Bonding with Colton...

My friend's son is staying with me today so we went on a walk and here is some of what we saw...


Then he gasped and shouted in his two year old voice "a flower, dodie! Take a pitcher!" ( I tried to spell it like he sounded:


And the sun was crying out for some attention, so we gave it some:


and there is nothing like a country mailbox:


and a basketball goal for the road...


What a fun walk! Looks like taking the camera with us was a good idea!

Stella and Dot

I am so excited!!!

I just became a stylist for Stella and Dot jewelry.

You can check out my website at www.stelladot.com/jodie

It is such cute stuff and I am so excited to turn my old outfits into fresh new ones with just a few accessories...

If you still need a few last minute deals go to my website...you have until Thursday to shop and they even gift wrap...just use your credit card so they can ship it to you fast.

I can't wait to tell you the story of how I decided to do this, but alas, it is way past my bedtime so I must retire...take a look at the S and D website and then I will be back later to give you my story.

Good night all...

Tiger

I don't care about Tiger's story anymore!

Sweet Find

I was thumbing through my photos on the computer and I found a folder with Darbie's name as the title.

I looked through the photos and found the following photo saved:

The reason I call this a "sweet find" is because this is the code we use with each other to say I love you. As a mom, finding this on the computer and the fact that your daughter saved it, well that's a sweet find!

Christmas Journey and Gloria

Well this weekend was a shot of Christmas Joy!!!

Friday night was the Christmas Journey. We traveled on a hayride through scenes of Jesus' life starting with the angel coming to Mary to the stone rolling away and all the celebration that took place after Jesus rose.

It makes me think of the ole hymn we sang in church "Up from the grave He arose"...

Then Saturday it was Christmas shopping and lunch with the fam...

Sunday we topped off the weekend with the choir concert "Gloria"

Talk about in the spirit of Christmas...I know it is so simple to say, but...

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!

Short Story

This will be a short post as it is way too late to be awake.

Why have I been drawn back to my blog...to post things that I am not even sure anyone is reading?

There is something healing about writing, even if there is nothing to write about.

We had a benchmark writing assessment in class today and I realized that I think you write more in school than any other time in your life.

That was until I thought about the countless journals I have stacked up in my closet, under my bed, on the bookshelf etc. I have always been a verbal processor, it just might be that the verbal is actually written.

Try it, you may just like it.

Joyfultoons Post

See more at www.joyfultoons.com

Overwhelmed at Christmas

I am overwhelmed at this time.

Oh sure there is the normal stress of Christmas time such as putting up the lights, decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for everyone on the list, trips to the post office and so on, but that's not what overwhelms me this Christmas.

This Christmas, I am overwhelmed with joy.

"Joyful, Joyful, Lord, We Adore Thee" continues to play as if stuck repeating on the mp3 player in my head.

The spirit fills me as I write this blog.

I love Christmas. What can I say?

It's the day my best friend's birthday is celebrated. It's the day we celebrate the birth of my savior, your savior. It's the day a wretch like me received sight.

The lights on houses in my neighborhood shine and a smile appears across my face. It's my year to decorate the tree so PINK ornaments adorn the branches of the tree bringing me happiness. Songs of jingling bells and baby Jesus play on the radio and make my spirit soar.

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR is more than just a song in my house!

I feel like I should put on the dresses from "White Christmas" and go twirling around singing about snow and other such wonderful things of this season. I guess in my head that IS what I am doing.

It took me awhile to get started on my Christmas joy this year for some reason, but now that it's here, there is no stopping me.

I feel like I want to climb in Santa's sleigh and scream out "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"!!!

Thanksgiving!

Thanks and giving...

two amazing words alone and together they can be taken for granted by me.

