures all. The best is hearing Chay giggle as he records this...

A little Sheikra anyone???? This was so incredibly scary- what a thrilling ride I must say... roller coaster...of love.

who's your american idol?

ok so most of you know I love to waste time watching American Idol...I just love it for some reason or maybe I just love to waste time...go ahead Chay's family- you can all gasp for air! I have come to terms that I will never be quite as productive as Chay's sisters and sister n law (Marne) and Bev for that matter (you all amaze me)- but it is ok- they can continue to be mastermind homemakers with their food storage and quilted table runners- and I will watch TV and talk to Emily for 1-2 hours a day, dwell on unfinished projects and play too much with my girls...yes I do believe you can play too much with your children-

so guess who went home last night???? Michael Johns! I embarrassingly admit that I voted for him on Tuesday. I never vote but I just think he is hot. Don't worry- Chay is well aware of my little idol crush....
you see, this Michael Johns kind of reminds me of this guy I knew from college- Brock.- So I dated Brock's brother off and on and I really liked his brother but I think it was fair to say our whole apartment had a secrete crush on Brock. What better college story is there when there are "2 hot brothers living next store" ? ...but then again I have a lot of good college stories....

Ok well goodbye Michael- the rest of the American Idol season won't be nearly as fun without you.

lo and behold

lo and behold there was poop in the toilet...

yesterday I attempted potty training for the first time in my life...and Kenzie's life too. I have no idea what I am doing but I feel that she is ready. I am sick of buying diapers and size 4 are getting too small and I will not buy size 5 diapers...- many websites recommend "waiting until the child is ready and then it is much easier" -ok so I might agree on it being easier at first...but I'm the parent and I say now is a good time whether they like it or not...sorry but I'm not in the best mood today.

Well I have tried several methods all crammed together which is probably confusing Kenzie. But after many trial and errors and accidents- the best learning method for Kenzie is the "run around bottomless method" just like African tribal babies...and probably the pioneers for all that we know...

oh the Chinese still practice it... click HERE on Emily's blog to see china kids and their bottomless pants.

ok so panties were too similar to diapers for Kenzie so after going through 3 pairs of wet panties and cleaning up puddles of pee- I took them off and told her very seriously that we are supposed to go pee in the toilet. Her next attempt is quite funny. She sat on the toilet and kept saying "book" and pointing to the cabinet under the sink. I open the cabinet and give her my "Better Homes and Garden" magazine- and there she sat like her mommy- reading a magazine while she went to the bathroom.

Well I was ready to give up. She wasn't interested in the reward of stickers on her potty party chart or did she care much about the chocolate chip I would give her when she went- so I didn't think I was was really ready for all of this...and then 1/2 hour later I hear her grunting...my first thought was "Oh my disgusting!!! She doesn't have a diaper or any underwear on!!!!!" Well what do you know??? She was pooping in the toilet!! It was the most beautiful sight I could ever witness! I loved seeing her poop floating in the toilet so effortlessly! Much more delightful than seeing it all smelly and squishy in her diaper. So what a milestone! Don't worry I didn't take a picture of her first poop in the toilet- although it was tempting.

So we continue on with this adventure...I'm not sure what to do about nap time and bedtime. Do I just let her wet the bed until she learns? What do you mommies do? I did make a mistake today- I left the house to go to story time at the library and so I put a diaper on her. I think I am confusing her. I just needed to get out to the house- I was going crazy. But I will be better....

Mckenzie is really growing up. Her vocab is exploding and she is quite the entertainment. Everyday she will say a new word it seems. These last couple of days she will say, "thank you berry much" and "come on honey" She loves to pray and sing "I love to see the Temple" We have to sing it every night before bed. She is also an out of control brat with emotions raging all over the place. She screams suddenly, tells me and Julia to "STOP IT!" She will rage for a good 5 minutes sometimes and then she will be the sweetest angel. This is all new to me. I didn't have any exposure to crazy toddlers growing up. I'm the youngest and so I am completely clueless when it comes to kids. I try, I read, I pray, I play- and so far so normal I think. Anyway-

So the conference upliftment was a little short lived I say- I have been kind of moody and wished I could still be so lovely and positive. I will figure it out someday how to truly change...I think I will be 90 and I will finally be a cool and collected person who simply enjoys every waking moment with peace and faith- but until then....

anyway so I was losing it the other day and I was yelling at Kenzie for doing something and she looked right at me and yelled back "corner!" She pointed to the corner where she usually sits when being naughty. I thought to myself, "you know she is right- I am being naughty" so off I went...to the corner. Kenzie was in total shock but quickly took on the mother role and brushed my hair and said, "it's ok, it's ok" I then apologized for being naughty and asked for her forgiveness. I hope it was granted- I think it was.

so hopefully I stay out of the corner...I didn't like it very much

conference

Is it really already over??? I want a couple more sessions please.

