• Home
  • About
    • Our Journey
    • Popular Posts
  • Blog
    • Motherhood
    • Style
    • Home
      • Clarke Residence
    • Life
    • Verses
    • Faith
    • Travel
    • Blog Tips
  • Simply Clarke

  • Marriage
  • Shop
    • My Shop
    • Shop My Style
    • Amazon Favorites
    • Clarke Residence
  • Contact
    • Collaborate

Simply Clarke

Life
/
June 18, 2015

Bye Bye 24

2424.
 

Twenty-four will always hold a special place in my heart. Last year, I wrote a post about the 23 lessons I learned at 23 and I briefly thought about writing a similar post, but I didn’t think it would do this year justice. My birthday week last year was one of the saddest weeks of my life; It started out extremely rough with the passing of my grandfather. And continued to be sad with the funeral and then passing of my other grandfather.

 

However from all of the sadness, came excitement in August when we found out I was pregnant with Brooke. To add to the excitement, a few days later, Kevin and I left for our trip to Washington D.C. and New York where we took in the history of D.C. and the sports of New York. We got to go to the U.S. Open Finals, a Mets game and a Yankees game. We knew this would be our last vacation as a family of two and we soaked in every moment together.

 

We had unexpected sadness with the passing of aunt in October the same day our family was opening their mail to our pregnancy announcement. I learned the strange feeling of overwhelming joy and sadness at the same time.  For my family, our pregnancy announcement was a breath of fresh air from all of the death.

 

The rest of the year was filled with preparing for Brooke’s arrival. I had two awesome baby showers and to our surprise, Brooke arrived 5 weeks early. She has brought so much joy to my life in these past two months. 24 will forever hold a special place in my heart, because it was the year I grew her in my belly and got to hold her in my arms.

 

24 will always be the age I became a mom to my sweet baby girl. I wouldn’t trade this year for anything. I am looking forward to 25 and all that it brings as we learn the ins and outs of being parents. Watching Brooke grow and learn is going to be so amazing. She is the best present ever and makes 25 not sound so bad to me (I can’t believe i’m actually going to be that old in a few days).

 

Check out this month’s featured sponsor:

Pin this Post
Share this Post
0 Comments
Leave a Comment

You May Also Like...

Girls Weekend Photos

August 4, 2014

8 Summer Girls Weekend Ideas

August 1, 2014

Encouraging Your Friends

July 28, 2014

Leave a Reply Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Watching Kevin Become A Dad
Next Post
Father’s Day
Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

I'm a modern mom of two, who strives to encourage women throughout marriage and motherhood. I embrace life as it comes with kid meltdowns, family dance parties, and snacks galore. I believe that laughter is the best medicine, simplicity is perfection, and that life is breathtakingly beautiful.

Join the Simply Clarke community and receive weekly updates via email

Motherhood

Faith

Fashion

Home

Shop My Latest Faves

product_title_1

Bible

product_title_2

Coffee

product_title_3

Planner

product_title_4

Shades

  • The Ultimate Guide to Great Wolf Lodge Webster, Texas Howl-O-Ween

    October 1, 2025
  • Tuscan Tortellini Salad

    September 6, 2024
  • KidPik Review + Sale

    February 20, 2024

Current Location

Current Location
Houston, Texas

  • Such a fun gift using the viral $10 Candy Cane Box! 🎅🏼❤️

This is so great for a gift exchange gift, teacher gift, or friend Christmas gift!

🎁 COMMENT “shop” for all the links.

I packed it with cozy socks, candy cane chapstick, nail polish, cookie butter lotion and a spray hand sanitizer.🎄

#christmasgiftideas #christmasdiy #holidaygifts #targetfinds #targetholiday / https://liketk.it/5FKxp
  • These holiday snackle boxes make the cutest gift ideas! 🎄❤️ 

Here’s how I’m gifting it but the possibilities are endless - add some candy and a movie gift card 🍿& you’ve got a whole different vibe. 

