Kids say the darndest things...

So today has been a funny day.  It has been a super busy but hilarious day.  There are no words...

At the Swim Meet
5 year old: Miss Emmarie, How old are you?
5 year old's mom: You should never ask a lady how old she is. 
Me:  No worries.  I'll tell you.  On Monday I'll be two years away from 30. 
8 year old: Oh so you are 28... Miss Emmarie, wow you are tall for your age. 
Me:  Ha ha ha
Their mom:  I am the same age they are comparing you to me and I'm short. 
Me:  It's ok.  I actually can't remember the last time someone said that to me.  You see guys grown-ups all hit a certain age and we stop growing. 
Another mom:  We'll we stop growing that way but we still grow in others. 

Wow, definitely so true. 

At the Y
11 year old: Miss Emmarie, how old are you? 
Me: Well on Monday I'll be 28. 
11 year old (in ecstatic voice):  I KNEW IT!!!!  You look like you are 27. 
Me:  Ha ha

Seriously, what is with all the age conversations today?  How funny is that?!?  I hope these conversations keep coming.  They are priceless!  However, I have two questions for you.  Please answer them if you know the answer.  How tall is the average 28 year old?  What makes someone look like they are 27? 

Where I was on that day...

So I actually started writing this the week Osama Bin Laden was killed but never got around to putting it out.  I thought today would be very fitting time seeing that it is 10 years later and all.  For me it has made me think a lot about where I was ten years ago when all of the madness occurred.

I was a freshman in college. Talk about a time warp. I remember walking to my 8am sociology class with my friend Kate whose birthday was that day. I was in the furthest dorm from campus, oh the joys of being a freshman, so on my way I walked to her dorm and she joined me on my trek. We were both active and pushed the button a little when it came to walking to class so we were right on time. This 8am sociology class was the thorn in my side from that first semester. Side note: For some reason I would take notes in this class and as soon as I flipped over to the back of the page I started drifting off. It was so bad that I couldn't read anything and had to copy Kate's entire notebook in order to study for my final exam :) Anyways back to the story. When we got out of class at 9:15 I remember walking out of Carroll Hall, the journalism and Mass Communication building and seeing lots of people standing in front of the televisions. We didn't think anything of it, we chalked it up to journalism majors and walked on. Our next stop was the dining hall for a birthday brunch for Kate. We met some others there and then all split off for our 11:00am classes. I still consider myself a naive person at times but this day there was no fighting it. I remember seeing people staring at the TVs while we were at the dining hall too but still thought nothing of it.  guess I just go about my life at times and don't notice the things around me.  When I got to my English class everyone was talking about it. There were a few of us that had no idea. I remember everyone being on their phones trying to call family and even though we were in NC we were still having problems getting through to our families. Shortly after being in class they released us for the day.

After finally getting in touch with my mom she reminded me that my dad and brother-in-law were renovating a hotel only a few blocks from the Potomac River just across the river from the Pentagon. It took what seemed like forever to get in touch with them to make sure they were OK. They said traffic in DC was at an absolute standstill and it was better to stay where they were rather than go out in it.

What a catastrophic event?!? Why would someone do this? As a 17 year old these were all questions we had been asking. I had only been out of the country once and I did not have any understanding of other countries perceptions or dislikes for Americans. Throughout the years to come I was blessed to be able to see many different countries and cultures. I have come to appreciate the differences in cultures.  Through that I have seen that we as Americans are quick to judge and there are many places out there that do not look highly on Americans.  With that being said I think everyone should go overseas at some point. Most of all it allows you to see that different things are not necessarily wrong. We so often in our country have the outlook that if it is not the way we are used to it is wrong. I have been challenged to get out of my box and try it another way and to stop being the apathetic being that I had become and easily fall back into. 

10 years later... Wow.  This brings so many emotions and so much introspection. 

Look at where we are now? 

1.  As a country...
We have placed a huge emphasis on the freedom we have and there is an overwhelming respect for those that constantly fight for our freedom on our soil and overseas.  I don't remember seeing military in that way as a child.  Now I am so thankful for those in the armed services.  You see more people going out of their way to thank military men and women for the job they do.  It always makes me tear up when I see a child go up to them and thank them for their service.  That child was raised right. 

