Camping

Last weekend, we ventured out to Gold Basin Campground in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest for Samuel's first camping experience. We arrived Friday afternoon and had a chance to set up camp. We were joined by a few friends of ours and ended up occupying two campsites right next to each other. Friday evening we sat around the campfire, made smores and chatted.


Saturday all the guys went on a hike up Mt. Pilchuck. I guess the hike was pretty strenuous, but the views were beautiful. The girls had the joy of sitting around camp and trying to occupy four children while keeping them away from the hot fire! Not fun! Next time the guys will be on kid duty and the girls will get five hours to play. Saturday night we enjoyed a great dinner then everyone but us decided to leave for the night.


Sunday morning, Mike and I got up, had breakfast and packed up camp. We then went to the Big Four Ice Caves. It was a pretty easy mile into the caves. They were awesome. Samuel loved walking around and picking up rocks. He wasn't so excited about the snow though.



Overall it was a great weekend. We were all a bit tired coming home and enjoyed a good night’s sleep back in our bed. Samuel seemed to love camping, especially the dirt! I guess we will be planning a few more weekends soon! I will post more pictures on the website as soon as I get them all uploaded!

Barney!

Samuel doesn't slow down for much, but Barney has stopped him in his tracks. The other day he watched part of Elmo's World then found a car to occupy him. When Barney came on he quickly set the car down and planted himself in front of the TV. He watched for a good 15 minutes before he got bored and moved on. It's like he knows how much daddy dislikes Barney!

A Great Weekend

The Clark family had a wonderful weekend. We were able to spend a ton of time as a family and catch up on some time that we loose when Mike's semester and teaching job are in full swing. Here is a quick recap...


Friday night, Mike and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We got all dressed up and went out to a restaurant called the Melting Pot. Fabulous! We had a great chance to reminisce over the past year as well as the last five. We also began to dream about what this next year may bring for us. It was a much needed celebration!



On Saturday, we had the opportunity to go to the Starbucks Company Picnic. Beth invited us to join her for an afternoon of fun. Although the shuttle ride over to the park was not the best, once we were there it was a ton of fun. There was a pirate theme and shortly after we showed up the pirate boat made an entrance. Samuel thought it was great! They had a ton of fun bouncy things for kids to do, chair massages for adults and great food. Samuel had so much fun he fell asleep in Mike's arms and was out cold for a good hour or so.


Saturday night we had friends over for a cookout and a great game called Loaded Questions!



Sunday morning we got up and decided that it had been too long since we had taken a good hike. We decided that after Samuel's nap we would head to Twin Falls for a 3 mile hike. Bailey even got to join us. The hike was great and the scenery was beautiful. Samuel slept for a good portion, but was awake to walk (all on his own) the last bit of the trail. He even wanted to walk holding onto Bailey. I think he defiantly has his dad in him, as we were walking out he kept turning around and trying to go back in! Mike and I can't wait until he can walk the whole way by himself. You would be amazed at how much harder hiking is with an extra 30 pounds on your back!




All is all, it was a great weekend. Too bad tomorrows Monday and it's back to work. I guess you can't have it all!

5 Years

Wow! Five years ago Mike and I tied the knot! Hard to believe it isn't it? I guess it is true that time flies when you're having fun!

It has been an amazing five years. I think back to where we were five years ago and am amazed with the journey we have taken. We have taken roads that I never would have guessed or thought possible. Although there have been tough times and times where we both felt it would have been easier to give up, I am so thankful for Mike and our marriage. I am amazed at how strong our love is and how it continues to grow each day. I knew when I married Mike that I was marrying the best, little did I know that he and us would only continue to get better and better.

So, to the next five years...

I love you sweetpea!

A Beautiful Sunset

In rememberance of Hannah we were able to spend sometime yesterday as a family. Since we were not able to visit Hannah's grave, we took some time to go to the local cemetary to lay flowers on the graves of babies and children. We then took a picnic to Golden Gardens park where we watched the sunset over the mountains. It was beautiful. Although the pictures are beautiful, it doesn't do it justice. Thanks to all of you who said a few extra prayers for us yesterday.