When President Monson was closing up the first session this morning I thought to myself, "is it just me or does he seem like a totally different person?...it's like he is speaking with so much power and conviction.." I was getting chills all over as he spoke and the spirit bore witness to me that we are so incredibly blessed to have him as our prophet. I know President Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet on earth today. Elder Holland confirmed my feelings when he said President Monson was speaking with the mantle of a prophet. It was so true. Did you all feel it too?

I love general conference and I wish we could have it every 3 months.

Conference makes me:

want to clean my house
have unsurmountable hope in all things
feel special
see worth in everybody
want to be better (that's a given)
feel so privileged to be a member of the church
want to hug my children
get into gear
set my priorities straight
want to say no to busyness and yes to righteousness
want to read the scriptures
want to go to the temple tomorrow
have more spiritual family home evenings
work on my showing Chay how much he means to me
have more patience with my children

what does conference make of you?

I decided to have a question in my heart before conference started and to search for an answer through what the speakers had to say. I was starting to get frustrated because my girls were out of control half the time. Julia is just crabby and Kenzie was getting bored too often. I heard myself say in my head, "why do I even try to watch conference?" Well Elder Ballard's talk obviously gave me strength...he should have spoke at the beginning- Saturday morning! But you know what? Heavenly Father is mindful of me and I did find some answers...despite the chaos of attempting to watch 8 hours of conference this weekend with a 2 year old and an 8 month old...who is crabby- Julia is just a crab! She's a cute little moody stinker who REALLY wants her way or else. But anyway so I feel uplifted and hopeful-

don't do it

ok so well all those years of taking a little spoonful of cookie dough, licking the spoon or the bowl when it comes to brownies and cake batter- finally caught up to me-don't do it. I baked zucchini bread last night and I of course started to lick the spoon. I offered Kenzie a bite and Chay said quickly, "I don't think so- what about salmonella April?" I thought to myself "oh brother" well 2 hours later and through the entire night last night I was buckled over in the worse stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn...and of course Julia is still sick so...I thought I was going to die!!! I am still queasy and weak but I feel a little better...Chay gave me a blessing and stayed home all morning so I could sleep. No more cake batter...just say no.

piano

so when I finally sat down to play it for the first time I felt like I was dreaming...I thought to myself, "is this for real?"

I am not sure really how to describe the feeling I get when it comes to pianos. I feel like I am home whenever I sit at a piano...and now I have a piano in my home!! piano piano I have a piano!!!

I have always been in Joette's shadow when it comes to playing the piano. She is an incredible player with talent going all over the place. Maybe I like it better this way- because for me piano playing is the most meaningful for me when I am alone- with no audience. I have many memories of going into large empty chapels and playing and feeling almost magical and carried away from the world's worries...and of course my imagination goes wild- those who are close to me know about this weird side to me- but I like to imagine my music as a soundtrack to some movie...or that I am Sarah Mclachlan...I know it is silly but oh how fun it is...

So we have a piano now. Thank you Keith and Calie for the most wonderful gift ever! There is nothing better than doing the dishes and hearing Chay play...well maybe him helping me with the dishes is almost better...no but Chay is really good at the piano and so it is just lovely. I feel so blessed!

ok so let me tell you the miracle of this all...for about 3 years now I have been slowly saving for a piano. You see, Chay hates change in his pockets so every day he would empty out his change on the dresser. I told him I am going to get rich off his quarters and nickles...so I would collect his change and then add a little money here and there in this can. Well my mom told me I could have this piano for free but I had to figure out how to get it down to Utah- so I counted up my change and I had $223. Well gas driving up to Spokane and back while splitting with Steve was about $120 and then to get it tuned and buy some stain was about $100. Isn't that crazy??? Perfect!

Here is what the piano looked like before I stained it:


Chay and I rubbed out the big scratches with stain and now it is quite the pretty piano for the price. It has a few little problems- but I'm not complaining.



Here I am staining the piano...so do you think Chay was really taking a picture of just the piano?????I don't think so.

easter2

so since Grandma doesn't live close by I figure I better post this picture of her grand girls all cute and ready for Easter Sunday in their dresses she bought them! Thanks Mom!





Easter was great...Saturday we went to the city easter egg hunt- We live in a relatively small city...so I wasn't expecting this Easter egg hunt to be anything spectacular...and it wasn't but Kenzie sure thought it was interesting. She had no clue what was going on and just stared at all these plastic eggs all over the grass...when they blew the whistle for the kids to start collecting eggs- I became instantly competitive and almost demanded that Kenzie get all the eggs she could or else....



So I relaxed a little and it turned out to be fun...but the Easter budget in our city must be on the low end because after all the eggs had been hunted, some man over the loud speaker reminded us to take the candy and return the eggs! What? oh well- it was a great 5 minute adventure for Kenzie- I'm thankful to be apart of this whole "give your child the experience" type stuff- I mean we go to Story Time at the library, go to easter egg hunts, parades... anything to see your child smile.




My girls have been asleep for 2 hours...I am LOVING THIS!!!!!

Well Easter Morning we had brunch at Tara and Niels' and then after church we were fed again! Aunt Linda fed us an amazing dinner with all the fixings! We helped her stuff phone books into plastic bags (a side job she regrets ever getting) and so that was it... I have made a little promise to myself to make Easter more special for me and my family. It will with time- it is a beautiful holiday....

