Aine Bonnie Clark Febuary 26, 2008

Aine has arrived. She was born in the early morning at 1:23 am. She weighs 6 pounds 10 ounces and is 19 inces long. Both Mother and baby are doing well. I had the previlege of giving Aine a bath afterwards. Faith and I are excited to be parents and are grateful to have a healthy and beautiful baby. More pictures to come later. Enjoy.

Passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley

Faith and I had the opportunity like most of you to watch Pres. Hinckley's funeral today. It was neat to hear the comments from church leaders about what a great man he was, how dedicated he was to the Lords work and what a great sense of humor he had. I also enjoyed listening to one of his daughters who spoke on how great of a father and example he was to his family. After the funeral we watched on TV a whole line of cars follow Pres. Hinckley's casket from the Conference Center to the Salt Lake Cemetery. Along the way on South Temple people both old and young waved their white hankerchefs bidding our prophet a final farewell.
I would like to share my personal testimony that I know that Pres. Hinckley was a true prophet that he was called from God to serve and lead the church in these latter days. He counciled us to do the very best we can in life and stand a little taller. I think we all as members of the church will miss this great man and the great example he set for all us. God be with you til we meet again.

Snow

Beclouded

The sky is low, the clouds are mean,
A travelling flake of snow
Across a barn or through a rut
Debates if it will go. A narrow wind complains all day
How some one treated him;
Nature, like us, is sometimes caught
Without her diadem.

Emily Dickinson

Charity and I were discussing how our blogs can get mundane, so we thought of a little challenge to help one another put more thought into it.

Today's challenge: Write about snow; your feelings about it, likes/dislikes, memories, etc.

Photo is from the KSL website, submitted with the following caption: Church admin building with flag at half mast during today's snow storm. - Photo Submitted by Dan Bierman

Monday's snow storm was incredible. I walked from school to work and I could see blue skies to the west and threatening, black clouds in the north and east. I got to work a little after 10 am and that was the only signs of a coming storm we had. Five minutes later I was looking out the window with my co-workers and discussing how ominous the skies looked. Only a minute later we were in the middle of a white-out. I thank Heavenly Father for holding off the storm long enough for me to get safe inside.

With all the walking I have been doing downtown I have had a lot of opportunities to walk in the fresh fallen snow. There was one morning I remember especially when the fresh fallen snow was coating the trees of City Creek Park. Everything looked so white and pure. It was so peaceful. When I got to work everyone was talking about the trouble they had commuting in the snow and all I had to say was my "commute" was beautiful.

So Close

This morning I ventured to the school to meet with Jostens and order my cap and gown for graduation. Yesterday I got my graduation form signed by a half dozen people and turned in. Graduation is actually coming. It makes me sad when I think about how it has taken me eight years to get an associates degree. That seems pretty pathetic. But I can't say that I'm not greatful for all the little diversions that have happened in between graduating from high school and getting this degree. My mission and marrying Spencer are two of the greatest things that have happened in my life. So, I guess eight years to an associates degree are years well spent.
While I was posting this blog I came across two more pictures that caused me to reflect on an even greater event that is so, so close. Aine's due date is 4 weeks from tomorrow and it seems like I can't go through a night without some strange dream haunting me about somthing like not knowing how to get to the hospital. Why is it that big life changes seem to happen all at the same time?

Happy Birthday Dan

Dan, as your brother I just wanted to express my love to you and wish you a Happy Birthday. It has been a great honor and privilege to have you as a brother for 25 years. I know we have had our differences at times, but overall we have gotten along just fine. It was fun to come out and spend a couple days with you and your wife in New York. I just want you to know that my favorite part of the entire trip was spending some one and one time with you. It was fun to run in Central Park with you on the bike. I'm greatful to have such a great brother.

Marci, I just want you to know you have married a great guy. I think you already know that. Thank you for taking good care of him.

Cruisin'

Look what we've been driving around. Who would have ever put Spencer and I in a PT Cruiser? Heehee

Baby Prep

The need to get out of the house this weekend led Charity, Morgan, Spencer and I for a walk downtown in the cold. The funnest part was going to the children's section of the Church History Museum. I think Charity was having more fun with the little activities than all of us. She was so cute to watch. She was especially fun to watch as she trotted along the street with Morgan riding piggyback. Where does she get all that energy?

We came back to the apartment for some hot chocolate. Charity and Morgan helped me put together the Child Care Cart they gave me at the baby shower this week. To say the least, it was an adventure to make all the parts fit. Let's just say that you don't want to loose any pegs. :)



Here's the finished product. Poor Spencer had to work this Monday and I was at home alone with the bags of gifts from the baby shower. So, I reorganized and found this cart to be very helpful. Thanks Charity.

P.S. Also featured in the picture, Ginny and Morley's gift. Ooo, that's going to be nice to have.