2.  Remembering those fallen... 
This morning as I watched the memorial services televised to commemorate the 10th anniversary, I was amazed by the feelings this dredged up within my soul.  It seemed like the insecurity and fear was back there for a little bit.  To see those who lost friends, families, and parents in the attacks on that day really broke my heart.  However, it does go to show you that the Lord has provided for them in the time since.  They still remember the day and they can now think fondly back on the lives of their loved ones.  I will tell you that I am a dramatic person but I do not think I always am open with my emotions.  Especially tears, I am not a person who cries during chick flicks I can get sad but I do not usual cry.  However, today as I watched the group of newborns or unborn children who lost their fathers on 9/11, I cried.  I cried as they showed the children's faces beside their fathers and my dog looked confused by the tears I was releasing.  It was something I did not expect but it happened none the less and still as I write of it I am tearing up. 

3.  Personally...
I can't believe it has been 10 years.  10 years since I started college.  Friends have changed, lifestyles have changed, locations have changed, my relationship with the Lord has changed.  Everything has changed.  I never would have thought at that time that I would have travelled to 7 countries, lived overseas doing mission work, been to Everest base-camp, been a bridesmaid in 6 more weddings, moved to Texas and lived here for almost five years, and still be single, just to name a few.  I am content with my life.  I am in love with the Lord and I trust that I am here for a reason.  My mission in life is to glorify Him by loving Him and making Him known.  I am lucky that I have a career that lines up with my personal mission, that in and of itself is a blessing.  I am not really sure where I thought I would be now when I was a freshman in college.  I don't think I would have told you I would be here, but I am blessed to be where I am. Thank you, Lord!

Thanks to all of those who do their part to keep our homeland and country a place where freedom is valued. 

Emmarie

 

Five Years Ago Today...

I have quite a few five year anniversaries coming up!  Why not mark them in my blog?  Five years ago was a very big year for me.  The year was 2006.  It was actually my little brother, Peyton's 21st birthday. 
This was not what made this day special even though that was special for him.  Sorry P.  :(  Happy 26th Birthday though! 

For me this day marked the first day I set foot in... 

 the state of TEXAS! 

I came down for my first job interview after college and this was three months after getting back in the country after living in China for a year.  I did not know what this trip would bring but it changed my life, forever.  You may say I'm dramatic but you have no idea. 
More to come later...

Snake Warning

Please be advised that reports on the news have indicated that in areas of drought and flooding, an increase in nsakes and wildlife sightings have occurred. Residents are asked to review the following information for education purposes.

Snakes are naturally shy and their first form of defense is to move away from danger, and humans are viewed as danger. If provoked or cornered, a snake may attempt to protect itself by striking. People are most likely to be bitten when attempting to kill or handle a snake. Although snakes move at the speed of a fast walk, they can strike very rapidly if aroused. To avoid being bitten below are some helpful tips:

• Watch where you step, and do not harass, capture, or attempt to kill snakes - move away and report the sighting immediately to animal control and the office


• If you see a snake, maintain a safe distance (>6 feet) - most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill snakes


• Keep your personal belongings neat and tidy on patios and remove all items in breezeways


• Use caution around playground equipment as snakes like to hide in the shade and cool, moist mulch


• Clean up or report to management any spilled food around dumpster or trash areas which can attract rodents - and therefore snakes


• Keep pets on a leash


• Avoid walking through the grass. Use common walk areas.


• Any sightings of snakes/wildlife should be immediately reported to local authorities and the management office.

Please remember that no one can ensure your personal safety. We remind you that your safety and security is your responsibility. However, we believer that by taking an active role by updating you on recent reports in the news, you may be able to deter unnecessary problems.

Sincerely,

___________ Staff

So this is the Letter I received tucked in my door today when I got home from work. I have really gotten a kick out of this. I mean I'm in Texas. All people who grew up in Texas are used to all kinds of wildlife and snakes. I mean really!?! Ha ha

So I did see a snake one night this week while I was out walking Gemma. Luckily I have common sense and didn't try to "harass, capture or attempt to kill the snake." But now that I have this letter I know that I should not in case I see any future snakes. Come on people...

Simple Smiles

Reading things like this quote bring a smile to my face! You have got to love the simple things :)

An excerpt from At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks...