20 march 2008

ok well let's write about Chay's birthday...so I'm a little late but who really cares...there is no due date in blogging...no time table, schedules to be met...the joys of blogging and the joys of my loving readers...

so we had fun...and we ate a cow. Let me explain. So first of all I decided to resurface some of those sweet anxious elementary school day feelings when you so patiently await at school for those promised cupcakes from mommy on your birthday- you know the feeling- So I made brownie cupcakes for Chay and his co-workers. I did not however bring hats but I did surprise him by driving into his work...and this alone is quite the symbol of my love for Chay- dragging Kenzie across downtown traffic, shoe getting caught in escalator, balancing cupcakes on the stroller with one hand...



Chay works with the nicest people...I mean most people are nice to me when I greet them with a pan of brownies but whatever the reason, I felt welcomed and had a great time once again seeing where Chay dwells the other half of his life...After some great and even greater conversations, Chay and I and the girls headed to Tara and Niels' house - our lifesaving babysitters (they made the night possible)- and with a quick thank you to them we headed out to the door to the Braza Grille...and this is where we ate a cow...let me explain. This is one restaurant where all meat lovers must gather to. Brazilian food at it's best, buffet, atmosphere, Portuguese being spoken everywhere, Chay and I kidless and enjoying every minute of it. -- We had so much fun stuffing our faces with their cheese bread balls "Pao de Quiejo", beans and rice and then of course servers came around every 3-4 minutes slicing off big pieces of steak in all its varieties, and chicken and pork of course. I couldn't believe how much meat I was eating- I know there was some major breaking the word of wisdom in all this eating, especially all that red meat- hello all things in moderation??? - but Chay and I just kept justifying it because we served our missions in Brasil and we had to use up that pricey meal ticket... all you buffet all you can eaters out there know exactly what I mean- I have been to Golden Corral with most of you...

So after dinner we talked to a Portuguese girl for an hour or so and then headed back to get the girls. Tara and Niels surprised Chay with a cake and Laser Quest guns. You should have seen Chay's eyes when he saw his new laser guns...you could see the once little boy in Chay coming right through...Chay and Niels ran around the house shooting each other. (oh side note- I was watching American Idol tonight and I noticed Chay's guns were sitting next to the TV. Well on the commercial break I decided to flip over to HGTV to see what was on and then all of the sudden I hear the "bang shew shew" of the guns. I flip back to American Idol and I noticed the gun gear that goes around your chest was going off like it had been hit "bang shew shew" it was so funny- so the remote control works on the same frequency as the laser guns...who knew? I was laughing so hard...can't wait to shoot Chay with the remote control instead of the gun)

I bought Chay a DVD -6th season of Scrubs....that show is really random- and I mostly love watching Chay watching it.

ok so there you go- Chay's birthday!

one year anniversary

One year ago I lost my beautiful wedding ring...it wasn't terribly expensive just very unique and lovely. I miss it mostly when I get dressed up for church or go out with Chay...but it is getting better with time...I still feel sick about it but I remind myself it isn't a determining factor on my relationship with Chay or our commitment with each other- I can be equally happy without it- but oh how vain I can get sometimes...I even bought the ring 6 months ago and financed it...then with guilt I returned it. So let's just all take a quick look at it...and mourn with me for a second or so....ok thanks...your pity helped a little.

easter

HERE is a video to share with your family on Easter. Scroll down a little and click on "The Bread of Life"

birthday boy

Chay- when he was a little guy!




ok do you even understand how lucky I am to be married to Chay Porter Clark?

so today is his birthday...twenty seven still looks like heaven

I am so in love with Chay. He just inspires me all the time to be a better me. He is so understanding, a wonderful friend, concerned, funny, soft, gentle, tough, manly, fun to be with...

Last night we read his best friend's blog and this tribute to Chay is a must read must see...click here to see what Chay is all about in the eye's of his friends.

I have never met anyone so committed as Chay. He is such a family man and would do anything to make his girls happy.


I love the way he thinks. He is so incredibly funny. I feel like I am in a forever running no commercial sit-com when I am with Chay.

When I first met Chay my eyes were shut so to speak...I didn't like him romantically because he was too nice. I know- it doesn't make sense- But I was so used to the big and cool guys out there who were a challenge to conquer that I just didn't understand Chay's nice and easy going ways. I could spend hours and hours with him and never feel intimidated, out of place, worried about my hair or what I was wearing- or anything. He was such a new concept for me that it took a long time for me to open my eyes and say "hello??? this guy is perfect for me! This guy can handle all my weirdness. He will not judge me. He will always be obedient to the commandments. He will allow me to be me in everyway" This is so true. Chay can be with anyone and see their uniqueness and cherish the person. It is such an amazing quality.



I love it when Chay is home. I wait all day for him to come home. There is just something so warming and peaceful when he is home. I just can't wait to hear what will come out of his mouth...he is pure entertainment.

ok well Happy Birthday Chay. I love you. Can't wait to celebrate your birthday?????