✨COMMENT “shop” for the links. 

#giftinspo #giftidea #teachergift / Christmas gift idea / teacher gift / Christmas gift box / https://liketk.it/5EU7J
  • ✨On the 12th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you a $100 Amazon Giftcard. 

🎅🏼Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 
3️⃣Comment telling me what you would buy + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment = 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!)

❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me

🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories!

RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use.

#gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #amazonmusthave #amazonfinds
  • The cutest little treats for the holiday season 🎅🏼❤️

The Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for class parties, Christmas parties or as a special treat for your kiddos! 

✨COMMENT “shop” for the supply list.

#christmasclassgift #christmassnack #holidaysnack #holidaygifting #teachergiftidea / https://liketk.it/5F6Ex
  • ✨On the 11th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you an Athena Club Barbie Set!

The set comes with their iconic razor, body lotion and body wash. Athena Club is amazing - hands down my favorite razor!

🎅🏼Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 
3️⃣Comment telling me your weekend plans + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment= 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!)

❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me

🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories!

RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use.

#gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #athenaclub
  • #ad Christmas Teacher Gift Idea 🎄I love being able to run in @walmart and grab gift cards for the kids teachers.

They have such a wide variety that you can pick one that’s personalized to them! Then to jazz it up a little, I added the gift card to a snack box with goodies. 

It turned out so cute and it was so easy to make! Such a fun gift card gift idea 🎁 

Make sure to grab your gift cards at #walmart or Walmart.com! 

COMMENT “shop” for the links! 

#GiftsThatGiveBack2025 #Walmart https://bit.ly/holidaygiftcardsatwalmart
  • ✨On the 10th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you DIME perfume in Dans Les Bois scent!

@dimebeautyco has such great perfume and skincare items. My favorite perfumes are: Core Memory, Felt Cute, 7 Summers and Dans Les Bois. And my favorite skincare item from them is their Dark Spot Corrector! 

🎅🏼Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 
3️⃣Comment telling me your fav scent + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment = 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!)

❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me

🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories!

RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use.

#gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #cleanbeauty
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Such a fun gift using the viral $10 Candy Cane Box! 🎅🏼❤️ This is so great for a gift exchange gift, teacher gift, or friend Christmas gift! 🎁 COMMENT “shop” for all the links. I packed it with cozy socks, candy cane chapstick, nail polish, cookie butter lotion and a spray hand sanitizer.🎄 #christmasgiftideas #christmasdiy #holidaygifts #targetfinds #targetholiday / https://liketk.it/5FKxp
20 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
These holiday snackle boxes make the cutest gift ideas! 🎄❤️ Here’s how I’m gifting it but the possibilities are endless - add some candy and a movie gift card 🍿& you’ve got a whole different vibe. ✨COMMENT “shop” for the links. #giftinspo #giftidea #teachergift / Christmas gift idea / teacher gift / Christmas gift box / https://liketk.it/5EU7J
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
✨On the 12th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you a $100 Amazon Giftcard. 🎅🏼Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣Like this post 2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 3️⃣Comment telling me what you would buy + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment = 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!) ❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me 🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories! RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use. #gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #amazonmusthave #amazonfinds
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
The cutest little treats for the holiday season 🎅🏼❤️ The Reindeer Rice Krispies Treats are perfect for class parties, Christmas parties or as a special treat for your kiddos! ✨COMMENT “shop” for the supply list. #christmasclassgift #christmassnack #holidaysnack #holidaygifting #teachergiftidea / https://liketk.it/5F6Ex
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/7
✨On the 11th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you an Athena Club Barbie Set!

The set comes with their iconic razor, body lotion and body wash. Athena Club is amazing - hands down my favorite razor!

🎅🏼Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 
3️⃣Comment telling me your weekend plans + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment= 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!)

❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me

🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories!

RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use.

#gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #athenaclub
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
✨On the 11th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you an Athena Club Barbie Set! The set comes with their iconic razor, body lotion and body wash. Athena Club is amazing - hands down my favorite razor! 🎅🏼Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣Like this post 2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 3️⃣Comment telling me your weekend plans + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment= 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!) ❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me 🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories! RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use. #gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #athenaclub
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/7
#ad Christmas Teacher Gift Idea 🎄I love being able to run in @walmart and grab gift cards for the kids teachers.

They have such a wide variety that you can pick one that’s personalized to them! Then to jazz it up a little, I added the gift card to a snack box with goodies. 

It turned out so cute and it was so easy to make! Such a fun gift card gift idea 🎁 

Make sure to grab your gift cards at #walmart or Walmart.com! 

COMMENT “shop” for the links! 

#GiftsThatGiveBack2025 #Walmart https://bit.ly/holidaygiftcardsatwalmart
#ad Christmas Teacher Gift Idea 🎄I love being able to run in @walmart and grab gift cards for the kids teachers.

They have such a wide variety that you can pick one that’s personalized to them! Then to jazz it up a little, I added the gift card to a snack box with goodies. 

It turned out so cute and it was so easy to make! Such a fun gift card gift idea 🎁 

Make sure to grab your gift cards at #walmart or Walmart.com! 

COMMENT “shop” for the links! 

#GiftsThatGiveBack2025 #Walmart https://bit.ly/holidaygiftcardsatwalmart
#ad Christmas Teacher Gift Idea 🎄I love being able to run in @walmart and grab gift cards for the kids teachers.

They have such a wide variety that you can pick one that’s personalized to them! Then to jazz it up a little, I added the gift card to a snack box with goodies. 

It turned out so cute and it was so easy to make! Such a fun gift card gift idea 🎁 

Make sure to grab your gift cards at #walmart or Walmart.com! 

COMMENT “shop” for the links! 

#GiftsThatGiveBack2025 #Walmart https://bit.ly/holidaygiftcardsatwalmart
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
#ad Christmas Teacher Gift Idea 🎄I love being able to run in @walmart and grab gift cards for the kids teachers. They have such a wide variety that you can pick one that’s personalized to them! Then to jazz it up a little, I added the gift card to a snack box with goodies. It turned out so cute and it was so easy to make! Such a fun gift card gift idea 🎁 Make sure to grab your gift cards at #walmart or Walmart.com! COMMENT “shop” for the links! #GiftsThatGiveBack2025 #Walmart https://bit.ly/holidaygiftcardsatwalmart
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
✨On the 10th day of Christmas…🎄I’m so excited to be gifting one of you DIME perfume in Dans Les Bois scent! @dimebeautyco has such great perfume and skincare items. My favorite perfumes are: Core Memory, Felt Cute, 7 Summers and Dans Les Bois. And my favorite skincare item from them is their Dark Spot Corrector! 🎅🏼Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣Like this post 2️⃣Follow me @marquis_clarke 3️⃣Comment telling me your fav scent + Tag a friend in the comments below (1 comment = 1 entry so tag as many as you would like!) ❤️BONUS entry ❤️Share this post on your stories and tag me 🎄INSIDER TIP: 🎄There’s also one more bonus entry in my stories! RULES. Gifting starts 12/1 at 7pm CST and ends 12/14 at 11:59pm CST. The winners will be chosen at random and announced on 12/15. Public and private accounts may enter. Open to USA only. Per Instagrams rules: this sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering, entrant confirms they are 18 years of age or older, and agrees to Terms and Conditions and privacy policy here: We release Instagram of any responsibility and agree to Instagrams terms of use. #gifting #givingback #christmastime #12DaysofChristmas #favoritegifts #cleanbeauty
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/7

  • About
  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Collaborate

COPYRIGHT© 2020 Simply Clarke Site by Simply Clarke