Please Pray

These precious kids lost their Daddy to a heart attack on Tuesday. I got to know the Davis family through Acres of Hope. Their youngest two blessings were adopted from Liberia last year.
Please pray for this sweet family as they endure this terrible loss.
Heather has been given a prayer pager that alerts her every time someone is praying for her and the children, and it has really blessed her. If you would like to let her know that you are praying on her behalf, you may call the pager at the following number:

209-236-2063

Two trusts have been established for the Davis Family. You may donate to an educational charitable trust in their name by sending checks made out to Central Valley Presbyterian Church to:

The Davis Family Trust
c/o Central Valley Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 628
Ceres, CA 95307-0628

If you would like to contribute to a non-charitable fund for the expenses of the family, you may write checks made out to Heather Davis and donated to a fund in her name at any US Bank in the country. The account is set up at the US Bank in Turlock, CA.

**UPDATE: A matching grant of $5000 has been offered for the educational charitable trust fund. For every donation that is made, a generous donor will double the amount up to $5000.

Old Friends

These are our very good friends of 16 years, Paul and Amber, with daughter, Hannah. I was friends with Paul and Amber way back when I was in high school and they were only courting. They were witnesses when I ran a jet-ski into a boat, putting a hole in the boat and in my knee. I was a mere 18 at the time. They've still not let me live that one down!

Paul is my Kyle's best buddy. He has helped us on every single remodel we've done on all our homes. We've never known anyone as generous as he. He gives of himself and his time very freely. (That rhymes! Get it? Get it?)
All that said, Paul has a real knack for saying things that are inappropriate. He has a very dry sense of humor and really enjoys the looks he gets when he makes such comments. As long as it makes him laugh, it was well worth it. He's made me blush more than once.
When we celebrated Elena's first birthday with a Dr. Seuss theme, Paul wrote and recited this poem for her:

They think that when you're older
These lyrics you'll enjoy
By then your only interest
Will be some silly boy

I'm not sure what my quota is
How much I have to write
If this is inadequate
Then tell me, Mom just might

This rhyme is for your birthday
So you I will address
I rank children by silence
Therefore you are the best

So, for my own birthday, I put in my request early. Unfortunately, Paul recently became a fancy schmancy attorney and can't seem to make my deadlines. I got this masterpiece by email tonight. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Note: Play this quick audio clip first so you understand the lyrics of his intelligent poem]



There was an aging girl we'll call Ms. Ginagin
Like to play with her husbinagin
Opened my mouth and it's the endagin
I ticked off Ms. Ginagin
Begin again

I tried to be nice to old Ms. Ginagin
All played a game right after dinagin
I won and then I rubbeditinagin
I ticked off Ms. Ginagin
Begin again

Went to see K Clark and Ms. Ginagin
Made them giggle like they're tenagin
Made a crude joke around their kinagin
I ticked off Ms. Ginagin
Begin again

Keep going back cause we like Ms. Ginagin
Always laugh when we're with themagin
Be friends til I don't know whenagin
Hope it never is the end
Ms. Ginagin



Thanks, Paul. I really appreciate it! And yes, I've had a very happy birthday indeed!

Vote for Your Favorite Poem!

Thank you all for your entries in the poetry contest. I loved almost all of them! For the one daring poet who blackmailed me here, I hope you enjoy what turmoil you have caused me. Please note: As you requested, I have not edited your revealing poem. I expect you to hold to your end of the bargain. Revenge will be mine. I know when your birthday is!

Enter your vote at the bottom of this post.

Shuck and Jive

Ginger she can really shuck and jive
And she's now on her way to thirty five.
With six little ones at home all day
Outside is the place she would like them to play.

The dishes have been moved to the lower shelves
So that Daniel and Lydia can help themselves.
The older girls help out a lot
When it comes to cooking, they're Johnny on the spot.

Isaac too helps around the house
But when he wants to hide, he's quiet as a mouse.
At the Clark house, stomachs are never empty
Cause Ginger and Kyle have crock-pots-a-plenty.

When this couple needs some time alone
Pedro has told them, "Just pick up the phone."
Yes, Ginger has a heart that's completely full
Of love for kids, and that's no bull.

To work I must go, so let me just say
I wish you love and a Happy Birthday.

~Gary
--------------------

A Birthday Twirl

I'm an old cowgirl
from north of the Rio Grande
Sent to sing a birthday twirl
for my beloved neice, not a farmhand!

Ginger's her name
Kids are her game
Geesh I can't keep up!
Just because you're 34. . .
Don't despair, oh no
You gotta keep saddlin' up
Ride that trusty steed
up in the clouds and across the sky
Keeping your dreams always alive!

