Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ugly Sweater Family Photo

My family decided to draw names for Christmas. The mission was then to find the "ugliest" sweater you could find. The results are in:

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Blog

In lieu of a traditional family Christmas letter/picture in the mail, I decided to blog instead.

What a year 2010 has been! If someone had told me a year ago what this year would unfold in our lives, I doubt I would have believed them.

Here goes...

On February 11th, our granddaughter, Savannah Katherine Weaver, was born. She looks like her Mommy (definitely a Clark). Logan's physical traits are all Weaver features. I was able to be with Brooke and the kids for 10 days following Savannah's birth. What fun we had!

As most of you already know, March is when I received my diagnosis of cancer. Surgery and treatment soon followed. There have been two days in the last 9 months that I would consider myself sick. That, in itself, is amazing. I do have "tired" times, but there is an easy remedy for this. Treatment is progressing forward, and I am feeling really good. I have often referred to this time in my life as a journey. I purchased a journey plaque at Family Christian Store with the following Bible verse on it: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

On May 15th, Brooke and Brad participated in the 6th Annual Head for the Cure 5K. This run is to help raise awareness and research funding for ABTA (American Brain Tumor Association).

If you know me, you know I don't like surprise parties. I turned the BIG "50" on July 14th. My children and husband planned a party for me 4 days before the momentous occasion occurred. Did not see it coming.....they got me. Did I mention I don't like surprise parties? Randy also made arrangements for us to renew our wedding vows. It's interesting how those words took on a different meaning from when we spoke them 31 years ago. I really don't like surprise parties (have I mentioned that), but thanks Brooke, Brad, and Randy for giving me my special day.

Later in July, we took a family vacation to Myrtle Beach. We had a great week. The weather was picture perfect. Highlights from the week included watching the boys play in the ocean, Brad playing sand volleyball, shopping at the QVC Outlet store (LOL), poolside relaxation, some golfing (for the guys), Legends (entertainment show), etc. The best time, for me, was the night we took Logan miniature golfing for the first time. He was so excited and thoroughly enjoyed every moment...PRICELESS!!!

This summer, Brad was hired as the Business Teacher for Whitko Community Schools. He and Carter moved back to Fort Wayne over Labor Day weekend. He and Brooke live minutes from each other. Works out really well for Randy and I. :-) Brad is currently very busy with their wrestling season as one of the coaches.

In late September, Brooke and Brad ran in the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Brad finished with a time of 1:58:44. Brooke was on his heels with a finish time of 2:01:35. Whew!!!

Randy and I are anticipating a trip (somewhere warm) after the first of the year. No exactly sure where or when...TBD.

For now, we are looking forward to the Christmas holiday with family and friends. 2010 has been a year like no other in our lives. You all have been a BIG part of it. Your love, support, and prayers have been a lifeline for us. Thank you just isn't adequate in expressing our heartfelt gratitude.

We truly wish you and yours a "blessed" holiday season.

"CHRISTMAS"

"C" is for the Christ Child who was sleeping on the hay,

"H" is for the Heavenly Host who worshiped Him that day,

"R" is for the Radiance on Mary's holy face,

"I" is for the lowly Inn--a poor and humble place,

"S" is for the Star that shone to guide the shepherds there,

"T" is for the Travelers who brought Him treasures rare,

"M" is for the Manger where He laid His little head,

"A" is for the Angels who hovered 'round His bed,

"S" is for the Savior who brought peace and hope to earth on the wondrous night we celebrate--the night of Jesus' birth.