"Since they'd left the airport in Raleigh, the view on either side of the highway had been one long version of the movie Groundhog Day. Ramshackle farmhouses, barren fields, decaying tobacco barns, stands of trees... mile after mile. Sure, they'd passed through the occasional town, but even those had been indistinguisable, unless someone actually knew the difference between Hardee's and Bojangles."

This quote reminds me of the drive from Zebulon to Salter Path. Thought I would leave you with some of my favorite shots of natural beauty along that drive... Hope you enjoy!

Meeting Ean for the first time

My nephew, Ean Cheyne Clark, was born on December 2 and this was my first time to meet him. Here are some pictures from my trip...

Aiden, Ean, and I. Aiden gave me the elephant puppet for Christmas.

Aiden giving Ean kisses... What a good big brother he will be.

Me and baby Ean

Ama's Christmas

On Christmas Day, we always go to my Ama's! This year we ate dinner around 2pm and instead of being at the kid's table, like always, the adults sat there and we ate with our Ama! There are 8 grandchildren and with significant others we made 10 and Ama made 11. I'm not really sure what she thought of our conversation it was definitely hit or miss at times but we always have fun. Here are some pics of the day...

Me and Ama

My Cuz Ashley and I

Can you tell they're related? The man in the frame is a distant grandparent and we always thought the spot on his forehead was because he was shot or something. However, interesting fact this man cut off his thumb so he would not have to fight in the civil war. Peyton, my little brother, and him have a scary resemblance.
Dad, Mom, Peyton, Ama, and Me
No longer at the kiddie table group & Ama

The Privette boys - Three in the back row, Justin, Erik, Keith

The Byrd gals - Ashley(beside me) with her husband John, Hope(Santa Hat), Frances(to the right of Hope) with boyfriend Tony

The Clark kids- Peyton (Carolina hoodie) and Me

Ama and her children

Martha, Gary, Nancy, Beverly

Jamie and her kiddos

I had the best time spending time with my high school buddy Jamie and her family! They are so great! Jamie and I have been known to get into trouble in the past and my how things have changed. It is such a blessing to have one of those friends that no matter where you go or what you do it always seems like just yesterday when you talked. She always understands and can always make me laugh no matter what the situation. Her and her husband, Mike, have always welcomed me with open arms when I am home, and I love that about them! Their two kiddos are so adorable and tons of fun!

Mikey may be the busiest child ever... This was the only pic I was able to catch of him.

Isn't he adorable? I love me some Joe! I stayed over one night and the next morning he didn't want me to leave. He wanted me to stay and the babysitter to go home. He also got in trouble one day and Jamie got upset with him. He sat there deep in thought, she asked him what he was thinking about and he said, "I'm thinking about my friends like Noni, Daddy, Emmarie, the babysitter(can't remember her name). They don't yell at me." He sure does know how to tug at everyone's heart strings...


I saw Jamie everyday from the time I came home on the 17th to the 23rd before all of our family Christmas festivities began. It was fun to help them put together some Christmas presents including this NY Giants tackle buddy (i'm sure it is called something else but that is the best I could come up with). For some reason I never get pics of Mike but he was there. He was even nice enough to take this one of me and Jamie.

Thanks for a great trip and fun outings while I was in NC!

A German Meal

While I was in NC for Christmas I was able to meet up with Julie and Richard for dinner. We went to a German restaurant, J Betskis for dinner. I have to tell you that I had the best dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. A chocolate torte with sea salt and bacon on top. Sounds strange but it was oh so yummy... I really enjoyed my time with this couple. Thanks for a fun night!

The Kvernen Family

I was blessed this time home with the opportunity to see a family that I was with while living in East Asia. I have not seen Laura, Matt and Juliana since I left in July 2006. They were on my team and helped me so much in my year there. I definitely would have been lost without the guidance they were able to provide. The Lord totally blessed me through this friendship. The last time I saw them they were a family of 3, and now they are a family of 5. It was such a blessing for me to meet the youngest two, Lydia and Isaac. They have been in the states on furlough and were with her family prior to Christmas. It was great to be able to sit down and catch up with them. When I first talked to her on the phone the first thing she said to me was, "you still sound the same." It is so funny how different you assume people will be when you see them on the total opposite side of the world years later. So glad I got to see ya'll. Hope to see you again soon! Praying for you always!