~Jeanne
--------------------

Mom to Seven

She's a homeschooling mom to seven
Not one of our kids is named Kevin
Gives herbs to our crew
Gave birth at home too
When we're together it's like heaven.

~Kyle
--------------------

Better Than a Blister

Ginger is my sister
She's got herself a mister
Don't ever fight
Cuz she's always right
But she's better than a blister

Today she's thirty-four
And me she will abhore
For telling you
But it is true
She'll think we've gone to war

Another rumor I will spread
That the hair upon her head
It's all a joke
She's gonna croak
Did you think it was really red?

Her children, there are seven
Most of the time it's heaven
Ebony and ivory are they
And every night they pray
That one day they'll number eleven

One thing I must say
And on this I won't sway
A truer friend there is not
And I love her a lot
For her loved ones she'll never betray.

My story must come to an end
On this I cannot bend
My sister is great
Kyle's lucky to be her mate
And I'm proud to call her my friend!

~Jamie
--------------------

Spice of Life

Ginger, oh Ginger, the spice of life!
You have lots of kiddos
You are a great wife.

Ginger, oh Ginger, rooted in God
You love your crock-pot
You use the oil of cod

Ginger, oh Ginger, full of fragrance
You teach school to seven,
You study the art of France.

Ginger, oh Ginger, helper of tummies
You love the Lord
and your hubby of hubbies!

Ginger, oh Ginger, a bold, but humble spice
Happy Happy Birthday Hope you have a great life!

~Karen
--------------------

Long Ago in '74

Long ago in '74
A babe named Ginger burst through Heaven's door
Her mom and dad thought she was exquisite
And praised God for her earthly visit!

At four she was really quite shy
Her beauty her fears did belie
But with blue eyes flashing and eyelashes crashing
Her impact was really quite smashing!

At eight our Ginger was blooming
Tho' homework she often ignored
She captivated friends in the rooming
And her classmates she never bored!

At 16 she turned to acting and drama
And starred in school plays unlike her momma
She recited her lines and acted her parts
While everyone admired her talented smarts!

One day God planted Kyle Clark
As through the church classes they crooned
In short time his charm won over her heart
And Ginger was smitten and swooned.

They shared strong desires to have kiddos
And their family grew fast and strong
Now they wriggle and giggle and romp through the meadows
And we find the nine Clarks where they belong.

My Ginger, my Ginger, how blessed we have been
To watch your wisdom and stature abound
God's beauty shines through you as His love is within
And you're anointed with His mighty crown!

~Nealy
--------------------

Roses are Red

Roses are red
Carnations are pink
If you want Mom's attention
Just send her a link.

~Pedro
--------------------

Ginger Bread

Ginger's bread is easy to see
It is evident in her family.
Her ingredients are simple and pure,
To make a bread that will endure.

Love to make a heart true,
Goes into each task she must do.
Patience she shows each day,
To guide her children in God's way.

Joy abounds in her face,
Reminding us all of our place.
Peace she gives to one and all
Of her children both big and small.

Her arms remain open at all times,
Be it for a hug or attitude's demise.
Ginger's bread cooks in her home, it's true
Her life a shining example to me and you.

~Heather
--------------------

Angels Among Us

Angels are needed so badly in the world
To wipe a tear, hold a hand, or calm a fear
We need people to be willing to go against the grain
To assist and love others with no concern of personal gain

Ginger, you have humbly stepped up to the plate
You have said yes to God and welcomed His fate
The challenge has been large but you have done it with a smile
Keeping your chin up and giving glory to God all the while

You have loved your husband and your babies, both from your womb and from your heart
On your knees with the Lord and His word is where each day you start.
I am amazed when I think of the wonderful testimony you offer
Be being a strong sister in Christ, a wife, and a wonderful mother

If ever I need confirmation of the Lord's love and abundance
I can look to Ginger Clark, an angel God sent to live among us!
Happy Birthday, Ginger! May you know how special you are. . . not just to people that you love,
but the mamas that you've touched in internet world with your Titus 2 wisdom and example.

~Angela

What's your favorite poem?

	Shuck and Jive
	A Birthday Twirl
	Mom to Seven
	Better Than a Blister
	Spice of Life
	Long Ago in '74
	Roses Are Red
	Ginger Bread
	Angels Among Us

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Survey by Quibblo

A Kitchen Meme

How much can you learn about someone from their kitchen? My theory is: quite a bit. Take up the challenge of this meme and tell us about yourself through your kitchen.

Our cabinets are painted black and distressed.
-I like to decorate with touches of black and we're home improvement enthusiasts.
Kyle installed the tile counter tops, which I just love and he hates.
-Kyle's a hard worker and he really loves me!