BubbleShare: Share photos - Powered by BubbleShare


I love how bubbleshare makes pictures so big- look at little julia! She is all smiles now and I am loving it!

Kenzie threw-up all day. She has only been sick a few times and so it is so hard for me to see her lethargic, pale, unexpressive...

Finally after three episodes of puke going all over the floor and bed I decided not to leave her side for the rest of the day- this way I could run her to the toilet in time and save a big mess. I am so glad I was with her today. She was so weak. She held on to me tight and kept saying "night night" Now when do you ever hear a toddler wanting to go night night?

It was a very tender day. I would rub her head as she drifted off to sleep- only to be awoken a short minute later with stomach pains and a rush to the bathroom. She spent the day in our bed. We looked at pictures and sang songs...and even though there were a million things to do- everything stopped for Mckenzie and it was ok. I was grateful to not have any other responsibilities or places to be. I felt like I was doing the most powerful most productive thing in the world today and I didn't even have to get out my pajamas to do it! Today I loved being a mom.

fort

so Daddy built a fort for Kenzie...

What is it about getting into a tent or going inside a fort made of blankets that gets us all...excited and stuff?

uncle bryon

so here is another memorable moment from our trip...there is such a pure sweet tender side to big tough Bryon.

sunday

I really love our ward.

I did sharing time yesterday and I think I'd rather teach Gospel Doctrine. I cried afterwards because I felt like I did a horrible job. I was a little scatter-brained and I took too much time. I relaxed a little after thinking about how silly I must sound to be taking sharing time too seriously- kids don't care. They are so eager to learn.- I just wish the stake primary presidency didn't decide to come that day.

phone death

I didn't know how to process my thoughts when I saw my phone sitting in a cup of milk. Kenzie looked at me like she was proud of herself- and I gave her quite the opposite look. So off to the naughty rug she went and off to find a little screwdriver I went- but to all our attempts of rescuing it by cleaning and drying- my little phone died- drowned- by milk and foul toddler play.

I mourned my mournings today as I realized that my phone had priceless video clips and pictures from when Kenzie was a baby. There was one video with Kenzie and I together and she is just giggling and giggling. I used to play it all the time...oh how sad.

So email me all your phone numbers please!!! Time to update my new phone!!! Tara made the recovery smooth by lending me her blackberry! Thank you Tara! So if you have tried to call me these past two days sorry- but my phone number should be working again!

um...are we bad parents if we tell Kenzie: "It is time to stop praying please and eat before your food gets cold"? Now that she is getting this whole prayer thing down- she won't stop. It is sweet and humbling. It tugs on the emotion strings and all that neat stuff- but when she screams her head off when I try to say amen or if I open my eyes...I feel we are coming upon a little problem. She will ramble on forever about grandma, ju ju, Isaac, boats, trains, popcorn, daddy, mommy, church, rocks and then repeat herself a million times. Sometimes I hear a Jesus and an Amen in there somewhere- in her cute little gibberish- but she isn't closing her prayer by any means- she is far from done... oh what to do? Oh what to do?...it's funny I know-

multiple sclerosis

I will not let this get me down....

So I have Multiple Sclerosis. It sounds like some horror movie monster with 20 eyes...don't you think? I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. I was completely devastated with the news and cried for a month straight. I felt so sorry for myself...I prayed constantly for strength. When my symptoms were starting to go back to normal I found out I was pregnant with Mckenzie. I remember I was in the bathroom with the pregnancy test in my hand. The second red line was slowly appearing on the test and my eyes filled up with tears knowing that Heavenly Father was not going to give up on me or my purpose here on earth and either should I.

Since then I have had 2 more burdening flare-ups. One when Kenzie was 6 months old and now when Julia is 6 months old. I am not strong right now like I want to be. I know what I am supposed to think, I know what kind of faith I am supposed to have. I have all the right answers but really I just want to hug someone and cry myself to sleep. Tonight I did a dreadful thing. I googled multiple sclerosis and was slapped in the face with all the scary definitions, symptoms, facts on the severity of the disease as time goes by...I read the symptoms and found myself nodding as I have experienced 95% of them. One of them that brought tears to my eyes was the cognitive failure over the years...memory loss, hard time finding words (word on the tip of the tongue), hard time reasoning and prioritizing. I laughed a little because today I wanted to leave the house by 3. I had to throw dinner in the crock-pot, get dressed, and get the girls ready and I couldn't figure out what to do first. I finally put chicken in the crock-pot while still in my underwear...and I said to myself, "April, what are you doing?-go get your clothes on" sounds funny but after reading about MS tonight it makes me so sad...don't mess with my brain- I can deal with being numb all over and being dizzy, tingly pins and needles- but not my brain- I like my brain-...

The chances of me actually posting this are pretty rare...but I guess my readers are family and friends anyway and it's not like I haven't complained on my blog before- I can share my feelings so much better in words than I can in person- Sometimes I get so tongue tied and sloppy with my choice of words that I don't even make sense when I am in front of people ...however certain people instill a kind of confidence in me where I feel very articulate and capable...that is pretty normal right?... do you feel that way too?

