Friday, November 24, 2006

Giving Thanks in Milford, Pa.


Gathering in the basement in Milford, Pa. (from left): Madeline, Sascha, Sabina, Joyce (Mimi), Michael, Natalie, Margie and Diana.

For Thanksgiving, the Clarks of New Jersey traveled to Milford, Pa., for a family gathering with Mimi and Poppy. In the photo above, notice the togetherness, the joy and the family bond. You see Joyce surfing the Internet while visitors offer suggestions and guidance.

Earlier in the evening, the computer brought the message that the Clarks of Colorado—Danny, Tedra and baby Aaron, all official relatives of the Clarks of New Jersey – are expecting a second child. They broke the news in an e-mail to Mimi with a photo of A aron Clark wearing a t-shirt with the message: “I’m going to be a big brother June 2007.”

It took a moment or two for the meaning of the shirt to sink in, but when it did, the Thanksgiving spirit kicked into fourth gear.

Danny and Tedra, we don’t know if you read “The Clarks of New Jersey Blog,” but we dedicate this Thanksgiving entry to you. Clarks of Colorado, we salute you!

We love visiting Joyce and Goose on holidays. It’s fun to watch the ebb and flow of the party as it moves from the living room, to the dining room, to the basement, back to the living room. Guests, including Sister Bernice Marie from Lodi, N.J., will not soon forget the feast.

Other highlights included a comedy skit in which Theodore and his cousin Michael pretended to break their backs, and a spirited discussion of the World Socialist Web Site involving Sascha’s step dad Morten Nyborg

Skillman, N.J.-based Madeline Davidian’s Life Book was also a big hit. We passed it around like a precious photo album filled with amazing snapshots. Here’s an excerpt from a passage entitled: “My House,” which describes the Davidian home on 94 Sycamore Lane in Skillman, N.J.:

“ … Outside is the most beautiful of all with all the tall trees around you, the smell of the grass and the c’rumbling leaves beneath your feet. Inside is a very warm and cozy place. … I think the family room is the best because it is the biggest and where every one does something together.…”

Breaking News: The Davidian’s home at 94 Sycamore Lane has been selected as the site of the extended family’s 2006 Christmas celebration.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Communication Skills



Four-year-old Theodore likes "things that move."

Theodore has learned to experiment with metaphors. For instance, he recently told his mother: “I love you as much as the land.” This was an expression of deep love, and better, an original expression. But his best work is done on paper, upon which he draws complex and imaginative machines, typically diesel trains. (He always distinguishes between diesel trains and steam engines.) I asked him this morning if he also likes airplanes. “I like things that move,” he answered.

Natalie, however, continues to struggle to communicate in English. “Up,” is one of the very few words in her repertoire. Her primitive communication, however, is very effective. She tends to scream until she gets what she wants – and usually she wants up. She also points very effectively. I get the sense that she will be a nature girl, because carrying her outside will often calm her. And she enjoys pointing at the squirrels during her early morning rides around the block in her stroller.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Halloween 2006


Theo and Natalie after trick or treating.
Let us say a word about the costumes. Theo's giraffe outfit comes courtesy of cousin Michael Davidian III, based in Skillman, N.J. Michael imitated a giraffe about three years ago, and has since turned to human disguises, such as superheroes and ninjas. Natalie's cat outfit is a hand-me-down from Skillman-based Madeline Davidian, who wore it for two consecutive Haloweens, and Theo, who wore it for three in a row.