I have a star collection circling the kitchen and an Americana theme.
-I love collections and I love antique shops. Better yet is to collect objects found while antique shopping.
This used to be the theme of Elena's nursery, then it was the theme of the girls' room. I finally decided that since we have 4 girls, we really should have some pink somewhere.
-I like themes and I don't give up easily.

Our kitchen table is also black and distressed.
-I like home improvement projects almost as much as Kyle. (I painted the table.)
-We eat all our meals in the dining room.

Here are the real stars of my kitchen: my precious crock-pots. One I bought for myself, one I found at a thrift shop, and one Kyle gave me this past Christmas.
-I love finding ways to simplify my life.
-I love a good bargain.
-Kyle knows me very well and he really loves me.
(Yes, I really do use all of them.)

My favorite cookbook - a compilation of all my favorite crock-pot recipes.
-I really do love crock-pot cooking, but you get that already.
-I also love scrapbooking, thus the reason I made a cookbook out of a scrapbook.

I took all these pictures right after Pedro finished his Monday chore of cleaning the kitchen.
-I'm a bit of a perfectionist.


What could we learn about you from your kitchen?
Tag, you're it!

The Deadline is Fast Approaching!

I've gotten some great poems in! Thank you all so much! I'll be posting them on Wednesday afternoon (my birthday), so you all can vote for the best one. If you haven't submitted your poem yet, it's not too late! I would hate for anyone to miss out on the great prize that awaits them. (It really is a great prize, trust me on this!)
~Ginger

I had so much fun with that limerick contest that I've decided to have a poetry contest myself.
Next week is my birthday. With the way the kids are all talking it up, I'm really looking forward to it. All their cute little secrets make me eager for January 30th. How old will I be next week, you ask? Well, I'll be a year older than I am now, thanks so much for asking.
For Elena's first birthday, we had a Dr. Seuss themed party and everyone wrote a poem to commemorate her first year. It was quite a hoot! So, in honor of my birthday, I'd like a poem.

• Before noon of next Wednesday, Jan. 30th (that'd be my birthday) you may enter one poem into the contest.
  
• Your poem may be any style (couplet, free verse, iambic pentameter) so long as it is your own.
  
• Submit your poem here. Do not put it in the comments.
• On January 30th (my birthday), I'll post all the poems for your judgment.
  
• The poet with the most votes will win a Starbucks product.

She's So Funny!

A few months after Maya, Isaac, and Daniel joined our family, they spotted a picture we have of Stacey and Mariah. Elena and Chloe were explaining who they were, but were interrupted by Maya and Isaac's excitement: "She's Liberian!!" I had to explain that not all blacks are from Liberia. It was quite funny at the time, but tonight I realized they're still not so sure.
We went out to eat with my sister's family and all the kids were sitting together at one table, while the four adults and baby Lillian sat at a table across from theirs. I overheard Maya saying: "Look! They're Liberian!" (She was referring to a large black family that had just entered the restaurant.) I thought it was funny to find that six months later, she's still convinced that all blacks are Liberian (which basically means "African" in her mind - she knows no other Africa, but Liberia.)
So, a few minutes later, I'm escorting her to the bathroom and I'm noticing that everyone is looking at us. (I'm walking in front of Maya.) I figure it's because I'm a white mom with a black kid. No, as I turn around, I find that it's because she is galloping through the restaurant right behind me. When I get back to our table, I'm eager to relay my embarrassment to Kyle, Mike, and Jamie. Kyle starts laughing and corrects me: "No, they were giving you strange looks because Maya was waving and smiling at all of them, like she knew them."
She thought they were Liberian.

Clark of the Week - Lydia

This begins a weekly series of Clark family biographies, designed to allow you to familiarize yourself with the celebrities of our household. For this week's installment, we'll be getting to know Miss Lydia Ruth, the youngest of the Clarks.

Lydia, like her older biological siblings, was born at home. Her mother delivered her into her arms after a relatively short labor. Three years earlier, Lydia's parents came close to making a permanent decision to end their fertility. Ginger danced when she found out she was pregnant with her third-born child. Kyle was equally thrilled when Ginger surprised him with the news. She and Kyle enjoy every minute with the sweet child who might never have been. They love her with joy and gratitude, so thankful for the opportunity to be blessed again with a precious child.
Lydia was active in the womb and has been just as active since her rapid escape. Her emotions run hot and cold; life with Lydia Ruth is never boring. Lydia Clark is very secure in her position as the baby, the charmer, the manipulator of the family. She has hundreds of funny facial expressions, which she uses to her advantage to captivate a crowd. She gives hugs and smiles freely. Lydia is a joy to those who know her.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.