So what route do I take? There are medications I could take. They have been on the market for a short time so the studies aren't promising. They all claim to slow down the degeneration and hardening of the myelen sheaths surrounding my nerves but I just feel icky inside when I think about taking medication...they aren't safe for pregnancy- well they are sort of safe- but not by my standards- you can't even get me to take a Tylenol when I'm pregnant. What do you think I should do?

There are 2 ladies in Spokane who were diagnosed with MS around the same time. This was about 25 years ago when they were diagnosed. One decided to go the medical route and take the medication. She uses arm braces to walk, she's overweight, and was eating a chocolate brownie when I talked to her last. She told me with tears in her eyes that if it wasn't for prayer she would have given up many years ago. I wasn't sure what that meant but when I asked her if she ever tried bettering her condition through diet and alternative methods she quickly stated, "diet really didn't make a difference when I tried" ironically I remember at that moment a part of her brownie falling to the floor and asking her husband to help her pick it up.

The other lady decided to live her life differently. She went on a special diet, exercised, did acupuncture for the pain, herbs, detox, did not take any medications- she is currently serving a mission with her husband in London, continues to compose music for the church...I have talked to her several times about her theories and she testified how she could feel Heavenly Father directing her to see certain specialists and doctors...
who knows- all I know is she didn't resort to an expected life-style but did all she could to be healthy- she didn't take the medication which is interesting...I don't know-

well I feel better now that I wrote about how I feel...don't worry about me- it's April. I am fine. Heavenly Father is mindful of me. In actuality MS is a gift. I turn quickly to Heavenly Father in prayer and fasting because of it. I begin to study, search, and reflect more- I call on Chay's priesthood more often- so it's a gift- good night

tagged

5 things on my to-do list:

1- mail off some packages and letters- today
2-start the dreadful ms diet-any day now
3-clean up and organize my laundry storage room-Saturday
4- write an entry on my blog (I'm actually doing it!)- today
5- learn a song on my harmonica- someday

5 snacks I enjoy:

1. peas & carrots with salted sunflower seeds
2. toast and butter- I have an unhealthy relationship with this snack
3. fresh pears
4. guacamole and chips
5. banana and chocolate are just perfect together- but I think I will have to put this snack on hold for a while.

What would I do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: I would scream!!!!!

that is a big tithing check! oh save it and invest it of course for future things, get prepared, buy a piano, a nice camera, my wedding ring- sell the house and move away from this chaos! I want a big back yard too. Get Chay into his master's program, pay off our car and student loan, secretly send money or buy needed things for people in need- that would be so much fun, buy really expensive skin care- buy a home to flip- start a business-


7 places I have lived:

1. Newman Lake, Washington
2. Rexburg, Idaho
3. Brazil
4. Ewing, New Jersey
5. Willsonville, Oregon
6. Burley, Idaho
7. Utah

5 jobs I have had: I've had at least 12 jobs or more- so I won't list them all...

1. Deli and Cashier at Dean's market
2. Pizza Driver- River City Pizza
3. Subway- yum- good smell at that place
4. Loan processor-Family Home Mortgage
5. Academic adviser BYU-I


5 things you don't know about me:

1. I would love to design functional house plans...or parks, libraries- or theme parks
2. I want to write a book someday- about what I'm not sure...
3. I shave my legs probably 6 times a year...don't have much hair and it is blond...
4. I love to sing- but I think I am losing my voice...I need to practice- Joette?? I need your piano skills!
5. I love paper- certain types of stationary- in fact I am looking for stationary that I have designed in my head but can't find it in any of the stores- I love unique journals and the look of books. I love maps too-

well the summer clothes are back in their bins downstairs. Ok not really...they're actually still in a big pile in my room on the floor but I thought it was a great way to start out my blog...if only it were true.

so we are home now...we got home on Wednesday and first tip: leave your house clean before you leave on a big trip. Our home was a scattered mess, revealing frantic last minute packers- our home was cold and it didn't echo like the home we rented in Orlando-those wonderful tile floors.

Disney World was spectacular. It kind of gave me the goose bumps when I first got there. Everything was flawless. The architecture, the landscaping, music, weather, lights, workers, food, fireworks, parades, light shows, rides, characters- it was almost a little overwhelming at first. I just didn't know how to take it all in.

Instead of just being delighted by a new place I get logistical and I start to analyze everything- I imagined Walt Disney's vision he had of this place, the organization it takes to run something so over the top, the millions of dollars spent, the perfection of layout and planning of the park.- This place truly is magical...and/or Disney is a mastermind corporation who definitely know how to run a business.



After 3 days or so I finally got used to the walking and and overload of people. Our family of 16 walking through masses of crowds defines all meaning of "three's a crowd" or "16 is a crowd" All different ages, all different interests, different views...just different. It was fun though to see us all working together the best we knew how. Mom was on a rented scooter and she was the leader of the pack as we tried to keep up with her. (She loved that thing) When we were wiped out from a long day of walking she was ready to "take off" again. It was very exciting and a huge answer to prayer to see her have energy.