Remembering Hannah...

As many of you are well aware today is Hannah's birthday. It has been two years since we heard the tragic news that our little girl was taken from us. After two years, we don't pretend to understand why, we still question God and we struggle daily as memories of her sweep through our minds. Today we remember how precious and fragile life is. We also remember the promise that God has given us, that life is not all there is. So, as we wipe tears from our eyes and feel the weight and stillness of life in our hearts we believe that Hannah is watching over us all and waiting in great anticipation for the day when we will be reunited with her in Heaven.

As we remember the week that surrounded Hannah's death, we remember the love and support we felt in the darkest days of our lives. We were blessed to have Jon lead Hannah's memorial service. During his service he talked about Hannah's name and its meaning. "Hannah Faith. Her name Hannah means the breathing Grace of God. Her middle name Faith means to trust." As we continue down this road we have come to know more fully how to trust God and have more deeply felt His grace.

As I thought of today’s post and what I would write, I struggled to put the right words together. After two years the pain is still so fresh and deep that I felt as though I couldn't honor her enough by the words that I would write. I then came across a song that was written for Hannah by her Uncle Caleb. Although he couldn't be there that day, this song was mailed to us and arrived right before we were leaving for the cemetery. It not only captures that day, but rings so true in our hearts two years later. Thank you Caleb.

A touch of God came upon me
I held the hand of Grace
Here in my arms I see
A love that won’t be replaced

Heaven help me be strong
I give my faith to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

Faithful you got to hold her
And send her love for me
Tell her when I get older
Together again we’ll be

Heaven help me be strong
I give all my trust to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

When the July sun shines again
We will celebrate her day
Little Grace safe from pain
Blessed us in a beautiful way

Heaven help me be strong
I give this life to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

Giving Grace back to you
Giving Grace back to you



My dearest Hannah-

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and think of who you would be today. I miss feeling you move and wondering what you would look like. I miss dreaming of what you would become and what paths of life you would take. I often feel robbed of our short four months together. Yet, I know where you are. I know you are full of life running through the fields of Heaven, playing games and giggling while you roll in the grass. I think of all the people that are there with you and know that you are well taken care of.

I long for the day when I can gaze upon your beautiful face, kiss your piggies, chase you around the yard and rock you to sleep. I anticipate the joy that will be felt when you are reunited with daddy and introduced to your younger brother, Samuel. I understand that you are watching over us and am thankful that Samuel has such a special little guardian angel with him. Yet, I miss you so much.

I will never forget.
Love, Mommy

Happy...

This picture was taken a few weeks ago, but had to be shared. As many of you know, Samuel is just a happy baby. He is generally filled with smiles that can light up a room and turn any bad mood into a better one. A few weeks ago, I was upset at Samuel for doing something he was not supposed to be doing. I had told him "no" and redirected him to his cars. He got the big pouty lip and turned away appearing to be pretty sad. Just then, "If You Are Happy and You Know It" can on. He quickly turned around and started clapping with the biggest smile yet. I quickly grabbed the camera and this is the result. I am amazed at how quickly he can let go of any anger or sadness he has and turn into such a joyful, carefree state. I wish I still had that ability!

Too Hot

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Excessive heat warning in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday. Air stagnation advisory in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday.

Weather Summary: A lttle cooler today, but highs will still be a good 10 to 12 degrees warmer than average. Tuesday looks even cooler with highs in the 70s to low 80s and overnight lows in the 50s (finally some good sleeping weather). However, we start getting hot again by Wednesday... We won't see any real relief until Friday with a strong push of cooler marine air. Highs this weekend should only be in the mid 70s!


Ok...so it has been way too hot here. Yes, I know it is also hot in Michigan, but you have air conditioning! I know an amazing concept! Everyone here tells us this is way hotter than usual, but since it was like this a few weeks ago also, I am starting to wonder. Anyway, as I sit here, I am watching the indoor temperature along with the outdoor temperature rise. It is currently 76 outside and an amazing 80 inside. We have three fans going, but they just seem to be blowing hot air around. Any ideas?