So today, or tonight I should say, I will say that I am giving thanks for so many things in my wonderful life and here are just a few of my blessings:

1. Jesus Christ, as my savior and the fact that He wants to be my friend too.
2. Wisdom
3. My amazing parents...if you know them in person, you know I am blessed!
4. My daughter, she rocks this world and she is more of a blessing to me than I can even describe.
5. My sister and her family...my niece and nephew...oh how I love all of them!
6. My extended family...not many families can say how close they are to their cousins, aunts and uncles but I can and it is so wonderful to have so many people think you are great, no one can make you feel like they do!
7. My house...how does a single mother who lives on a teacher salary have this home? It's all God! It is a cute little house too by the way...love it
8. My car...God blesses my parents and they give. They say they can't outgive God, I have seen them try...and they can't...it's fun to watch them try...hee hee...
9. a clean house and a mowed lawn...wow
10. Thanksgiving break...a week off to rest and remember your blessings!

Again, I repeat, this is a small part of the millions of blessings God has blessed me with. I read a book over this summer about the Prayer of Jabez. It says not to be afraid to ask God for all the blessings He has for us.

I remember one time at church a pastor teaching me the lesson of blessings...that wouldn't it be a shame to get to heaven and God opens a closet with blessings and He says these are all yours all you had to do was ask for them.

I find it hard to ask God for more blessings because He has given me so much. However, flip that coin around and I realize that God wants to bless me. He loves me so much, He wants to shower me with blessings.

It blows me away to think that God wants a relationship with me, wants to be my friend and my savior, wants to bless me. It overwhelms me.

I am blessed because of HIM!

I love Him and I hope and pray that you know Him as your savior first and quickly after, as your friend. It's the best relationship you will ever experience. It's a blessing. You will be thankful...I am everyday!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

God's Handywork!

My Birthday Flowers from My Dad


Morning Dew on Charlotte's Home


Bennie and My Birthday Flowers


As my cousin would say when he was a baby: "A Bee! A Bee!"

Team Jakeward!

I'm not a fanatical fan of the Twilight series, although I know and respect many.

I've seen the first movie and have not read any of the books. That was all my knowledge base on Edward, Jacob and Bella. Well, that and the many conversations I heard as my co-workers talked and discussed their lives as if they were real, living, breathing people...or vampires and werewolves...either way, I enjoyed the conversations and loved seeing the passion of reading coming back into the lives of those around me.



Then last night we get a call from some friends who secured tickets to the premier of "New Moon" at midnight in Plano and could Darbie and I go with them? Of course we can. Darbie is a huge fan of the series and I am a huge fan of making memories with the ones you love, so "Let's go!"

It was crazy, fans everywhere with homemade t-shirts, boxed meals, books, computers etc. Needless to say, it was not their first rodeo!

The two adults in our party sat on one side of the theater while Darbie and her friend sat on the opposite side. He and her talked for hours while we waited for the movie to start. Darbie started to look like the sandman was sprinkling dust on her until the show started. Then her and all the other fans were engaged.

As I watched the movie, I slowly started to get sucked into Forks, or is it Fort, Washington? I don't know, but wherever these kids live, I was there with them. What an amazing movie. It made a fan out of this 40 year old woman!

As I sat there watching, I decided I am so Team Jacob!!!

Darbie and I had a long discussion about which team we were. She didn't understand why I was Team Jacob as she is full on Team Edward. The answer was simply this:

"Darbie, when I was your age, I sooooo would have been Team Edward. But now having had the experiences of my life and having gotten to know myself better, I am soooo Team Jacob."

She then asked me in her much wiser in her head than her chronological age way, "Why would you have been Team Edward at 14 and what made you change your mind? I mean, what is it about Edward that you would have liked at my age?"

I sat for a second trying to come up with words that fit the way I felt. I knew the answer but didn't know how to put it to words. We call that processing time. Darbie says I need one of those monitors on my forehead that the credit card machines have that flash "Still Processing". So after some thought I stated this as my wisest answer I could put to words:

"When I was 14, I would have loved the way Edward looks at Bella. I would have wanted someone to look at me that way. When I was 14, I would have been so attracted to the passion and basically the obsession the two of them share.

Now 25 years later, I just want protection. The way Jacob treated Bella, with the attention, protection and safety. He loves her deeply and he loves her as his best friend. They share passion, but it is secondary."