So how in the heck am I supposed to write about this 8 day trip? So many in and outs, little things here and big things there- so much to grasp. Um it was just a great experience. The last day was hard for me- I didn't want to go home. I am a feely type person so to see the trip through my eyes would be different than some. Splash Mountain was an exciting ride yes, but it was the hour wait in line with my family that was most memorable. Just being together is enough for me. So instead of buying an expensive shirt with Mickey on it, my greatest souvenirs of the trip are watching my mom and dad hold hands as they make their way to Pirates of the Caribbean or Mckenzie falling asleep on Mom's lap as they cruise around Fantasy Land on the scooter- you know- stuff like that.

Space mountain is something else I tell you. I lost my equilibrium for about an hour after that ride and Chay had to carry me out on his back.

Magic Kingdom was magical but it was my least favorite. I kept getting bouts of anxiety when I was there. I knew there were a million and one things to do and it was impossible to do it all. The rides were a long wait and I felt like great experiences were slipping away- it was just all so new and explosive and loud that I just wanted to sit down on a pretty bench and eat... ..the first night Joette came down with a headache. I went up to her room to see if she was alright and she said, "I am ok, just having sensory overload" her words were so incredibly understood.

Sea World...ok now what a great place! I don't know really what to say but it was just peaceful. We walked through amazing aquariums and watched dolphin shows. We saw Shamu and went on a crazy fun roller coaster- Kraken. It was smaller and relaxing. It was a great shift to admire God's animals. Some of us got a little teary-eyed at the dolphin show- what amazing animals! and you just know the trainers love their dolphins so much.

Epcot- My favorite part was the walk around the world. This is a must see- again nothing is short changed at Disney World. I wish I could have spent more time and money here. I wanted to buy food in every country! Joette was found in France- with a box full of pastries- Sad to say there was no Brasil.

Hollywood studios was great too- I just love going on rides with my brothers. Everything they say I soak right in- I never get to spend time with them so it meant a lot to me to be with them. Rockin Roller Coaster was the best- there is just something about riding a roller coaster with areosmith blasting in your ear. I love music- what can I say? Tower of Terror is quite the ride I tell you. Chay still laughs about how Keith held on to Chay's arm during the ride...

ok well by far my favorite day was the last- Busch Gardens. I'm not sure if it was just me being in a good mood, or the perfect weather, or that barely no one was in the park that day- but I just loved every minute of that place. First of all it was breathtakingly beautiful. The landscaping was just amazing. They had shows going on all over ranging from African tribal, 3-D, river dance, beep bop into the 50's. The rides were out of control and no lines to wait in. There were 6 or so huge roller coasters and 2 of them are in the top 10. It was just fun. They had a huge area just for kids Kenzie's size. She loved riding the planes, boats, carousal with Grandma, the tree house- Plus it was a zoo! You would walk from one place to another and suddenly you would come across this 12 foot crocodile (in a cage of course) We went on a train ride through this savanna type area where there were elephants, Rynosaurus, giraffes, zebras, ostridges- it was so not what we are used to. So yes- I really enjoyed Busch Gardens. My dad really enjoyed it too-

My dad is the sweetest most amazing man. He is a protector. He takes care of his wife and everyone knows it. He was so calm on this trip- If mom and dad were separated for some reason he would always tell me, "you take care of mom and don't let her get on any rides that will hurt her back" At one random time he came up to me and said, "April you are so special" my heart would just throb. He also said on Sunday, "You looked so beautiful at church with Kenzie asleep on your shoulder" I love my daddy. What a man he is. These are the memories I will treasure up forever.



Sunday we went to Church. This is what I love about my family. We were surrounded by so many things to do and yet we set it all aside to attend the Lord's church. The speaker was a little quirky as he compared the gospel to BYU's food cafeteria and the world to his elementary school's cafeteria- but nonetheless we took the sacrament and had family home evening that night. Alyssa sang a primary song by herself and it made me just love and adore her- We sang "give said the little stream" as a family. We talked about family history, motherhood and the priesthood.

Favorite Memories:

Joette's ham sandwich getting ripped out of her hands by a seagull (I felt like I was reliving Alfred Hitchcock's "the birds")

Mom cranking her scooter up to "rabbit" speed at Costco.

Mom stopping her scooter next to two ladies who were on scooters too and asking them if they wanted to race- (I could seriously write a book on "Mom's scooter adventures")

Keith taking the scooter for a spin as his old motocross days emerge- tilting it and riding it on 2 wheels...it was just so funny to witness- we were all so fascinated by this thing- it was like we would pass up any rollar coaster to take a ride on mom's scooter.

Sitting in the hot tub with Chay and Keith during a lightning storm- I know it sounds retarded but it was great to see Keith get all so excited- we got out once the thunder sounded a little too close...

Walking through a major rain storm in Magic Kingdom- we didn't have ponchos so little Julia just endured the drops. She would just lick the water as it poured down her face.

Going with Chay on the Montu 3 times...I love that roller coaster. ..and the sheikra...oh my!
Swimming at night with Chay.