We have been allowing Samuel to run around in his diaper pretty much everywhere. The other day we pulled out the hose then on Saturday hooked up a sprinkler for him. He was also invited over to the neighbors kiddie pool. He loved it, but seconds after drying off he was sweating again. The other day I took him down to Green Lake to play in the kiddie pool. He loved it. He was pretty amazed with all the big kids who were running and laying down. He tried both and ended up with a mouth full of water each time. It didn't seem to bother him at all though, he got up and tried again. Today we are going to the YMCA with friends. We can work out and let the kids play in the air conditioning. It may end up being a four or five hour workout if the temperature keeps climbing!

Bath Fun

The other night, Mike and I watched Roxy while her parents took a night out. Well, it was time for Samuel to take a bath and get ready for bed and Roxy wanted to join. What kid doesn't love bath time. So we figured what the heck, they are young enough. We threw them in together. They had a ball. Matia heard all the fun and she joined in. It was a riot. Samuel was trying to wash Roxy's hair and Roxy was trying to dump water over Samuel. At least we will have proof when Samuel complains later in life that we never let him do anything fun (around 13?) that we let him bathe with a girl when he was only a year old!

Talking Away

Samuel has a ton to say. When they come out as real words I am afraid we will all be in trouble!

Car

Samuel is learning new words each day. He loves cars right now and points them out everywhere. He will get so excited and start yelling "car" until someone recognizes him. Pretty cute!

Fun at the Mall

This morning, Samuel and I ventured out to the mall. We had a return to make at Gap Kids and needed some time away from the house. As most malls do, Alderwood has a children's play area. A few weeks ago, I took Samuel there for the first time. It is usually so packed, but this morning it was only mildly chaotic. Samuel takes off as soon as he gets set free, running from activity to activity until he can no longer go. There are three tunnels that he loves to crawl through. I generally chase him from one to the next. He then wants to climb up on anything short enough and try and slide down it. Luckily most of the toys are designed with slides so he is not jumping off the edge and crashing to the ground. Today he also found the mirror and talked and waved at himself for a few moments. Then it was off and at it again...

Fun With Water

Today was a pretty hot day around here and since we don't have air conditioning we have to be creative in finding ways to stay cool. We introduced Samuel to the hose today. He found it pretty cool! He loved being sprayed and tried despratly to grab the water as it was coming out of the hose. I think we may have to invest in a kiddie pool! Check out this video!

Just an Update...

Not much has been going on in the Clark family household, but I thought I would take a minute and fill people in on what has been going on with us over the past month.

Mike did take the teaching job at Skyview Junior High for next year. He will be working in a "learning center" with moderatly impaired students. He is worried about it being too much with school, but I am going to try and do some of his paperwork for him and hopefully lighten the load. We do feel very blessed that he does have a full time job that is close to home and is flexible with his classes. We will have to see how it goes. This summer, Mike is working at Bellveue Christian Schools doing maintenance work. The job is great with his class schedule. He basically goes when he can and leaves when he has too. Hopefully it will remain a possiblity for him over Christmas and Spring break and then again next summer.

This does allow me to continue to be home with Samuel which we all feel is so important. I have also decided to pursue the chance to become a doula and am well underway to certification. I have a lot of paperwork to do and connections to make with people in the community (midwives, birthing centers, etc.). I hope to complete at least one of my three volunteer births yet this year. Additionally, next year I have been asked to serve on the Mars Hill student leadership team. I will be representing a group that I have been part of this year called Mosaic. It is intended to provide a community for spouses of students. I am very excited about this opportunity. It also helps me feel a bit more connected with what Mike is going through and how I can be supportive of him during the next two years.