It is a dream...at least to me.

I am sure Darbie didn't understand how the more boring list was so attractive to me, someday she will...so for now she will love the vampire and I will love the werewolf and there will be one for each of us.

a quick post

It's been awhile since my last blog...so here is a list to catch you up to speed:

1. Darbie is almost 14 years old, birthday party this weekend!

2. I'm still teaching 4th grade.

3. Bennie still lives with us and purrs much of the day.

4. Darbie plays volleyball for her school team.

5. Darbie is in her school one act play!

6. I'm in an amazing Bible study with amazing women!

7. I got a new washing machine and dryer...it's the little things that make life great!

8. My cousin is getting married in a couple weeks and I am reading a beautiful poem...love is in the air!

9. My Texas Rangers lost too many games to make it to post season, however, they won more games this season than they lost and gave me and Darbie a wonderful season of great memories!

10. Small town football is even more fun than you think!

11. Darbie babysits if anyone needs a responsible and good sitter.

12. So You Think You Can Dance has a fall show this season, making Fall TV a favorite in our house!

13. For my friends who are having a hard time right now, you know who you are...I am so praying for you all!

14. We started going to a new church in town and LOVE it!

15. Found a new doctor that is amazing and reminds me of old school doctors...not that I have ever met an old school doctor...but think Gunsmoke and the character "Doc".

16. I'm going to start taking more photographs of nature as a hobby. It brings me joy and peace.

17. I want "Beatles Rock Band" for Christmas.

18. Darbie is going to start dancing again when volleyball is over.

19. My house is slowly but surely getting organized each day!

20. God is so good and never will leave us or abandon us! Isn't that a great feeling? Jesus promised he would never leave us...I feel secure in His love and pray Darbie does too!

Hope that catches you up to speed...hope to post some photos of nature soon!

Mr. Darcy!

Why is it, when you have had a busy week and you have done much to make the world a better place and you are so tired you have your jammies on at 8:30 and you are over 8 years old, you want to watch Mr. Darcy?

I can't wait to turn on my dvd, crawl up on my couch, put on my "snuggie" (pink of course) and watch the amazing Collin Firth play every girls dream, Mr. Darcy...but I so love the other Mr. Darcy too. That's why they both get a spot on my blog tonight!

ahhh, Mr. Darcy.........sigh!

Soaring Woman!

So I have a friend who is far too young to be battling breast cancer, but she is.

So I found an award I wanted to nominate her for...but the contest was over...

So I want to post my short essay on her in my corner of the world...

I love you, Karen!


Karen is a woman worthy of your consideration for the Women That Soar Award. Karen is an amazing soul, a devoted teacher, wonderful wife and loving mother. She has dedicated her life to making others around her soar, and now it is her turn. She always has a smile on her face and brings out the best in those around her. She continues to do this amazing feat even while in the midst of battling breast cancer. At her young age, she is attacking her cancer with the same passion she mothers her 3 year old daughter, loves her Police officer husband and reaches her at-risk elementary students with daily. When you say you are looking for someone who "has made significant impact on guiding and empowering our youth" you are describing my dear friend, the superb, Karen!

P.S.

I just thought of something else that happened since the last blog!

I TURNED 40 YEARS OLD!!!


Woo Hoo...

I'm back...

So it's been awhile since my last post. I swore I would not be that person who starts a blog and then only posts every couple months...be careful what you say.

So since my last post, school has begun.

I am still a 4th grade teacher. Darbs is still in middle school.

Our life consists of volleyball, watching "Monk" on T.V., Cheering on the amazing Texas Rangers, taking naps when I can and trying to inspire people.

God gives you a gift everyday...just look for it!

Let me know what yours was today...

Blessings!

Unplugged!!!

So when I asked Darbie to unplug from the techno world, I got some resistance.

Turn off your phone and step away from the computer so you can have some alone time...I promise you need it more than you know!

I rolled my eyes myself as these words came out of my mouth...It does sound so motherly, doesn't it? But it's true...sometimes our mothers do know what is best for us even when we don't---you see, when I walked back through the living room this is what I saw:



=)

Life is Fragile!