Seeing Kenzie love the pool- I bought a swimsuit with the blow up floaters inside- I recommend these! She could swim by herself!



The boys and their late nights with Monsters and PS motocross-

Listening to Isaac tell stories in the Van-

Watching Kenzie play with AJ and Isaac.

Bryon road ragin, Keith GPS'n, April MS'n, Joette PMS'n

-road trips, walmart trips, guilt trips, space mountain trips
All of us gathered in Mom and Dad's suite- trying to all fit on their huge bed.
Mckenzie flirting with Taylor
speed scrabble
Chay wanting to spend time with just me by the end of the trip
I have never breastfed in so many public places
the dolphin show
the feeling I'd get when I would find a family member in a big crowd of people
Kenzie and julia falling asleep on the plane!
Bryon playing with my kids
Lorena's patience with our family
Calie's out of control energy
Joette's passion for the simple things in traveling
Taylor's love for kids
Ashlee's creativity and love for my children
Alyssa's easy company
Mom's love for flowers and fireworks- leadership skills
white bread flimsy sandwiches
seeing Janna!
Chay breaking both of our sun glasses in one shot- he put them in his pocket.
Keith's ways of prioritizing- putting his family first.
Chay being ever so handsome.


ok well I am getting sick of writing- overall it was wonderful to be together with my family- I can't believe we did it! It is over and I just want to go back.

or bust

Well we are packing for the big trip and I don't know why I am writing a post...because the majority of my readers will be with me in Florida!!! 8 days in the sun, with Chay, with my Mom and Dad and siblings who are so incredibly funny. It will be wonderful and I probably won't write much on my blog...But here is a family picture to carry my blog through until the next time I write. Orlando or bust!

heart day

Valentine's Day met us cold. Our power went out yesterday around 3 in the afternoon and it finally returned sometime noonish today. Last night we kept the house warm with our woodstove! I never knew this oldy but goody stove, which comes with the 1950 home package would be such a lifesaver. We went and got some wood and well...memories flooded in from childhood. The smell brought me back to the home I grew up in. We had a woodstove in the upstairs and the downstairs of my old house. I remember going every summer to get firewood up in the woods. I remember my dad chopping it and us kids stacking it.

So by the morning the fire kind of went out and our thermostat read 50 degrees. burrrrr- but all in all it was ok...especially when I noticed Chay's little surprise for me- a neatly wrapped Valentine gift sitting on the counter. The way he wraps his gifts is almost more fun than the present itself. He takes so much time- the gift was wrapped in the free newspaper stuff we took from Albertson's last night to help start a fire. He decorated the outside with flowers cut out from a store ad- and a "finding nemo" sticker the hospital gave us last night to entertain Kenzie. (Don't worry- I thought Julia had an ear infection but she doesn't) anyway- it was just sentimental wrapping- Chay really knows how to show how much he cares.
He bought me the prequel to the Da Vinci Code "Angels & Demons" (the illustrated version) I opened the first page and read the first paragraph and said, "oh great...another 'I won't be able to put this down' book". It was so thoughtful of Chay.

I drove all the way into his work today with the girls to surprise him. He called me several times that day acting a little bored so it made the surprise all the better. It was quite the adventure getting to his work with far away parking, construction, stairs, big stroller, narrow escalators, Mexicans offering to life the stroller up and over the escalators...let's just say when I finally reached the 10th floor of Chay's building I was a little winded. I greeted him with a red bag of cubicle desk goodies and his three darling girls of course. He later told me in the car ride home "when I first saw you it was really strange" how romantic. It is good to see where Chay lives his other half of life. He has great co-workers.

Well anyway- I love Valentine's Day- another reason to celebrate how blessed we are to be surrounded by loved ones. Good night...my Valentine wants to watch a movie...so I better go.

chay glimpse

A real sincere side of Chay comes out when he writes. Here is a comment he left on my mom's blog.

Chay said...

"Edk, Lately I've been reading a lot of the family blogs and want you to know that I love reading yours. I can feel your faith and strength that you possess and openly share with everyone. Though you might not know it, you are a great strength and example to not only April and I but to your whole family and the many generations to come. I don't comment often on blogs, but I couldn't pass this up. Thanks for your love and letting me marry your daughter. We love you Mom. Kenzie is really learning how to pray and it's very touching seeing her kneel down, bow her head, close her eyes and fold her little arms. We help her with the words, but it's always touching when she whispers "bless grandma" in her prayers and closes the prayer. I love you Edk....give Gary a hug for me. See you soon."

as of lately

Called the cops on my neighbor who lives behind us

Keith and Bev gave us our Christmas stockings and stayed the night

Came into the living room this evening to find Chay shirtless laying on his stomach with a post-it note stuck to his back that read "scratch me".

Gave Julia a little rocket (suppository) - those really work well- her rice cereal kind of plugged her up I think

Planned the meals and grocery list for our 8 day vacation to Orlando.