Grandma Clark's Christmas

My Grandma Clark may be the spunkiest 88 year old you will ever meet! In the past year she has received 2 hip replacements, her last one being the Monday before Thanksgiving! This last time I was home I didn't get to see her a lot but spent some great quality time with her. After the Carolina Basketball game I went home got my stuff and spent the night with my Grandma. She was only home for this one night because she was doing rehab at my aunt's house in another city. That night my Grandma and I started talking and around midnight I was so exhausted I, the 27 year old, had to ask her if we could go to bed.

The next day we went to my cousin Keely's for our Clark Christmas Celebration and Grandma told everyone that I kept her up. It was quite embarrassing that I had to be the one to tell everyone it was quite the opposite. She just giggled when I told them what had happened and she didn't fight my side of the story at all :) We had a great time celebrating Christmas together with all 26 of us! We didn't even have everyone there, we were missing 5 and we had some additional add-ons. Here are some pics...

Kathryn and I with Grandma

Half of the fam

The other half

Aunt Cathy took all the pics :) This is the only photo I have of her or Michael.

Grandma with the grandchildren (minus 2) and great-grandchildren (minus 2)

Sisters... isn't my dad sneaky?

Me and Kathryn

Dad & Daughters :)

Carolina vs Texas

I can't think of any better way to start of my Christmas vacation at home with my family than going to a Carolina Basketball Game. Of course it adds to the fun seeing as it is a game with one of the largest schools in the state that I live in. However, just because I live in Texas does not mean that I will ever change my allegiances. Go Heels! I was so excited that I could get vacation and this game to line up it was going to be the perfect gift for my dad and I to enjoy together. We left our house a little early so that we could stop by Chapel Hill and scoot around Franklin Street before completing the trip to Greensboro. Sidenote: I am very thankful that Krispy Kreme was not on Franklin street when I was in college, I just can't say no to a Krispy Kreme glazed donut :) Once we got to Greensboro we were meeting some of my friends from college, Holly Beam Specht and Hayley Beam Reep! I love their family just as if it were my own. It was fun to have my dad there with me while we enjoyed time catching up over a meal. It takes my dad a little while to warm-up to new people so next time he will be in full swing and his jovial self I am sure of it!

Unfortunately, due to the wait at the restaurant we were late for the game. I would have never been late for a game in college but it was very important for me to see my friends. My dad and I sat separately from the rest of the Beam clan but we really did enjoy the game. Of course, it would have been better had they been able to pull out the W for us, but it was a great game to watch and we held in there til the very end. Here are some pics from the game!

Hayley, Me, and Holly after the game

Me and Dad

Me with Hayley and Charlie Reep

You can check out more pics on Hayley and Charlie's blog

Thanksgiving Recap

The night before Thanksgiving, one of my rodeo pals, Stephenie, invited me to do Thanksgiving with her family. It was a lot of fun to be around a family much like my own. We ended the night laughing watching a video of a comedian with the entire family. They sent me home with a plate of desserts that I honestly worked on for almost an entire week :) Thanks to the Ruby family for asking me to join ya'll!

Me and Stephenie

You know I can't pass up a good photo op :)

This Thanksgiving was a little different than most of my others. This is my fifth Thanksgiving in Texas and each year I have many options of what to do, and I am so appreciative that others would include me in their family for this special time. 2006- Thanksgiving with the Jernigans, 2007- Thanksgiving with the Smiths (they put me to work on Thanksgiving), 2008 & 2009- Thanksgiving with the Jenkins (Not a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but instead Tamales, and Chili!!!) This year since the Jenkins have moved to Singapore we had a major dilemma on our hands as of what to do...

After much deliberation me and some of my single gal friends without family in the city decided we would have our own Thanksgiving. After all, why couldn't we start our own tradition!?! We stayed with the Jenkins' family tradition of a non-traditional Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. We split up the menu and all brought something. Gemma and I love hosting and now that we moved out of the city we don't get to do that very often so we had them over here for Thanksgiving. Rachael was in charge of appetizers. Lisa and I split main course she made her family's famous Green Chile Stew and I made a turkey chili. Tracy made fruit enchiladas for dessert they were amazing! After our meal we watched The Holiday by my Christmas Tree that Tracy and I had gotten earlier in the day. It was such a relaxing day and I hope that we can continue this tradition. Here are some fun pics of the day!