Samuel is as amazing as ever. He seems to be coming up with something new each day. He is trying to communicate a lot more now. He makes all different sounds up that to him sound like words, but to us sound like babble. He does say "mama" "dada" and "bye" very clearly. He is working on both dog, cat and car, but so far only distinguished by mom and dad. He also has increased his sign language. He has added "all done" "thank-you" and occasionally "ball." He is completly walking now, even running at times. The climbing has also started so we have to be very careful of where we leave things. I am waiting for the day I come out of the bathroom and he is standing on the kitchen counter!

When we were back in Michigan we decided it was time to put our house back up on the market. It is in it's third week and has had some decent interest, but no offers yet. We really hope the market is good to us and we are able to sell quickly and painlessly. Please keep us in your prayers as selling the house would be a huge emotional and financial relief to us.

I think that's it for now. I am sure there is more, but it will have to wait. Time to play!
Jenn

Birthday Gifts

Samuel has been having a ton of fun exploring and playing with all his new birthday presents. It is amazing to watch him as he discovers things for the first time. He is truly amazed at how things work and at the fact that he can make them work. It is so fun to watch him as he is going through this "absorbing the world" phase.

He is also becoming more aware of the things around him. When we change something (the set up of our room) he looks around and seems confused for awhile. Everytime we go out now, he is pointing to things and looking to us to explain what they are. This is especially true if we are anywhere with fans (which is pretty much everywhere this time of year). Whenever we get him up from a nap of in the morning he points at his shelf and signs please to us. When we take him over he usually grabs a toy (often the stuffed monkey) and is so excited when he gets to take it.

Samuel has also started the wonderful "scream when I am frustrated" or "scream when you aren't doing what I want" stage! Oh the joys of parenthood! Since neither of us handle whiney children well (me more so) we are trying so hard to teach him what to say or do instead. This often leaves both of us frustrated, but he is seeming to understand. Don't get me wrong, he still screams. We are also trying to ignore it if it continues or he is just angry. I think we will invest in earplugs! Hopefully this stage will pass soon!

No More Parties

Well, it's official...we are finished celebrating Samuel's birthday! Yesterday we had his last birthday party here in Seattle. We rented the small pavilion at Martha Lake Park and had about 20 people come and celebrate with us. Good times! Samuel still didn't enjoy the cake. I have to say he did last much longer yesterday than any of his previous attempts, but as soon as it got messy he wanted out. Oh well, I guess he doesn't have mommy's sweet tooth (yet)! Everyone here is aware that Samuel loves Elmo! He recieved multiple Elmo themed gifts, all of which he was delighted with. He also recieved his first basketball hoop thanks to his friend Jocie! We put it together shortly after we got home and he had it figured out pretty quickly. I will post a video on the website later this week. Apparently the party tuckered him out, he was asleep for the night by 6:15! It's hard being one!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Wow! We can hardly believe it has already been a full year. Today Samuel officially turns 1!

He decided to sleep in a bit on his birthday and woke up to mommy and daddy singing Happy Birthday! We decided to take him out for breakfast at the Sugar Shack. He ate a pancake, some eggs and a little bit of hashbrowns. We then went to Target to find him a pair of tennis shoes he can wear when playing outside. We also looked at lots of Elmo toys and some Duplo Quatro blocks. After his party this weekend he can go and pick out some extra toys! After Target Samuel decided it was time for a nap and is currently sound asleep upstairs. Once he wakes up the fun can continue!

As for stats, we will have to weigh and measure Samuel when he wakes up. We will let everyone know where he weighs in at!
Samuel completes his first year with a ton of milestones. He is walking like a pro now, even running at times! He has eight teeth and knows how to use them well. He eats pretty much anything he wants now. He has refused baby food for a week or so now, I guess he doesn't want to be referred to as a baby anymore. He does love pasta and cheese, but is venturing out and willing to try more foods now. His sign language has started to really grow. Currently he knows more, please, eat, and milk. He is so cute to watch when he really wants something. He will go through his repertoire of signs until he figures out the right one and you give him what he wants! He has also picked up on the beauty of cell phones and will hold multiple toys up to his ear and walk around the house pretending to talk to someone! Very cute! I am sure there are many more I am forgetting to share, he is an amazing little boy.