Handle with prayer!

Sleeping Is Hard To Do!

I am up late, checking facebook, twitter, emails, blogs...ugh...

I started thinking...what am I doing?

If I just went to bed on time, I might feel up to meeting with real live people, face to face and in person.

Alas...I lay down and then watch TV...hmmmm.......more thoughts still to come.

Photo of Me and My Husband...(well sort of)

Hi there...

Remember my ealier post about Ron Clark and my new name Mrs. McClark?

Guess what? We found the picture of the day I met him in person...I had to share it with you! Enjoy!!! =)

FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER!

Yeah...today was my first official day of summer...so fun...

The Texas sun was burning bright, a mere 107 degrees...shew...so what's a girl to do?

Get my amazing daughter, a group of my closest friends and all their kiddos and go swimming, watch a movie and cook out. FABULOUS!!!



What a fun day, lazin' around the pool...laughing, talking, playing games, judging dives etc...A simply perfect celebration of one of the perks of teaching...

I can hear Danny and Sandy singing in the background right now...had me a blast...happened so fast...

I Couldn't Have Written It Better!

Can you believe what I overheard when I walked up behind a group of 4 fifth graders talking in between class during summer school? If I could have written a perfect scene, I couldn't have written it better!

Four 5th graders talking, Teacher (that's me) walks by with a listening ear, boys don't know teacher is listening behind them...and action: (click)

"I don't want summer school to be over!" boy one exclaims.

"Me either." cousin of boy one states.

"I would stay in here, even during recess if I could." boy three bodly says.

Boy four shakes his head up in down in agreement, without saying a word.

Teacher walks on speechless pretending she never heard the conversation but smiles from ear to ear when she gets to her desk.

WOW...are you kidding me? They don't want summer school to end? These are students who have not been successful at school, people, or they wouldn't be in SS in the first place.

To say the least and to borrow a line from Dr. Suess, my heart grew two sizes that day!

What a blessing! Do you remember my earlier post about looking for your present everyday? Found today's!!!!!

I <3 Ron

As many of you know, I want to marry Ron Clark.

He is amazing in every possible way.

The problem is, he doesn't know me...well, we met briefly and I told him "I hadn't ever heard of you until today and now...I love you!"

His response in his southern drawl?

"Well that was a quick love!"

I do love him...I love what he stands for and I love his passion.

If you don't know I love him already, now you have a good idea...

He was Disney's Teacher of the Year, and Oprah's first Man of the Year, or something like that...but he is a superstar in the world of education and well, I love him.

I am teaching summer school this year and I have thought about him many times over this short period. My kids need his wisdom and they need my love...and I am going to try to give them both.

I guess I was passionate enough about him over the course of these last few days because my students have now renamed me....

So, here I am...meet the real MRS. McCLARK (wink!)

Daily Gift

"Look for your present, God gives you one everyday!" says my mom...she lives it.

You can call her right now ask her what her gift was today and without missing a beat she will answer you...it might be the red bird in the bird bath just outside her window or a phone call from a friend right when she needed it or a swarm of butterflies migrating to the south right over her head...anyway she looks at it, God gives her a gift everyday. She looks for it and then tells Him thank you, every time.

I love that she raised me with this attitude. It makes me appreciate the little things and it pulls me up when I am bogged down with the minute details of life.

So I wanted to share with you just a few of my gifts this week:

This sunset greeted me as I walked out of the local grocery story one night last week. Feeling blah and doing the regular chores of the week I walked to my car, bags in hand. I saw this masterpiece. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it took my breath away:


Shopping with my daughter and her picking this poster out to hang on her wall. What she has learned at 13 years old...it amazes me...I was twice her age before I got how important this is:


Holding my friends new babies. I was able to visit two different friends this week. Each of them had new sons. One is 2 weeks old and one is 4 months. Oh the smell of newborns with lotion and powder and the sounds they make. The newborn grunt is so sweet and only lasts but a short time. It was music to my ears:

Like I said, these are just a few. Have fun looking for your present everyday...it will make you smile.