Don't you just love my pumpkin turkey? We tried to decide on a name for him, but one never stuck.

Rachael, Lisa, Tracy, and Me (Check out Gemma at my knee)

The gals hanging out in the kitchen, did I mention I love to entertain :)

Gemma and her good friend Lisa! (She is my good friend too!)

Happy Thanksgiving

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Psalms 95:2

Happy Thanksgiving! Isn't it sort of sad that as a culture being thankful is the focus only one day a year, the fourth Thursday in November?!? There are so many things that I am thankful for it is hard to articulate it all. But here are just a few...

Family - I love that even though they are not a car ride away I love that we talk often and can support each other from afar. My family knows how to make me laugh and cheer me up when I need it the most. Thanks for your love that you show me each and every day.

Great Friends- What a blessing a true friend is... I have been blessed with great friends that the Lord has used to bring me to Him, to challenge me in faith and for me to challenge and bring to Him. I am so thankful for the friends here in Houston that have really made this place somewhere I enjoy and love. For the friends from home that I continue to keep in touch with that show me even though our lives are at different points it does not mean that our friendship has to change. Also, for my friends from college that have shown me it is possible to keep in touch no matter where life may take you.

Faith in the Lord- No matter where life takes me I know that my God is in control and that He will guide me and direct me in His ways. It has been an interesting year and I have had to learn to go with the flow in many areas of my life. What a comfort it is to know that even when things happen differently than we would have hoped, God is sovereign. God knows exactly what will happen and knowing that He loves me should only comfort me as I walk through life with God by my side.

Body of Christ- I am so thankful for the Body of Christ! Since I have been in Houston I have been surrounded by some amazing people that are seeking the Lord in all that they do. It has been such a blessing to be around people who are like-minded. This year I have joined a growth group at the church I go to and it has been such a blessing to be involved in a small group with people from different times in their life. All of us come with different experiences and gifts and that helps us encourage, serve, and learn from each other. This is what the body of Christ is about and I am so blessed to really see this in action.

Health- I so often take for granted the fact that I have been blessed with good health. I am able to lead an active lifestyle and there are so many that I see on a daily basis that cannot. I love my job and that I can make a difference in the lifestyles of others.

At the moment I am not very thankful for my computer because it won't let me upload pictures from the memory card. More to come on Thanksgiving festivities later.

The Loves of my Life

Living in Houston my time with my family in NC and VA is few and far between. This last trip I got to spend some great time with my family including my nephews. Mackenzi, my sister's son, is 10, and Aiden, my brother's son, is almost 5. They are so much fun and I really had a blast getting to spend time with each of them. It is never a dull moment when I am there that is for sure.

Me and Aiden watching my older brother, Jae, coach high school football. As you can tell we are watching really hard...

Mackenzi playing football. He looks so grown-up :(

Aiden and I at Mackenzi's game

Mackenzi and I after his game. It was my first time to go to any of his games.

Love IHOP at Halloween. You can decorate your own Pancake. How fun!

I bought us all new Carolina shirts. Mackenzi is a Carolina fan, and we try our best to get Aiden to be a Carolina fan as well. His mom and dad are Virginia Tech fans, some people just can't help it, I guess.

Being silly

Camping in NC

October 18-21

While I was home for the wedding I had planned a trip with my Dad in the mountains of NC. Camping with no plans other than to eat at some of the 100 places to eat in 100 counties from Our State magazine. Which I regret to say didn't happen at all. We tried to stop at the one in Carrboro and it was no longer there. Looks like if more people saw it as a top 100 place to eat it would still be open :(

My little brother, Peyton, joined us for our trip as well. We stayed at one of the parks we visited growing up, Julian Price Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We spent time in West Jefferson, Valle Crucis, Boone, Blowing Rock, and travelled the Parkway. It was great to be outside for a few days marveling at the beauty of our God's creation including the fall colors! Check out some of my favorite pictures...

Our Campsite

Check out the Barn Art

Loved this one in the midst of all the Christmas Trees Linn Cove Viaduct

Linnville Falls

Grandfather Mountain

Great Spot for alone time with the Lord at Price Lake

Me, Peyton, and Dad - after camping for 3 days