Went to Gage's 1 year birthday party

Broke the Sabbath to buy Julia some more colic pills and gas drops- she is so achy tonight-what a little sensitive system that girl has-

Talked to Tonya on the phone for about an hour tonight- it was great to talk to her- I too still prefer phone calls-

Heard sirens really close to our house tonight, ran outside and smelled smoke and yelled really loud, "oh my gosh I think someone's house is on fire!" then looked over and saw my neighbor Bill smoking his cigarette...he just laughed and said, "it's just me"

ok well there is probably more but I need to cut this short. My family is more important than my blog. I need to go "scratch" Chay's back and spend time with him. My inner core... my gift of the Holy Ghost tells me that I spend a little too much time on the computer so I need to adjust my priorities a little. Good night.

ok regardless of how we might say we don't like these email forward survey things you know deep down inside they are fun to read from family and friends and fun to fill out- if you have the time that is- so I am actually replying joette and even posting this so other friends and family can fill it out and post it if they want- I just like to read about other people's lives-


1. What time is it? 9:28
2. What's your full name? April Eileen Tomblin Clark
3.What are you most afraid off? starting new things, losing a child, failure, not getting the most out of life,
4.What is the most recent movie that you have seen in the theater? I seriously can't remember...I can't even remember the last theatre I went to
5.Place of birth? Spokane, Washington
6.Favorite food? oh gosh anything- I like Mexican the best but really anything with pumpkin
7.What is your natural hair color? brown- but it is getting darker as we speak
8.Ever been to Alaska? Nope, but I'd like to go one day I guess
9.Ever been toilet papering? too many times- oh the good ol days
10.Love someone so much it made you cry? I'm a mother what do you think? I cry over people I don't know.
11.Been in a car accident? oh my we rolled three times, I hit sheri once and Jim Stroh once...
12.Croutons or bacon bits? I do like the crunch in my salad but would prefer sunflower seeds with peas..snap snap
13.Favorite day of the week?- everyday is the same besides Sunday- so I like Sundays! I get out of the house!
14.Favorite restaurant?- it used to be sizzlers, I want to say the Braza Grill but I've never been there- I need to get out more- I would like to try something new...hmmmm too expensive. I would rather cook something new than go somewhere new...unless I didn't have kids around of course.
15.Favorite Flower?- I like all flowers but Orchids are cool= petunias remind me of mom- I like leaves...
16.Favorite sport to watch?- probably basketball
17.Favorite drink?- I had a pina colada the other night and I was amazed at how good something could taste. I love freshy fresh- but mostly water.
18.Disney or Warner Brothers?- both I guess for totally different reasons
19.Ever been on a ship?- warship? no- Cruise line? no- Ferry? yes...I've played battle ship before.
20.What color is your bedroom carpet?- no carpet- wood floors
21.How many times did you fail your drivers test?- not once- aced it the first time- drivers ed? now that is a different story- good thing the teacher had a crush on me-
22.Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? My mommy
23.What do you do when you get bored? I dink around on the internet, eat, read a book, clean something, play sudoku
24.bedtime? oh man who knows- usually around 11:00 or midnight, but then I wake up 2,4,6- I'm sleep deprived- have been for 2 years- I dream of the day where I can sleep 8 full hours...oh heaven
25.Favorite TV show?- I watch Oprah everyday- The office is funny, I like American Idol, the T.V is in the basement so I rarely go down there-
26.Last person you went to dinner with? The primary presidency- baby shower. That is where I ordered the pina colada.
27.What are you doing right now besides being on the computer? absolutely nothing...aging...that is about it.
28.What are your favorite colors? green and brown
29.How many tattoos do you have?- one...just kidding joette- none- just moles
30.How many pets do you have?- no pets- but I have softened over the years knowing that despite my disliking of dog poop, buying food- clean up- Kenzie will love to have a dog so maybe down the road- when she is 15- no- I don't know- we will see.
31.Have you ever been to Hawaii?- never been- not a goal of mine either
32.Have you been to countries outside the U.S.? Let's see- Canada, mexico, Brasil
33.Last book you read and finished? The Da Vinci Code- pretty exciting
34. One thing you like about yourself? logical, observant, good taste, love to laugh
35. One thing you dislike about yourself? I play the victim sometimes when I am feeling overly sensitive- usually a sign I need to read my scriptures and pray more- I also base my worth on accomplishing things- not good.
36. democrat or republican? I'm pro life, I support the war, marriage should only be between man and woman- but I like some of the democrat's pushes on government programs- student grants, WIC, so I'm a mixture- more towards the right- Bush makes mistakes like any president...I am political I suppose but I just look to what is right and wrong more than just choose blue or red.
37. Your ideal day? perfect weather, on a trail- working hard, swimming,- maybe creating something with the time and money to do it- maybe shopping with someone who likes to shop- finding good deals- laughing really hard all day. Being busy...
38. What time is is? 10:00

my musician

american idol?





I wonder what she is feeling sometimes...she sounds a little dramatic for her age-

dinner's ready

you mean grandpa-licious?

We found this ad in yesterday's mail- we were laughing so hard at "grandma"
-a little scary--nothing against your food...

I found the ad on-line and I had to post it...