Well, I better get back to the birthday boy! Celebrate with us today...eat some cake (at least I am giving you an excuse)!

We're Back!

What a busy couple of weeks! As many of you know we spent nearly the entire month of June in Michigan. We had a great time celebrating Erin and Scott's wedding and Samuel's first birthday. We were able to catch up with friends and spend time with family.

Samuel and I left on the 6th for Lansing. Thursday morning we headed up to Mackinaw Island for Erin and Scott's wedding. The wedding was beautiful. Samuel loved the horses (even though he couldn't touch them) and I loved the wonderful Michigan sunshine! We took a horse and carriage ride (way to long), walked a ton and played with Samuel's cousins, Morgan and Addison. We were in Mackinaw until Sunday afternoon then headed back to Lansing.

Monday through Thursday we spent in Coldwater with my family. We took a day trip up to Grand Rapids to have Samuel's first year pictures and Michael's (Jenn's brother) senior pictures taken. They all came out wonderfully thanks to Heather! The rest of the week we spent lazily around the pool and shopping for wedding things! Mike flew in late Thursday night after finishing up his school year (teaching).

Friday morning, Samuel and I headed up to Lansing to see daddy! Samuel gets so excited when daddy is around. He missed him tons and was very happy to see him. Friday night we celebrated Erin and Scotts marriage at the Sheraton in Lansing. Samuel loved dancing and spent most of the dinner hour entertaining people with his cuteness. After dinner, we were able to take Samuel back to Gram's (Mike's mom) and Mike and I were able to go back to enjoy the party!

Saturday started the madness of celebrating. We started with a Bridal shower for my sister, Angie, who is getting married in October. We then had Samuel's birthday with my family. Samuel loved the pool and the food, but hated his birthday cake. Lot of crying until his hands were cleaned off and he could go play! Sunday we celebrated his birthday in Lansing with Mike's family and some of our Grand Rapids friends. Ditto on the cake!

On Tuesday, we took a trip up to Grand Rapids to meet with our new realtor. Our house is back on the market and will hopefully sell this time. Please keep us in your prayers! Tuesday evening we were able to catch up with our old small group. The kids had a great time playing at millennium park and it was so nice and relaxing to sit and share with friends!

Mike flew back Thursday morning and I spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday at a doula training. I am really excited about the possiblibies and am trying to get things aligned here so I can start attending some births. I will keep everyone updated as things start to happen.

I know a whirlwind huh?! We are glad to be back into the routine and predictably of life again. We are finally adjusted back to a normal sleep routine and are enjoying the beautiful weather we brought back to Seattle with us. We definitely miss everyone back home and can't wait to do it all over again in October!

Books

Samuel has been very into books lately. He loves sitting and looking at them and will even sit and let you read to him for several minutes. He does have his favorites: So Big (Elmo), Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Touch and Feel Farm. I guess having two teachers for parents has something to do with it.

Cute Pictures

I know it has been awhile since a post and I honestly don't have a very good excuse.

Samuel and I are packing our bags to head to Michigan on Wednesday. We will be there until the 26th. We will have lots to do and lots of people to visit and are really looking forward to the great weather! Mike will be joining us on the 16th. He has to finish out school and didn't want to miss too many classes.

While we are in Michigan we will be celebrating Samuel's 1st birthday. It is crazy to think that he is already a year old. Before I know it we will be sending off to Kindergarten! These are a few pictures either Craig or I took of him the other day. Just playing around and having fun with the camera!

See you soon!

Girls Night

Tonight I am going on my first real "girls night" since Samuel has been born. We are going to a hotel downtown for the evening and are going to enjoy happy hour, dinner, and great girl bonding! I will also get a full nights sleep (also a first)!

Although I am very excited about going, there is fear and sadness in the event. It will be the first night that I spend away from Samuel. The first night that daddy is fully in charge! A realization that Samuel doesn't need me all the time. I wonder how many times I will wake up thinking I hear him moving and crying. I am sure we will all survive.