Sharing a Funny!

So working a long day of summer school and wanting to come home and "chill" I decided to do just that and read some of my favorite blogs. In doing so, I found the funniest video and laughed so hard I cried. I hope you enjoy it because I have to share. I just love the 80's!

Just One Day?

1. Today was day 2 of Summer School. I am teaching 5th grade reading and LOVE it...5th graders are way cool kids.

2. HUGE storm blew threw our town where literally the rain was a downpour and blowing sideways with lightning striking the ground all around us...but the storm lasted about 4 minutes.

3. Darbie almost has her back handspring and I got to see her practice tonight with her team...way cool, especially for someone like me who trips walking a straight line.

4. So You Think You Can Dance was overridden by the weather coverage...better watch out...The McCloud Girls would watch that show in the middle of the tornado if we had to...Guess I'll try to You Tube the first hour.

Addicted to Blogging! I mean writing...

So why didn't you all tell me I would love blogging? Is that word in the dictionary now?

I wish I was an author for a living. Well, I am a writing teacher, so I guess in a way I am an author for a living.

Just sitting behind this computer and writing brings joy. Maybe during this "semi mid-life crisis", I should take a writing class. Or I could just read a mentor text by Shannon Hale. She always inspires me. Read just a blog of hers and you want to be a better writer immediately, never mind her books.

I am taking a photography class as of tonight and I have homework, so when I have completed that homework I will post for you to see. I have more things I am planning on doing this summer such as taking an art class and a dance class. I won't master either one of these things but I have decided that becoming a master at crafts has kept me from pursuing them at all.

I saw a quote tonight at the store speaking of basketball that stated "You miss 100% of the baskets you don't shoot!" So, I may not have a high percentage of baskets while painting or dancing but at least I am going to shoot for fun this summer. I will keep you posted on the classes!

40 years old, here I come.....I won't go down without a fight!

Greater Love!

Just got back from Oklahoma City, OK to visit and hug my bother in law, Jerry, before he leaves for Iraq. Pride swells in my heart and a tear in my eye.

He is a Navy "SeaBee" (Construction Battalion) and has about 12 days left before he ships off and two months left in the states to train.

https://www.seabee.navy.mil/index.cfm/1499

I am so proud of him and his service to the best country, USA!

I am free because of Jerry and many like him. To be that unselfish and self sacrificing just amazes me. I am so thankful for those who can do this hard job.

Jesus said it best, as He always does when He said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Thank you, Jerry! And to those unsung heroes like my sister that stay brave and hold down the forts so that their husbands can go off to protect our country.

God bless you guys and God bless the USA!

Why Blog?

So I continued to ask myself this question, and then, on my first day of Summer Vaction, I asked "Why Not?"

It's my goal to make the posts short and sweet, but those who know me are already laughing out loud. I have never been able to tell a short story. But details make it fun and so you may get a few too many here in My Little Corner of the World.

My Corner is located in what I believe to be the BEST place in the world to live...TEXAS! I'm not biased, it's just true.
My corner is shared by my amazingly funny, always beautiful and sometimes sarcastic daughter, Darbie. For those analogy buffs, here goes:

Jodie is to Darbie; as Lorelai is to Rory.

We have super fun together and she is, I am sure, already teasing me for saying "Super Fun!"

Laughter is the main noise heard in our home along with TV, texting, music and worship. We love God. Jesus is our best friend and the Holy Spirit is welcome anytime.

It's not always perfect, but we smother ourselves with grace and move on.

Another population in our corner of the world are our 3 cats...Callie, Julia and Benny. Poor guy, he is the only male and I don't think he likes it. There are a few spiders that live outside on the porch and I can't talk myself into killing them, see they eat the other bugs and I like that!

I told you short and sweet was my goal but I will often times fall short of that...so we may try for long and loving.

I will keep you posted on the comings and goings and meanwhile...you have a wonderful day...or as someone I really respect use to say

"Make is a great day or not, the choice is yours!"