Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Theo Turns five


Caption: With his sister Natalie, 1, Theodore celebrates “the Big Oh-Five” in his new T-Rex outfit.

Early in the morning on May 29, 2002, Dad and Mom hailed a cab on First Avenue and took a ride across the 59th Street Bridge to a hospital in Queens. Next thing you know, we’re celebrating Theodore Warner Clark’s fifth birthday at 56 Voorhees Place in Metuchen, N.J. Somewhere during that half decade, we came into possession of an adorable little girl with the most curious little voice and language.

Gentle reader, the Clarks of New Jersey Web site will not attempt to describe how five years can disappear in an instant; nor are the authors capable of explaining the melancholy feelings aroused by a child’s progression from toddler to little boy to boy. It is our role here simply to chronicle the events of a simple family.

With special help from Valerie Agtarap (Valerie, CNJ salutes you!), Margie led Theo and his classmates downtown to What’s the Scoop, Metuchen’s world-famous ice cream parlor. Gifts were exchanged, candles were extinguished, ice cream and pizza were consumed. Through it all, the children smiled.

When Dad arrived home from work, his freshly bathed son retold the day’s events, arms flailing with excitement and special emphasis given to the size, color and functionality of his birthday gifts.

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Dad turns 42 years old on May 30. What would be an appropriate birthday message for him?

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Ninong Jerry’s Big Day


Caption: Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah T. Cunningham, trailed by Michael Cunningham, the groom’s brother.

Anderson, Ind. – Readers of the Clarks of New Jersey often ask: “Whatever happened to Theo’s godfather?” I am happy to announce that Jeremiah Cunningham, a.k.a. “Ninong Jerry,” was married last night to Jennifer Paige Simmons in Indianapolis. I am even happier to say that all of Jerry’s friends are thrilled with the match.

The Clarks of New Jersey send their very best to the newlyweds and extend an open invitation to them – or any Cunningham, for that matter – to visit us in Metuchen and enjoy its many charms.

Let the record also show that Dad performed admirably his duties as an usher.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Days Without Dad


Caption: Pupils of Miss Margie’s Day Care, from left: Maura, Theo, Kara, Luke and Maggie. (Not pictured: Natalie and Paulie).

While dad is engaged in a lengthy business trip and wedding event in Indiana, the rest of the Clarks of New Jersey are soldiering on as best they can. School is in session at 56 Voorhees Place. Shopping and dining continue as usual. Even chores around the house and yard are regularly maintained.

The secret is superhuman effort on the part of Mom, and she is to be commended for this effort. Certainly, Dad also deserves some credit for rallying the children’s spirits through twice-a-day inspirational phone calls from Indiana. But this post sends a special dedication to Mom. Margie Clark, the Clarks of New Jersey salute you!

In other news, dad shot a 90 at Edgewood Golf Club, and also enjoyed a leisurely stroll with friends along the White River and ancient Indian mounds at Mounds State Park in Anderson, Ind. Ah, but all is not sunshine and milkshakes for the 41-year-old trade magazine editor. Late last night, an unoccupied Nissan rolled backwards through a parking lot of Panera Bread and sideswiped dad’s rental car while he sat helpless in the driver’s seat. The accident required the attention of the police and several authorities at Hertz and American Express. Luckily no one was injured. However, on the following morning Dad woke up with amazing spider-like powers.

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Do you have a favorite state park? Please post a comment with a recommendation for our extended family of readers and subscribers.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

A Monument to Mother's Day


The Clarks of New Jersey, resting on the Dingmans Falls trail.

Yesterday, the Clarks of New Jersey traveled to Milford, Pa., world headquarters of the Clarks of Pennsylvania. We enjoyed a delightful trek to Dingmans Falls, where Theo and Dad reached the summit, looking down at Mimi, Poppy, Margie, Natatlie and Kate Solecitto, director of marketing for Red Devil, makers of King Kaulk and SandFast.

Other highlights from the Poconos include a visit to the world-famous Dairy Mart, and a gift exchange that brought five mini-dinosaurs into Theo's possession. Poor little Natalie was flu-ridden, but she still managed to greet Mimi and Poppy with a warm hung, a rarity for the shy little princess.

SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY ANNOUNCEMENT: Happy Mother's Day, Margie.